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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken – Family-Friendly Delight

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Enjoy guilt-free Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, a crowd-pleasing snack that's crispy and protein-packed, perfect for family fun!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Coating
  • 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Can substitute with boneless skinless thighs for a juicier option.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust according to personal preference.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper Can be omitted for milder flavor.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Onion powder can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 tsp Paprika Substitute with smoked paprika or omit for less spice.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Milk with vinegar or yogurt can be used for a DIY version.
  • 1 large Egg Omit for a vegan version or use flax egg.
  • 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs are acceptable but will be less crunchy.
  • as needed Olive Oil Spray Can replace with avocado oil or a neutral nonstick spray.

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
  1. Prepare Chicken: Cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and ground black pepper.
  2. Breading Station Setup: Set up three shallow dishes for coating. Mix flour, garlic powder, and paprika in the first dish. Combine buttermilk and beaten egg in the second. Place panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
  3. Dredge Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Cook Chicken: Arrange breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with olive oil and cook for 5 minutes; flip and spray again, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Serve: Remove cooked chicken from the basket and let cool for a moment. Serve immediately with dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For an even better coating, chill chicken breasts for 15 minutes before cutting. Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to minimize mess.

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