Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    10 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    30 mins
  • SERVING
    4 People
  • VIEWS
    18

Craving that classic popcorn chicken crunch without the guilt? These air fryer bites deliver perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken in a fraction of the time and with significantly less oil. Get ready for a healthier and equally addictive snack or appetizer!

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    6 g
  • Cholesterol
    65 mg
  • Fiber
    0 g
  • Protein
    24 g
  • Saturated Fat
    1 g
  • Sodium
    493 mg
  • Sugar
    0 g
  • Fat
    3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Place chicken into a medium bowl. (1 minute)

02

Step

Combine salt, paprika, black pepper, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and sage in a small bowl; reserve 1 teaspoon seasoning mixture. Sprinkle remaining seasoning mixture over chicken and toss to coat evenly. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Combine cornstarch and reserved 1 teaspoon seasoning mixture in a large resealable plastic bag; shake to combine. Add chicken and seal the bag; shake to coat evenly. Transfer chicken to a fine mesh strainer and shake to remove excess cornstarch. Let rest until cornstarch begins to absorb into chicken, 5 to 10 minutes. (15 minutes)

04

Step

Preheat an air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. (5 minutes)

05

Step

Arrange chicken in a single layer in the prepared basket, making sure not to overlap. You may have to do two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Mist chicken with cooking spray. (3 minutes)

06

Step

Cook in the preheated air fryer for 4 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket and mist chicken again with cooking spray so there are no dry or powdery areas. Continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink on the inside and the juices run clear, 4 to 5 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). (9 minutes)

For extra crispy chicken, ensure the chicken pieces are as dry as possible before coating. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket! This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness. Work in batches if necessary.
Experiment with different spice combinations to customize the flavor. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

Dean Wintheiser

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.3/ 5 ( 6 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (8)
  • Drake Grant

    So easy and quick to make. A new favorite for our family!

  • Boris Gusikowski

    The seasoning blend is perfect! Will definitely make again.

  • Vladimir Kris

    Great recipe! I used panko breadcrumbs and they were amazing.

  • Clifton Keebler

    I've tried other air fryer chicken recipes, but this one is the best!

  • Brenda Prosacco

    I had to cook mine a little longer to reach 165 degrees, but they were delicious!

  • Valentin Mccullough

    These turned out perfectly crispy. I added a little cayenne pepper for some heat.

  • Mauricio Yundt

    My kids absolutely loved these! So much healthier than the frozen kind.

  • Matilda Satterfield

    These are a game-changer! Quick, easy, and delicious.

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