Name: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 eggs; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with this incredibly easy and delicious Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe! If you’re craving that perfect blend of crispy exterior and juicy interior, but don’t want to deal with the mess and hassle of deep frying, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it’s absolutely irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Perfection: The air fryer works its magic, giving you that coveted crunch without all the oil.
Time-Saver: From prep to plate in just over an hour, with most of that being hands-off marination time.
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist these bite-sized morsels.
Healthier Alternative: All the taste of fried chicken, with a fraction of the oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum crispiness.
Buttermilk: Your secret weapon for tender, flavorful chicken.
Flour and Cornstarch: The dynamic duo that creates a perfectly crispy coating.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper are just the beginning – feel free to get creative!
Eggs: The glue that holds it all together.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that extra crunch that makes popcorn chicken irresistible.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try these tasty twists:

Spice it up with cayenne or your favorite hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade.
Go Italian with some grated Parmesan and dried herbs in the breadcrumb mixture.
Try a sweet and spicy version by adding a touch of honey to the marinade and some chili powder to the flour mix.

How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken a flavor bath in buttermilk. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with tangy goodness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Station

Set up your dredging station like a pro. Flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs – each in its own shallow bowl for easy access.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Time to get your hands dirty! Dip each piece of chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. It’s like giving each morsel a crunchy little jacket.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Patience is key! Let the coated chicken pieces hang out on a wire rack for 15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better, ensuring maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook in batches at 400°F, flipping halfway through. In just 9 minutes, you’ll have golden-brown nuggets of deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give those chicken pieces room to breathe and crisp up.
Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking. It’s like stretching before a workout – it just works better.
Keep an eye on the cooking time. All air fryers are a bit different, so start checking a little early to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

These crispy bites are perfect for dipping! Serve with:

Classic ketchup or BBQ sauce
Honey mustard for a sweet and tangy kick
Ranch dressing for a cool, creamy contrast
Sweet chili sauce for a spicy-sweet twist

Pair with some crispy air fryer fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make a great quick lunch or snack!

Freezing

Freeze these little gems for up to 4 months. It’s like having a stash of homemade frozen chicken nuggets, but so much better.

Reheating

For that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes. No air fryer? No problem! A quick zap in the microwave will do in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Absolutely! Thighs will give you an even juicier result. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as dark meat can take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! Make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and voilà – homemade buttermilk!

Can I make these gluten-free?
You bet! Swap out the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The result will be just as delicious.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into a piece – it should be white all the way through with no pink.

This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or fun weekend snacking. It’s so easy, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. The crispy exterior and juicy interior will have everyone coming back for more. So fire up that air fryer and get ready to enjoy a healthier, homemade version of this classic favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at frozen chicken nuggets the same way again!