Easy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Homemade Crispy Bites for the Whole Family
Indulge in the irresistible crunch of homemade popcorn chicken, perfectly cooked in your air fryer! This recipe delivers a family-favorite snack, lunch, or dinner that’s incredibly easy to prepare and guarantees a crispy, juicy bite every time. Forget the hassle of deep frying or heating up your kitchen with the oven; the air fryer makes this classic comfort food healthier and more convenient. Whether you’re whipping up a quick after-school treat for the kids, planning an easy appetizer for a gathering, or simply craving a delicious meal, this Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is your ultimate go-to. Plus, we’ve included simple instructions for cooking frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer, along with options to make this recipe gluten-free or paleo, ensuring everyone can enjoy these delightful morsels.
The return to school often means busier schedules and a greater need for quick, satisfying meals that both kids and adults will love. Our Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe is the perfect solution, offering a delicious and wholesome alternative to store-bought options. These bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated to perfection, double-dredged for an extra crispy coating, and then air-fried until golden brown and tender. It’s an ideal choice for a casual weeknight dinner, a fun sleepover snack, or an effortless appetizer that will disappear in minutes!
Even if you’re short on time, you can still enjoy crispy popcorn chicken. We’ve included clear, simple instructions for cooking frozen popcorn chicken directly in your air fryer, so you can achieve excellent results with minimal effort. Look for these convenient directions within the main recipe box below!
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Popcorn Chicken
Crafting the perfect homemade popcorn chicken begins with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that sought-after flavor and texture. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Buttermilk: The star of our marinade, buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a subtle tangy flavor, making it incredibly juicy.
- Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances all the other flavors in the chicken and coating.
- Pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and mild spice to both the marinade and the flour mixture.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a savory depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for cutting into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the crispy breading. We’ll also discuss gluten-free and paleo alternatives.
- Paprika: Contributes a sweet, peppery note and a lovely golden hue to the coating.
- Olive Oil: A light mist of olive oil is essential for achieving that deep golden crispness in the air fryer without excessive fat.
Step-by-Step Guide: Making Homemade Popcorn Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy and flavorful homemade popcorn chicken in your air fryer:
- Prepare the Buttermilk Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, a portion of the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add your cut chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavors. For maximum flavor and juiciness, you can even refrigerate it for up to 8 hours.
- Create the Flour Mixture: In a separate shallow dish or large Ziploc bag, combine the all-purpose flour (or your chosen alternative), the remaining salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- First Dip and Dredge: Using a fork, pick up one piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Transfer the chicken piece into the flour mixture, tossing gently to coat it completely. Lightly press the flour onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- The Crucial Double-Dredge for Extra Crispiness: For that irresistible extra crispy, crunchy coating, we recommend a double-dredge. Dip the flour-coated chicken piece back into the buttermilk marinade (the other chicken pieces can remain in the marinade). Allow the excess marinade to drip off again, then transfer it back to the flour mixture for a second coating. This double layer is key to achieving a robust, super-crispy crust. At this point, you can refrigerate the breaded chicken pieces for up to 8 hours if you’re prepping ahead.
- Load the Air Fryer Basket: Once your chicken pieces are breaded, arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket. Leave sufficient space between each piece to allow hot air to circulate freely around them. This ensures even cooking and optimal crispiness for every bite. Lightly mist the chicken with olive oil from a mister.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Cook the chicken at the recommended temperature (refer to recipe card for exact details). After the first half of the cooking time, carefully flip each piece of chicken using tongs. Mist the other side with a little more olive oil, and continue cooking for the remaining time until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden brown.
- Serve Immediately: As soon as the popcorn chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. The best crispiness is enjoyed fresh!
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken:
- Avoid Overcrowding: This cannot be stressed enough! Crowding the air fryer basket steams the chicken instead of frying it, resulting in soggy breading. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Drain Excess Marinade: Ensure chicken pieces are not dripping wet when transferred to the flour mixture. Too much moisture will prevent the flour from sticking properly and create a less crispy crust.
