Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken: Crispy & Delicious!

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Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken

Indulge in the delightful crunch of Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken, a modern twist on a classic favorite. This innovative recipe combines the irresistible crunch of popcorn with tender, juicy chicken, creating a perfect snack or meal for any occasion. Using an air fryer not only reduces the oil needed for frying but also brings out a healthier version of this delicious dish. Let’s explore how to make this crispy delight and learn some tips to make it even better.

Introduction

Popcorn chicken is a beloved snack that originated in the United States and quickly gained popularity worldwide. The idea of coating small chicken pieces in a crispy breading is both ingenious and irresistible. The secret to our unique recipe is using popcorn to create an extraordinary crust that adds a light, airy crunch to every bite. Cooking these in an air fryer makes them healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture. Let’s get started with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups of plain popcorn, finely crushed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray or a small amount of oil

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your own Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Cut the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. Crush the Popcorn: In a food processor or by hand, finely crush the popcorn. It should resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls – one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed popcorn.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Coat with Flour: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
  2. Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
  3. Coat with Popcorn: Roll the chicken pieces in the crushed popcorn, pressing gently to adhere the popcorn to the chicken.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

  1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. Arrange Chicken in the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the popcorn crust is golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Remove from Air Fryer: Carefully remove the popcorn-crusted chicken from the air fryer.
  2. Serve Immediately: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a meal with sides like coleslaw or salad.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect Popcorn Chicken

  • Even Sizing: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
  • Crush Popcorn Well: Make sure the popcorn is crushed finely to stick better to the chicken.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
  • Flip Carefully: Use tongs to flip the chicken pieces gently, preserving the popcorn coating.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Spicy Popcorn Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning for an extra kick.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
  • Cornstarch Coating: For an extra crisp coating, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with the flour.
  • Herbed Variation: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the popcorn for additional flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (based on four servings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg

The Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves a crunchy, flavorful snack. This recipe is perfect for parties, family dinners, or a fun cooking project with kids. The unique popcorn crust adds an exciting twist to traditional popcorn chicken, while the air fryer ensures a healthier preparation. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite in your household.

Feel free to explore other delicious recipes like our Crispy Grilled Potato Wedges and Baked Eggs on our website. We’d love to hear how your popcorn chicken turned out. Share your experience, leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more exciting recipes. Happy cooking.

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