Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
15 mins
-
Cook Time
18 mins
-
Additional Time
1 hr
-
Total Time
1 hr 33 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
492 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Appetizer
-
Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Description
This recipe uses bite-sized chicken breast pieces soaked in buttermilk to tenderize, then dredged through seasoned flour-cornstarch, egg, and panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating. Cooking in an air fryer at 400°F crisps the chicken quickly while maintaining juiciness inside. Allowing the coated chicken to rest before cooking helps the breading adhere properly.
Cooking the chicken in batches is important to avoid overcrowding, which can reduce crispiness. The instructions include flipping midway for even browning. This method mimics fried chicken texture with less oil.
Leftovers store refrigerated for up to four days and can be reheated either in the air fryer to restore crispness or briefly in the microwave. The popcorn chicken also freezes well for up to four months and cooks from frozen in the air fryer for convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 2 egg
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk in a medium sized bowl and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
- After the marinating time is complete, set up a dredging station: begin by whisking the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with a tablespoon of water. Finally add the breadcrumbs to a third shallow bowl.
- Dredge the chicken pieces first in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing until well coated.
- Place the chicken onto a wire baking rack set over a large sheet pan. Let the chicken sit for 15 minutes so that the breading sticks well.
- Spray the basket of your air fryer with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange half of the chicken pieces in the basket without over-crowding.
- Cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Flip the pieces over and cook again for 4 more minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer, then repeat the process with the remaining chicken. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Arrange chicken pieces in the air fryer basket with space between to allow even crisping; cook in batches if needed.
- Preheat the air fryer to reach the correct temperature before cooking for consistent results.
- Start checking for doneness early to prevent overcooking, as air fryer temperatures may vary.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or briefly in the microwave.
- Freeze cooked popcorn chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 4 months; cook from frozen in the air fryer for 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 492 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 492kcal | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 161mg | 54% |
| Sodium | 1029mg | 43% |
| Potassium | 630mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 255IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 149mg | 15% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