- Mist with Oil: A light spray of olive oil (or other high-heat oil) on the breaded chicken before and halfway through cooking helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and ultimate crispness.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut your chicken breast into roughly 1-inch chunks for consistent cooking times and a true “popcorn” size.
Irresistible Dipping Sauces for Your Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken, with its crispy exterior and tender interior, is truly elevated by a delicious dipping sauce. While classic ketchup and ranch are always popular, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here is a fantastic list of 15 different Dipping Sauces that are easy to whip up. From tangy honey mustard to spicy sriracha mayo or a sweet and savory BBQ glaze, you’re sure to find a new favorite. Just remember, no double-dipping in the communal sauce, please! 😉
Why the Air Fryer is Your Best Friend for Popcorn Chicken
The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, and it’s particularly stellar for making crispy foods like popcorn chicken. Here’s why it’s the superior choice:
- Healthier Frying: It uses significantly less oil than traditional deep frying, allowing you to enjoy that wonderfully fried texture and crunch with a fraction of the fat. This means you don’t have to sacrifice taste or satisfaction for a healthier meal.
- Unmatched Crispiness: The powerful convection fan in an air fryer circulates super-heated air around the food, creating an incredibly crispy exterior that rivals deep-fried versions. Say goodbye to soggy chicken!
- Energy Efficiency: Air fryers generally consume less energy than a large conventional oven. They preheat faster and cook in less time, making them a more energy-efficient appliance, especially for smaller batches of food.
- No Kitchen Heat-Up: Unlike an oven or deep fryer, which can significantly raise the temperature of your kitchen, the air fryer keeps the heat contained, making it a comfortable cooking method, especially during warmer months.
- Faster Cooking: Due to its compact size and efficient heat circulation, the air fryer cooks food more quickly than conventional ovens, getting dinner on the table in record time.
- Easy Cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze compared to the messy process of deep frying.
No Air Fryer? No Problem! Alternative Cooking Methods
While the air fryer is fantastic for this recipe, you can still enjoy delicious popcorn chicken even if you don’t own one. Here are alternative cooking methods:
- Deep Frying: For the most traditional and indulgent version, deep fry your breaded chicken. Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
- Oven Baking (A Healthier Baked Option): For a healthier, non-fried alternative, you can bake the popcorn chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t touch. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides get crispy and golden.
Do I Have to Use Chicken Breasts?
While you certainly have options, we highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this popcorn chicken recipe. Here’s why:
- Ease of Preparation: Chicken breasts are incredibly easy to cut into uniform, bite-sized chunks, which is essential for consistent cooking in the air fryer.
- Consistent Texture: They cook up tender and juicy, providing the perfect contrast to the crispy breading.
- Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making this a healthier dish overall.
While chicken thighs could theoretically be used, they have a higher fat content and different texture, which might require adjustments to cooking time and could result in a less uniform “popcorn” experience. For best results and consistent quality, stick with chicken breasts.
Can I Cook Frozen Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic tool for quickly preparing store-bought frozen popcorn chicken. When you’re in a rush and need a convenient meal or snack, your freezer stash combined with the air fryer can be a real time-saver. You’ll find specific instructions for cooking frozen popcorn chicken in the recipe card below.
However, if you have a little extra time and want to elevate your meal, we strongly encourage you to try the homemade version. The difference in freshness, flavor, and customizable crispiness is truly remarkable, and we’re confident your family will agree that the extra effort is well worth it.
No Buttermilk? No Problem! Easy Homemade Substitute
Don’t have buttermilk on hand? There’s no need to make a special trip to the store. You can easily make a homemade buttermilk substitute with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. This trick works wonderfully for tenderizing chicken and adding a tangy depth of flavor:
To make a quick dairy-free or regular buttermilk substitute:
- Add 2 tablespoons of an acidic agent (lemon juice, regular white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar) to a 2-cup liquid measuring cup.
