How To Cook Popcorn Chicken In Air Fryer
Popcorn chicken is a beloved snack that is crispy, delicious, and perfect for munching on while watching a movie or enjoying a game night at home. And what better way to make it healthier than by cooking it in an air fryer? In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of cooking popcorn chicken in an air fryer, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and chicken pieces, making sure that each piece is well coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This combination of spices will give your popcorn chicken that irresistible flavor.
- Take each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade and coat it with the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before placing the coated chicken pieces on a plate or tray.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the chicken gets crispy and golden brown.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the popcorn chicken from sticking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the popcorn chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.
- Once cooked, transfer the popcorn chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
- Serve the popcorn chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
And there you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for making popcorn chicken in an air fryer. This cooking method significantly reduces the amount of oil used while still achieving a crispy and flavorful result. So, grab your air fryer and enjoy this guilt-free snack!
Do you have any other air fryer recipes you’d like to see? Let us know in the comments below!
Share your thoughts and experiences on how to cook popcorn chicken in an air fryer in the Kitchen Equipment forum section. Join the discussion and let us know your favorite tips and tricks for making this delicious snack!
FAQ:
What is popcorn chicken?
Popcorn chicken is a popular snack or appetizer made with bite-sized pieces of chicken that are coated in a crispy and flavorful breading. It gets its name from the small size and resemblance to popcorn.
Can popcorn chicken be cooked in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cooking popcorn chicken in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy texture without deep frying. The hot air circulation in the air fryer helps to evenly cook and crisp up the chicken pieces.
What kind of chicken should I use for popcorn chicken?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken thigh meat to make popcorn chicken. Both work well and will result in deliciously crispy bites.
How do I prepare the chicken for popcorn chicken?
Start by cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are uniform in size so they cook evenly. You can marinate the chicken in your preferred seasoning or spices for added flavor, or simply season it with salt and pepper.
How do I make the breading for popcorn chicken?
To make the breading, you will need a mixture of flour and spices. You can use a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other spices you like. Alternatively, you can also use pre-made breading mixes available in stores.
How long does it take to cook popcorn chicken in an air fryer?
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the temperature of your air fryer. On average, it takes about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to cook popcorn chicken in an air fryer. However, it’s always best to follow the specific instructions provided by your air fryer manufacturer.
How can I ensure my popcorn chicken turns out crispy?
To achieve optimal crispiness, make sure to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even air circulation. You can lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil to promote browning and crispiness. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking.
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