Description
Crispy and juicy air fryer popcorn chicken made healthier with lean chicken breast and a flavorful seasoned breading. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss to coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- In another bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs and panko.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 9 minutes, turning halfway and spraying again, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- You can freeze breaded chicken pieces before cooking for meal prep.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