- Fill the measuring cup the rest of the way up to the 2-cup line with your preferred milk. This works with dairy milk or many dairy-free alternatives.
- Dairy-Free Options: Almond milk or cashew milk work perfectly for a dairy-free buttermilk. I generally don’t recommend coconut milk for this recipe, as its thicker consistency and stronger flavor can sometimes overpower the delicate chicken.
- Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. During this time, the acid will curdle the milk, creating a tangy, slightly thickened buttermilk substitute. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look fully curdled; it will still perform its function in the marinade.
And just like that, you have homemade buttermilk ready for your recipe!
Do I Have to Double-Dredge the Chicken in Flour?
The decision to double-dredge your chicken is all about controlling the final texture of your popcorn chicken. It’s not strictly essential, but it significantly impacts the outcome.
- For Lighter Breading: If you prefer a thinner, lighter coating, a single dredge is perfectly fine. The chicken will still be crispy, but with a less pronounced crust. Simply dip each chicken piece once in the marinade, let excess drip, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- For Maximum Crispiness: I personally love a thicker breading that delivers an extra crispy, satisfying crunch with every bite. This is precisely why I always opt for the double-dredge method. The extra layer of breading creates a more substantial crust that browns beautifully and holds its crispness longer.
If you decide to single-dredge, you might only need about half the amount of the flour mixture specified in the recipe, as you’ll be using less coating per piece.
Storing Leftover Popcorn Chicken
While air fryer popcorn chicken is undeniably best enjoyed immediately, sometimes you might have leftovers. Here’s how to store them properly to maintain quality:
- Refrigeration: Once cooled completely, store any leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This prevents them from drying out and absorbing odors.
- Freezing: For longer storage, cooled popcorn chicken can be frozen. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Freezing them individually first prevents them from sticking together.
How to Reheat Leftover Popcorn Chicken
The best way to bring leftover popcorn chicken back to life and restore its crispiness is, you guessed it, in the air fryer! This method ensures they become delightfully crunchy again without drying out.
To reheat:
- Place the chilled or frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Again, avoid overcrowding.
- Set your air fryer to a lower temperature, around 300°F (150°C), to prevent burning the exterior before the inside heats through.
- Reheat for 5-8 minutes for refrigerated chicken, or 10-15 minutes for frozen chicken, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook until heated through and crispy.
- Enjoy your perfectly reheated, crunchy popcorn chicken in just minutes!
What Kind of Flour Can I Use? Dietary Options!
This recipe is highly adaptable when it comes to flour choices, allowing you to cater to various dietary needs without compromising on taste or texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: My go-to for fantastic results, producing a classic crispy breading that everyone loves.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free option, a good quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute works wonderfully. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour are designed to be swapped directly into recipes like this and will yield a similarly crisp and delicious coating.
- Paleo Version: For those following a paleo diet, cassava flour is an excellent choice. It creates a beautifully crispy and tender coating that I almost exclusively use for this popcorn chicken myself. While I’ve had great success with Otto’s Cassava Flour, other brands should also perform well. When using cassava flour, remember that it absorbs more liquid than traditional flours, so you might need slight adjustments to ensure the coating isn’t too thick.
Delicious Pairings: What to Serve with Popcorn Chicken
Popcorn chicken isn’t just a snack; it can easily be the star of a hearty main meal when paired with the right sides. Here are some fantastic ideas to round out your plate:
- Fresh and Flavorful Salads:
- This Panzanella Salad offers a refreshing contrast with its hearty bread, crisp greens, and vibrant vegetables, all brought together by a fabulous vinaigrette.
- For a unique and nutritious option, try this Sweet Potato Goat Cheese Salad. The sweetness of the potatoes and the tang of goat cheese create a delightful flavor profile.
- Comforting Soups & Sides:
- A creamy and hearty summer Corn Chowder, packed with tender potatoes, sweet fresh corn, and savory bacon bits, makes for a wonderfully comforting meal alongside your chicken.
