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Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

4.96 from 23 votes
This easy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe is kid-friendly, lighter and healthier than your typical fast-food version!
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, School Lunch
Cuisine: American

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add oil to a medium skillet over medium low heat. Add the panko and ½ teaspoon salt.
  • Toast panko for about 4 minutes or until just golden, stirring every 30 seconds to evenly brown.  Transfer crumbs to a plate.
  • Cut chicken into ¾-inch cubes (about the size of a small dice), season with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste, then set up your dredging station. You should have about 60 cubes.

To set up dredging station:

  • Place flour and ¼ teaspoon salt on a large plate.
    dredging station
  • Place egg in a bowl, add 1 teaspoon water and beat until uniform.
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and cayenne (if using) and black pepper, to taste, to the toasted panko and place the plate on the other side of the egg bowl.
  • Working with about 15 pieces at a time, dredge in flour, lightly coating all sides.
  • Then, egg, allowing excess to drip off (I like to use tongs and wipe the excess off on the side of the bowl).  Next add the pieces to the panko mixture and coat all sides evenly, pressing crumbs to make sure they adhere evenly. Repeat with remaining pieces.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the basket with olive oil.
  • Add about 30 pieces to the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece so they get crispy. Spray the top with oil.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time.  Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

*1/4 cup breadcrumbs get thrown out
For best results, freeze Popcorn Chicken UNCOOKED.
1. Place chicken pieces in an even layer (not stacked top of each other) in a freezer safe container lined with parchment, adding a new piece of parchment to each layer.
2. When ready to cook, heat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the basket with oil then add 30 pieces, in an even layer.  Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time.

Nutrition

Serving: 15 pieces, Calories: 283kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Cholesterol: 129mg, Sodium: 385mg, Fiber: 1.5g, Sugar: 2g
- WW Points: 4