Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

It’s so easy to make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken. Who can resist bite sized pieces of chicken with a crispy breading on the outside and tender, juicy chicken on the inside?

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Email *

Save This Recipe

Break out all the dipping sauces because I have the best air fryer chicken recipe for you. Crispy-coated, juicy homemade air fryer pop corn chicken will be a hit with your family when you make it. And the best news? You can make it in your air fryer so it’s lighter and healthier.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is a homemade popcorn chicken recipe. I’m showing you how to make it completely from scratch, and I promise it’s easy.
• No double-breading! My breading method is easy, and you still get that crispy-coated layer that’s so delicious.
• This is a quick recipe, and you can have everything ready to serve in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

• Chicken breasts – Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-size pieces. You can also use chicken thighs or a mix of the two.
• Flour – This is used to adhere the seasoning to the popcorn chicken and give that crispy layer. For a gluten free version, substitute corn starch.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper give the crispy coating the best flavor. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne powder.
• Cornstarch – This is used as part of the coating and makes the coating extra crispy, so don’t skip it!
• Buttermilk – This is easy to buy or make your own buttermilk.
• Large eggs – This recipe uses large eggs, any other size may not have the same results.
• Olive oil – You only need a small amount to coat the air fryer basket. An oil spray is a good idea here.

How To Air Fry Homemade Popcorn Chicken

Place prepared chicken in a large bowl with buttermilk. Toss to coat evenly.
Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and ground black pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and measure cornstarch into another small bowl.

Place the bowls in this order on the counter: cornstarch, eggs, seasoned flour.

Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk and shake off excess.

Coat each piece in cornstarch and then dip in the egg. Add to flour mixture, repeat for all pieces of chicken.

Place the coated pieces in the prepared basket in a single layer and cook in preheated air fryer for five to ten minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Popcorn chicken is done when a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

I know you are going to LOVE this easy recipe! It’s easy enough for a weeknight so be sure to add the ingredients to your shopping list so you can make it this week.

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

 

5 from 17 votes

Air Fry Popcorn Chicken

Crispy popcorn chicken that is tender and juicy on the inside and prepared in your Air Fryer!

Prep:10 minutes mins

Cook:10 minutes mins

Total:20 minutes mins

Print Recipe Rate Recipe

• Pin

Save RecipeSaved!

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!

Email *

Save This Recipe

4

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Small whisk

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 pound chicken breast boneless skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces
• ▢ ½ cup flour
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• ▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon pepper
• ▢ ¼ cup buttermilk
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ Olive oil to coat fryer basket
• ▢ Favorite dipping sauces optional

Instructions

• In a medium size bowl, combine chicken and buttermilk. Toss to combine and set aside.
• In another medium sized bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, ground black pepper and flour.
• In a small bowl, whisk eggs.
• In another small bowl add the cornstarch.
• Remove the chicken from buttermilk and shake off any excess.
• Roll chicken in cornstarch and then into egg wash and finally add chicken to flour mixture and coat well, shake off excess.
• Lightly coat air fryer basket with olive oil. Set air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and add chicken to basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 5-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking time. The chicken will be done when it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 301kcal (15%), Carbohydrates: 29g (10%), Protein: 31g (62%), Fat: 6g (9%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 156mg (52%), Sodium: 762mg (33%), Potassium: 534mg (15%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 1g (1%), Vitamin A: 320IU (6%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 45mg (5%), Iron: 2mg (11%)

© Julie's Eats & Treats ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.

How to Serve Popcorn Chicken

My kids LOVE popcorn chicken as a quick snack or for dinner with sweet potato fries and ranch on the side for dipping. They’re also great for parties or game-days. Add a healthy veggie on the side like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. Salads like potato salad or seven-layer salad are always a crowd favorite..

Homemade breadsticks are always good when you’re feeding a crowd, too. And don’t forget a sweet treat for dessert, like my chocolate caramel brownies or some oatmeal cookies!

More Great Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

• You can make the best Fried Chicken in your air fryer that is just as crispy and juicy as deep-frying or takeout but so much healthier with less oil.
• My Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan is just as flavorful and crispy as any restaurant but so much better without all the fat and oil.
• Boneless, Skinless Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are seasoned with a delicious spice rub and easy to make. Sit down to eat them tonight or use them as part of your weekly meal prep.
• You can make some amazing Chicken Fajitas in the air fryer. In only 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table with seasoned chicken and fresh veggies.