- For a healthier spin on classic fries, these Air Fryer Carrot Fries are vibrant and delicious. You can even make them ahead and reheat in minutes for convenience.
- Craving something classic? These savory Air Fryer Garlic Fries are perfect. Keep them warm and serve alongside for a satisfying combo.
- For a family dinner, pair the popcorn chicken with this healthier and super creamy Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese. It’s a clever way to sneak in extra nutrition, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
- Indulge in creamy, lump-free Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes. With helpful tips and tricks, you’ll achieve perfect mashed potatoes every time.
- Appetizer Companions:
- If serving popcorn chicken as part of an appetizer spread, consider this easy and elegant Mozzarella Bruschetta or these simple yet delightful Goat Cheese Balls.
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed this air fryer popcorn chicken and are looking for more exciting chicken recipes to add to your rotation, here are some fantastic suggestions:
- Air Fryer Favorites:
- Try this flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken for a smoky and sweet meal.
- For an Asian-inspired twist, this Air Fryer Sesame Chicken delivers rich, savory flavors.
- Wholesome & Easy:
- These Paleo Chicken Meatballs are both easy to make and incredibly delicious, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
- When feeding a crowd, this one-pot Healthy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a convenient and satisfying option.
- Hearty & Flavorful Roasts:
- If you have more time to savor the cooking process, this aromatic 40 Clove Garlic Chicken and Potatoes is a truly special meal.
- For a simple yet satisfying family favorite, this Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort.
- And if you’re looking to utilize your smoker, this Smoked Chicken Quarters recipe offers an incredible depth of flavor.
We hope you love this easy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe as much as we do! If you give it a try, please take a moment to leave a comment below and share your experience. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Thanks 🙂
Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) buttermilk (see notes below for dairy-free option)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 pound (453 grams) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1″ chunks
- 1 1/4 cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour or for gluten-free, use 1 1/4 cups (173 grams) Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Flour or 1 1/4 cups (160 grams) Otto’s Cassava Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil in a mister
Instructions
To make homemade:
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In a bowl large enough for the milk and chicken, stir together the buttermilk, salt, pepper and garlic until combined.
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Add the chicken and let sit for 30 minutes. It can also be refrigerated up to 8 hours.
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In a separate shallow bowl, stir together the remaining dry ingredients (flour, granulated garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper).
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Using a fork, pick up a piece of chicken from the marinade, letting it drip off any excess. Place it into the flour mixture and coat thoroughly.
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For an extra crispy coating, dip that same flour-coated chicken piece back into the marinade (you can use your fork to ensure it’s fully coated again, and a spoon to help lift it if needed without losing it among other pieces).
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Drip off excess marinade for a second time, then coat it again in the flour mixture, ensuring a thick, even breading.
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Place the breaded chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. This is crucial for crispiness.
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Once the basket is adequately filled (without overcrowding), lightly spray the chicken pieces with olive oil from a mister.
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Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes. Flip each piece over, spray again with olive oil, and continue to cook for another 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
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Allow any leftovers to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To make frozen:
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Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Place the frozen popcorn chicken pieces in a single, even layer in the basket of the air fryer, ensuring they do not overcrowd.
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Cook for 4 minutes, then shake the basket to redistribute the chicken pieces. Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, or until the popcorn chicken is heated through and lightly browned and crispy to your liking.
Notes
- Homemade Buttermilk Substitute: To create dairy-free buttermilk, combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, regular white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar in a 2-cup measuring cup. Fill the remainder of the cup with your milk of choice (dairy or dairy-free alternative like almond or cashew milk). Avoid coconut milk due to its thickness and strong flavor. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes. The milk may or may not visibly curdle, but it will still function perfectly in the recipe.
- Paleo-Friendly Option: For a paleo version of this popcorn chicken, simply use cassava flour for the breading and the dairy-free buttermilk substitute described above. This combination yields a delicious and compliant meal.