Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Air fryer popcorn chicken is a quick and delicious snack that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfect for busy days or when you want a tasty treat without the mess of deep frying.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen popcorn chicken
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spritz the chicken with oil spray to promote crispiness.
- Step 2: Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and crispy. Shake the basket gently halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Step 3: Remove from the air fryer and serve the popcorn chicken hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, toss the cooked popcorn chicken with your favorite sauce like buffalo, honey mustard, or barbecue before serving.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding for the best crispiness.
- Use a light coating of oil spray instead of heavy oil to keep the chicken crispy without making it greasy.
Storage
Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken?
This recipe is designed for pre-cooked frozen popcorn chicken. Using fresh chicken would require breading and cooking from raw, which involves a different method and cooking time.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?
Preheating is optional but can help achieve a crispier texture. If you prefer, preheat your air fryer for 3 minutes at 400 degrees before adding the chicken.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Crispy and delicious air fryer popcorn chicken made from frozen bites, perfect as a quick snack or appetizer. This easy recipe uses an air fryer to achieve a crunchy texture without extra oil.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 10-12 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen popcorn chicken
- Oil spray (as needed for spritzing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Place the frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Spritz with Oil: Lightly spray the popcorn chicken with oil spray to help achieve a golden, crispy texture during cooking.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the popcorn chicken for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping and heating.
- Serve: Once hot and crispy, remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to get even crispiness on all sides.
- Cooking times may vary based on air fryer models; adjust time as needed.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Keywords: air fryer popcorn chicken, crispy chicken bites, easy snack, quick appetizer, frozen chicken recipe
