Air Fry Crispy Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn Chicken is a delightful snack that combines tender and juicy bite-sized pieces of chicken with a crispy, flavorful coating. Marinated in a buttermilk mixture and coated in a seasoned flour, these tiny treasures are air-fried to golden perfection. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, popcorn chicken never fails to deliver a satisfying crunch and savory flavor, making it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For Frying:

• Cooking spray or oil for the air fryer basket

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and ensure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for best results.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Take each marinated chicken piece, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off, and coat it thoroughly with the flour. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
4. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the EaZy MealZ Air Fryer Basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
5. Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil. This will help them get crispy.
6. Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them.
7. Once done, remove the popcorn chicken from the EaZy MealZ Air Fryer Basket and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
8. Serve the homemade popcorn chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, ketchup, or barbecue sauce.

Enjoy your crispy and flavorful homemade popcorn chicken! It's perfect as a snack or as a part of a meal.