Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
This recipe creates perfectly crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces using an air fryer, offering a healthier and quicker alternative to deep frying without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better.
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and milk until combined.
- In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or sweet chili. For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. You can also experiment with different breading, like panko for an extra crunchy texture, or finely crushed cornflakes for a unique flavor. Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.