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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Crispy, savory, and delicious, this Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, delivering a perfect crunch without the mess.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • as needed Cooking spray

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the cut chicken in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
  3. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a dash of salt and pepper.
  4. Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk and dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it thoroughly.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray and place the chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cooking
  1. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  2. Remove the popcorn chicken when golden brown and crispy.
  3. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For a little twist, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Keep an eye on the cooking time as air fryers vary. Don't overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if necessary.