Crunchy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
A healthier version of classic popcorn chicken made in the air fryer, delivering a crispy and delicious experience without the deep-frying.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (or a light drizzle of olive oil)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the boneless chicken pieces with the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is coated well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (ideally overnight).
- Prepare the coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Once your chicken has marinated, remove from buttermilk and coat with the flour mix.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange & spray: Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Cook: Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve & enjoy: Once crispy and golden, serve your popcorn chicken with favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
If you prefer, substitute chicken with cauliflower florets for a vegan version. Remember to ensure the air fryer is not overcrowded for the best crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: popcorn chicken, air fryer, crispy chicken, healthy snacks