This recipe for homemade air fryer popcorn chicken is a family favorite. These crispy, juicy, bite-sized nuggets are a guaranteed hit with the kids, and as a busy parent, I love how incredibly quick and easy they are to make.
Everyone loves air fryer popcorn chicken!
As a busy parent, I’m always looking for ways to make mealtime easier, by creating quick, simple, and kid-friendly recipes. And this homemade version of popcorn chicken, or as we like to call them, chicken poppers, ticks all the boxes.
The kids absolutely love them because they are bite-sized and delicious. And I absolutely love them because of how simple they are to make: 4 ingredients, 2 prep steps, and they cook in around 10 minutes! It’s a go-to recipe in our house for after-school snacks, movie nights, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, I feel good knowing I’m serving my kids a more wholesome option than deep-fried fast food.
What do you need?
- Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breast to make this recipe, but boneless chicken thighs also work.
- Seasoning – I use a store-bought chicken seasoning rub for this recipe. You can use any chicken seasoning rub, or make a simple homemade mix (see recipe card notes for one option).
- Mayonnaise – I use mayonnaise to stick the crumb to the chicken, as it is easier to use than raw egg, but you can use raw egg (lightly beaten) if you prefer.
- Breadcrumbs – I usually use panko breadcrumbs, as they tend to come out crisper with a more satisfying crunch, but you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Let’s make popcorn chicken in the air fryer!
1
Prepare.
Pat chicken breast dry and cut into bite-sized chunks (approx. 2cm/ 1-inch pieces). Place in a bowl, add the seasoning and mayonnaise, then toss until the chicken is well coated.
Place breadcrumbs in another large bowl. Working in batches, transfer chicken to the breadcrumbs and press each piece in to coat it thoroughly. Set aside on a plate while you crumb the remaining chicken.
2
Preheat.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/ 400°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat mode, just set it to air fry for 3-4 minutes.
3
Pop the in the air fryer.
Place popcorn chicken in air fryer basket, leaving a small gap between each piece. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
If your air fryer is prone to food sticking, you can spritz the basket with olive oil or place a small piece of cooking parchment in the basket before adding the chicken pieces.
4
Air fry.
Air fry the popcorn chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, carefully flipping them over halfway through cooking. This will take approximately 8-10 minutes.
Check the temperature in the center of a few of the largest pieces to ensure it has reached at least 74°C/ 165°F.
Note: If you don’t have an air fryer you can also cook this recipe in a regular oven. Place chicken popcorn on a lined baking tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes at 430°F/220°C.
Serving ideas
- Pair with a side of slaw and fries for a tasty family dinner
- Serve alongside a fresh green salad and ranch dressing for a lighter meal.
- Fill warm tortillas with popcorn chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and grated cheese for classic crispy chicken tacos.
- Serve with an assortment of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, and sweet chili sauce for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning rub see notes for a homemade option
Instructions
- Pat chicken breast dry, and dice into bite sized pieces, approximately 1-inch/ 2cm in size.
- Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with the seasoning, then add the mayonnaise, and toss again to coat.
- Place breadcrumbs in a separate large shallow bowl. Working in batches, transfer a few of the chicken pieces to the breadcrumbs, pressing them in until well coated. Transfer to a plate, and repeat until all the chicken is crumbed.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F/ 180°C. Then place the popcorn chicken into the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece [Note 2]. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the popcorn chicken for around 8-12 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through [Note 3]. Flip the chicken over halfway through cooking if required for your air fryer.
Notes
- Homemade seasoning rub recipe: 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
- If food tends to stick to your air fryer, spritz the basket with oil or use an air fryer liner before placing the chicken in.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to test the internal temperature in the thickest part to ensure it has reached at least 165°F/ 74°C.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
