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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

This easy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe is kid-friendly, lighter and healthier than your typical fast-food version!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 283 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs*
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
  • 1 pound boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • Ketchup, Low Fat Ranch Dressing, BBQ Sauce, Honey Mustard, Marinara (Optional, for dipping)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add oil to a medium skillet over medium low heat. Add the panko and ½ teaspoon salt.
  2. Place flour and ¼ teaspoon salt on a large plate.
  3. Toast panko for about 4 minutes or until just golden, stirring every 30 seconds to evenly brown.  Transfer crumbs to a plate.
  4. Place egg in a bowl, add 1 teaspoon water and beat until uniform.
  5. Cut chicken into ¾-inch cubes (about the size of a small dice), season with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste, then set up your dredging station. You should have about 60 cubes.
  6. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and cayenne (if using) and black pepper, to taste, to the toasted panko and place the plate on the other side of the egg bowl.
  7. Working with about 15 pieces at a time, dredge in flour, lightly coating all sides.
  8. Then, egg, allowing excess to drip off (I like to use tongs and wipe the excess off on the side of the bowl).  Next add the pieces to the panko mixture and coat all sides evenly, pressing crumbs to make sure they adhere evenly. Repeat with remaining pieces.
  9. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the basket with olive oil.
  10. Add about 30 pieces to the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece so they get crispy. Spray the top with oil.
  11. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time.  Serve immediately.

Notes

  • *1/4 cup breadcrumbs get thrown out
  • For best results, freeze Popcorn Chicken UNCOOKED.
  • Place chicken pieces in an even layer (not stacked top of each other) in a freezer safe container lined with parchment, adding a new piece of parchment to each layer.
  • When ready to cook, heat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the basket with oil then add 30 pieces, in an even layer.  Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time.

Nutrition Information

Serving 15 pieces Calories 283kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 30g (60%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 1.5g (8%) Cholesterol 129mg (43%) Sodium 385mg (16%) Fiber 1.5g (6%) Sugar 2g (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 283

% Daily Value*

Serving 15 pieces
Calories 283kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 21g 7%
Protein 30g 60%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 1.5g 8%
Cholesterol 129mg 43%
Sodium 385mg 16%
Fiber 1.5g 6%
Sugar 2g 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.