Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

• You get a “snackable” crunchy treat with much less oil than deep-frying, so it’s lighter yet still delicious.

• It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer — or great for kids’ lunches.

• The crispy crust and tender chicken inside make these bites satisfying, protein-packed and versatile with different dipping sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
olive oil
panko breadcrumbs
kosher salt (divided)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts
all-purpose flour
large egg
garlic powder
onion powder
dried oregano
cayenne pepper (optional)
freshly ground black pepper
olive oil spray
(Optional for serving) dipping sauces such as ketchup, low-fat ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or marinara

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and half of the salt. Toast for about 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until golden. Transfer to a plate.

2. Cut chicken into ¾-inch cubes. Season with a quarter teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper. You should have about 60 cubes.

3. Set up three separate stations:

   • On one plate, mix flour and a quarter teaspoon salt.

   • In a bowl, whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water.

   • On another plate, combine the toasted panko with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and pepper.

4. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with the seasoned panko, pressing the crumbs to adhere well. Work in batches of about 15 pieces.

5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with olive oil spray. Place about 30 chicken pieces in the basket without overlapping. Spray the tops with olive oil spray.

6. Air fry for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Yields: 4 servings (about 15 pieces per serving)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite.

• Add smoked paprika or chili powder to the panko for a bolder flavor.

• Swap regular panko for whole-wheat or gluten-free alternatives.

• Leave out the cayenne pepper for a milder version or double it for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• To freeze before cooking: Arrange breaded chicken pieces on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. Air fry from frozen at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• To freeze after cooking: Cool completely, freeze on a tray, then store in a container. Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes, shaking halfway.

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

FAQs

How can I make sure the coating stays crispy and doesn’t fall off?

Press the panko firmly onto the chicken after dipping in egg, and avoid crowding the air fryer basket to ensure even, crispy cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and often result in juicier bites.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t be as light and crispy. Whole-wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs are also good substitutes.

Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?

Yes. Bake at 425°F, spray lightly with oil, and turn halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool the chicken completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to air fry.

Can I make a spicy version?

Yes. Increase the cayenne or add chili powder or hot sauce to the coating or serve with spicy dips.

What dipping sauces work well with this popcorn chicken?

Ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, marinara, garlic aioli, or hot sauce all pair wonderfully.

How many calories are in one serving?

Each serving contains approximately 283 calories, 30g protein, 21g carbs, and 8g fat.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, just double the ingredients and air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Conclusion

Air fryer popcorn chicken is a fun, healthier alternative to fried nuggets, offering all the crunch and flavor with none of the guilt. Easy to prep and quick to cook, it’s perfect for families, entertaining, or keeping in the freezer for a busy day. With just a few ingredients and your air fryer, you can whip up a batch of crispy, golden bites everyone will love.