Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

This air fryer popcorn chicken recipe is so easy and flavorful! The whole family loves these delicious little nuggets of crispy chicken that are great for dipping!

Whether you are whipping up a quick dinner or preparing a spread for a party this easy air fryer popcorn chicken needs to be on the menu! These bite-sized pieces of chicken are coated with panko bread crumbs and air fried to crispy perfection! These cook quickly and result in juicy chicken that is full of flavor! You can make this recipe as an easy meal or a delicious fun appetizer!

Popcorn chicken is small bite size chicken that is perfect for snacking or having as a meal. We like it better than chicken nuggets because there is more crispy coating on each chicken bite and it cooks so quickly! This popcorn chicken is our favorite air fryer chicken recipe!

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FAQ & Tips for the Best Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

What to serve with popcorn chicken-

You’ll definitely want to serve this chicken with your favorite dipping sauce! Some of our favorites are ranch dressing, bbq sauce, buffalo sauce and honey mustard. You really can’t go wrong with any delicious sauce! If you are making these for a family dinner they pair well with easy basics like French fries, tater tots or sweet potato fries. They are also great on top of a salad or served with your favorite pasta or on these Copycat KFC Famous Bowls

How to store air fryer popcorn chicken-

This homemade popcorn chicken is one of my favorite recipes to make ahead to have on hand for a quick snack, fast lunch or easy dinner. They store well and if you reheat them in the air fryer they stay nice and crispy. If you are making popcorn chicken ahead of time or have leftover popcorn chicken you’ll want to store it in a zip top freezer bag or an airtight container.

Air frying is a great way to get crispy chicken without deep frying-

This healthy air fryer popcorn chicken is just as crispy as its deep fried counter part without all the oil. But keep in mind that cooking time may vary depending on the style and size of your air fryer. It is a good idea to cook a couple of pieces of chicken first to accurately gauge the cook time so that your chicken doesn’t dry out.

Can I use different spices?

Absolutely! This chicken recipe is super versatile and can be seasoned however you’d like. For a bit of spice you can add chili powder or cayenne pepper. Black pepper is a great addition. Another tasty addition is Italian seasoning if you are pairing this chicken with any kind of pasta!

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! If you prefer boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts you can use them. Just be sure to trim them well and keep in mind thighs have more fat than breasts so they may have a different taste and texture.

Do I need to toast the bread crumbs?

You’ll notice the first step in this recipe is popping the panko bread crumbs in the oven to toast them. This helps the breading to get a little crunchy resulting in a crispy coating that is so delicious!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 1/2 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs

1 tsp Salt

1 Pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

2 Tbsp All Purpose Flour

1 Large Egg

2 tsp Garlic Powder

2 tsp Onion Powder

1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika

Here’s How to Make Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer

Trim the chicken breasts and cut them into small cubes about one inch across.

Preheat the oven to 400.

In a small bowl combine panko crumbs and olive oil, stir to coat the crumbs. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Spread the bread crumbs in an even layer across a sheet pan and place in the oven for 2-3 minutes, stir the bread crumbs and continue toasting for another 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.

Place flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt in a shallow dish and stir to combine.

Place egg in a shallow dish and whisk.

Place toasted panko crumbs in a shallow dish.

Using tongs or a fork dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture to coat all sides

Then place the chicken in the egg and turn it over to coat.

Finally dredge them in the bread crumbs to coat.

Repeat with remaining chicken pieces until they are all coated.

Place the breaded chicken pieces in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer don’t over crowd the chicken. You may need to work in batches.

While you’re breading the chicken preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.

Air fry popcorn chicken at 400 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees when measured with a meat thermometer. Flip the chicken half way through the cooking time so it evenly cooks.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

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