Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a fun and crispy treat that’s super easy to make! Just coat bite-sized chicken pieces in your favorite seasonings and pop them in the air fryer for a delightful crunch.
Who doesn’t love popcorn chicken? I can’t resist snacking on these little nuggets while watching a movie! 🍿 Pair them with your favorite dip, and you’re all set for a cozy night in!
I enjoy how quick it is to whip up this snack. It feels like a guilty pleasure without the guilt—crispy, tasty, and way less oil than deep frying. Perfect for me, any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. If you’re looking for a meatless option, try using firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have it, mix one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. It works just as well!
Flour and Cornmeal: The combination gives a crispy texture. You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option. For the cornmeal, polenta can work in a pinch too, giving a similar crunch.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add flavor. Feel free to adjust these or add your favorites like cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for a twist!
How Do I Get the Coating to Stick and Stay Crispy?
Coating the chicken properly is key to achieving that crunchy texture. First, ensure the chicken is well-coated in the buttermilk mixture, which helps the dry mix to stick. Here’s my tip:
- Let excess buttermilk drip off before dredging the chicken in the flour/cornmeal mix.
- Gently press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere better.
- A light spray of oil before air frying adds to the crispiness!
Don’t skip shaking off excess flour; this helps prevent clumping and ensures an even coating. Shaking halfway through cooking allows for even browning, too!
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Cooking spray or olive oil
For Serving:
- Dipping sauces (such as ranch, barbecue, and hot sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken (up to 2 hours if you have time). The cooking time in the air fryer will be about 10-12 minutes. All in all, you can expect to have delicious popcorn chicken ready in 1 to 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by getting a large mixing bowl. Combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well! Now, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces into this mixture, making sure they’re all well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes; this will make the chicken super tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Coating:
While the chicken is marinating, grab another bowl and mix together the flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Stir until everything is combined nicely. This will be the crunchy coating for your chicken!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is important because it helps the chicken cook evenly and get that lovely golden color.
4. Coat the Chicken:
After the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator. Let any excess buttermilk drip off. Then take each piece and dredge it in your flour and cornmeal mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. Shake off any extra coating before moving on!
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them! Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil for that perfect crunch. Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking!
6. Repeat and Serve:
If you have more chicken pieces left, repeat the coating and air frying process. Once all the chicken is cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), it’s time to serve! Grab your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or hot sauce, and enjoy your delicious homemade popcorn chicken hot and crispy!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use chicken thighs or even tenders if you prefer. Just ensure that any chicken pieces are boneless and skinless for the best results. Adjust the cooking time slightly if your pieces are thicker to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, plain yogurt thinned with a little water works well too!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
How Do I Store Leftover Popcorn Chicken?
Store any leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
