Best Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

AIR FRYER POPCORN CHICKEN



Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken image

These crispy chicken bites are made healthier by using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. Serve these with your favorite dipping sauces.

Provided by France C

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground mustard
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
⅛ teaspoon dried basil
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
⅛ teaspoon dried sage
3 tablespoons cornstarch
cooking spray (such as Misto®)

Steps:

  • Place chicken pieces into a medium bowl.
  • Combine salt, paprika, black pepper, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and sage in a small bowl. Reserve 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix and sprinkle remaining seasoning on chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
  • Combine cornstarch and reserved 1 teaspoon seasoning in a resealable plastic bag; shake to combine. Place chicken pieces into bag, seal bag, and shake to coat evenly. Transfer chicken to a fine mesh strainer and shake to remove excess cornstarch. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes until cornstarch is beginning to absorb into the chicken.
  • Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Spray basket of the air fryer with oil and place chicken pieces inside, making sure pieces do not overlap. You may have to do two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Mist chicken with cooking spray.
  • Cook for 4 minutes. Shake air fryer basket and spray chicken again with oil so there are no dry or powdery areas. Cook until chicken is no longer pink on the inside, about 4 to 5 more minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 152.5 calories, Carbohydrate 6.1 g, Cholesterol 64.6 mg, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 23.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 493.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

AIR FRYER POPCORN CHICKEN RECIPE BY TASTY



Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe by Tasty image

One thing we'll say about this popcorn chicken is that you won't be able to stop popping it in your mouth! Dredged in spiced flour, buttermilk, and panko, then air fried to crispy perfection, it's savory, tangy, crunchy, and great for sharing (if you can bear to!).

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Lunch

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup buttermilk
2 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 in (2.54 cm)
nonstick cooking spray, for greasing
ketchup, for serving

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Add the panko to a third medium bowl.
  • Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper. Dip 1 piece of chicken at a time in the flour mixture, making sure to fully coat each piece and shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken in the egg mixture. Then, coat the chicken in the panko. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the basket with nonstick spray.
  • Working in batches, arrange the chicken in the basket, making sure the pieces are not touching. Cook until light golden, 5 minutes, then flip the chicken over and continue cooking until cooked through and golden brown, 5 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  • Serve the popcorn chicken with ketchup.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 274 calories, Carbohydrate 33 grams, Fat 3 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 24 grams, Sugar 2 grams

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

You'll also love

Double-0-Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bowl_image Double 0 Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bowl

South of the Border Shrimp_image South of the Border Shrimp

Spinach and Orzo Salad_image Spinach and Orzo Salad

Cinnamon Dumplings With Apple Cider Syrup_image Cinnamon Dumplings With Apple Cider Syrup

Apple Puff Up Pancake - Dutch Baby Recipe - (4.4/5)_image Apple Puff Up Pancake Dutch Baby Recipe (4.4/5)

Mushroom and Ricotta Pizza_image Mushroom and Ricotta Pizza

Salted-Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies_image Salted Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

ENGLISH STEAK AND KIDNEY PUDDING_image ENGLISH STEAK AND KIDNEY PUDDING

Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Treats_image Peanut Butter Crispy Rice Treats

Grandma Ola's Old Fashioned Egg Noodles_image Grandma Ola's Old Fashioned Egg Noodles

Bacon and Fresh Pasta in a Jar_image Bacon and Fresh Pasta in a Jar

Mexican bean salad_image Mexican bean salad

Chermoula Paste_image Chermoula Paste

Macaroni and Cheese with Naomi Judd_image Macaroni and Cheese with Naomi Judd

Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini_image Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini

Greek Salad Dressing_image Greek Salad Dressing

Mike's Peach Puff Martini_image Mike's Peach Puff Martini

Kittencal's Easy Never-Fail 5-Minute Chocolate Fudge_image Kittencal's Easy Never Fail 5 Minute Chocolate Fudge

Nadiya Hussain Onion Pretzels Recipe | Nadiya Bakes_image Nadiya Hussain Onion Pretzels Recipe | Nadiya Bakes

8 Minute Frittata_image 8 Minute Frittata

Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchens. These machines are designed to deliver crispy and tasty foods without the drawbacks of frying foods in oil. One of the most popular recipes that you can make in an air fryer is the popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken recipe. It is a delicious snack that can be enjoyed on various occasions. In this write-up, we will discuss what air fryer popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken recipes are and why they are becoming increasingly popular.

What is popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken?

Popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken is a chicken dish that is made by taking small chunks of chicken, coating them in crushed popcorn, and then air frying them to achieve a crispy finish. The recipe is simple, requires few ingredients and can be customized to suit different tastes.
Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into small chunks
  • 2 cups of popped popcorn (without salt or butter)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Non-stick cooking spray

How to make air fryer popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer
Before you start preparing your chicken, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for five minutes. This helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Toast the popcorn
Begin by toasting the popcorn to enhance its crunchiness. Spread two cups of popcorn on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven at 325°F for 3-5 minutes. Remove the popcorn from the oven and let it cool down. Once it is cool, crush the popcorn into small pieces.
Step 3: Season the chicken
Combine paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and flour in a large bowl. Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat it evenly.
Step 4: Dip the chicken in beaten eggs
Beat two eggs in a shallow dish or bowl. Dip the chicken in the beaten egg mixture, then allow the excess to drip off.
Step 5: Coat the chicken in crushed popcorn
Place the crushed popcorn in a separate shallow dish or bowl. Dip the chicken pieces in the popcorn to coat them evenly.
Step 6: Air fry the chicken
Spray the chicken with non-stick cooking spray and place it in the air fryer. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process.

Why is the popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken recipe gaining popularity?

There are various reasons why the popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken recipe is gaining popularity. Firstly, it is relatively easy to make, and the ingredients can be found in most pantries. Secondly, it is a healthier option than traditional fried chicken, as it is prepared without any additional oil. Moreover, the popcorn creates a delicious crispy coating that elevates the flavor profile of this dish, without adding any additional calories. Lastly, it is a versatile recipe that can be customized to different taste preferences by incorporating different spices and herbs.

Conclusion

Air fryer popcorn-crusted popcorn chicken recipes are an excellent snack that is both delicious and healthy. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can make this dish at home and enjoy it on various occasions. Do give it a try the next time you are looking to make a delectable yet easy snack.
Air fryer popcorn crusted popcorn chicken is a delicious and healthy snack that everyone loves to eat. The crispy popcorn crust combined with juicy chicken makes for a mouth-watering experience. However, to make perfect popcorn chicken, there are certain cooking tips that you need to keep in mind. In this article, we will discuss some valuable tips that will make your air fryer popcorn crust popcorn chicken recipe a success.

Tips for Making Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken Recipes

TIP #1: Choose the right chicken
The quality of your popcorn chicken will depend on the type of chicken you use. For this recipe, it is best to use boneless chicken breast, as it will cook faster and more evenly. Make sure to rinse the chicken breasts before you start cooking to remove any excess blood or fat.
TIP #2: Season the chicken before you coat it in popcorn
Season your chicken breast with your favorite spices before you coat it in popcorn. This will give the chicken a richer flavor and ensure that it is well seasoned. You can use a combination of herbs and spices such as garlic, paprika, onion powder, or cumin, among others.
TIP #3: Make sure the popcorn kernels are well popped
To make the popcorn crust, you will need to pop a bag of popcorn in the microwave. However, not all popcorn kernels will pop properly, which can result in a less crunchy crust. Make sure to test your popcorn first by popping a small amount in the microwave. If the kernels are not well-popped, then they will not coat the chicken uniformly.
TIP #4: Grind the popcorn into fine crumbs
Once you’ve popped the popcorn, grind it into fine crumbs using a food processor or blender. This will ensure that the popcorn coats the chicken evenly and gives the chicken a nice crunch. Don’t grind the popcorn too finely, or it will turn into a powder instead of crumbs.
TIP #5: Use an egg wash to coat the chicken
Before you coat the chicken in popcorn crumbs, dip it in an egg wash. This will help the popcorn adhere to the chicken and create a crispy crust. To make the egg wash, whisk an egg in a bowl and season it with salt and pepper.
TIP #6: Press the popcorn crumbs onto the chicken
To ensure that the popcorn crumbs stick to the chicken, use your fingers to press them onto the chicken. This will help the popcorn crumbs adhere to the chicken better and create a more even coat. Make sure to press the popcorn crumbs onto the chicken firmly, so that they don't fall off during cooking.
TIP #7: Preheat your air fryer
Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the chicken and will also help create a crispy crust. You can also spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
TIP #8: Cook the chicken in batches
To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, cook it in small batches. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can make the chicken cook unevenly and result in a less crispy crust. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure that both sides cook evenly.
TIP #9: Check the internal temperature of the chicken
Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is safe to eat. If the chicken is not fully cooked, put it back in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
TIP #10: Serve immediately
Serve the popcorn chicken immediately after removing it from the air fryer. This will ensure that the crust stays crispy and the chicken stays juicy. You can serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

Making air fryer popcorn crusted popcorn chicken recipes is easier than you think. By following these valuable tips, you can make delicious and crispy popcorn chicken that everyone will love. Remember to choose the right chicken, season it well, pop the popcorn kernels properly, grind the popcorn into fine crumbs, use an egg wash, press the crumbs onto the chicken, preheat the air fryer, cook in batches, check the internal temperature, and serve immediately. With these tips, you'll be a pro at popcorn chicken in no time.

Related Topics