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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 86 reviews

Crispy, golden Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken made with whole wheat flour and seasoned simply with sea salt and pepper. This healthier take on a classic favorite is quick to prepare and perfect as a snack or appetizer, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a light and crunchy texture without the excess oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces

Breading

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

Binding & Finishing

  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Wash the chicken breast thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into small 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and proper coating.
  2. Mix the Flour Seasoning: In a shallow bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sea salt, and ground pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the flour.
  3. Whisk the Egg: In a separate shallow bowl, beat the large egg until fully combined to create the egg wash for coating.
  4. Coat the Chicken Pieces: Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, making sure it is fully covered. Then dredge the chicken through the seasoned flour mixture until each piece is thoroughly coated.
  5. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single even layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring none of the pieces overlap to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
  6. Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the chicken pieces with olive oil spray. This helps to create a golden and crispy outer crust during air frying.
  7. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Cook the chicken for a total of 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway at 5 minutes to achieve an even crisp on all sides.
  8. Serve: Once cooked and crispy, carefully remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer. Serve hot with your preferred dipping sauces for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for best results.
  • Flipping halfway through cooking is important to achieve even crisping.
  • Use whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative to regular flour; all-purpose flour can be substituted if preferred.
  • Try different seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to customize the flavor.

Keywords: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, Healthy Popcorn Chicken, Crispy Chicken Bites, Whole Wheat Chicken, Air Fryer Recipes, Easy Snack Recipes