Description
This delicious Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown bite-sized chicken pieces with a healthy twist. Coated in whole wheat flour and lightly sprayed with olive oil, these popcorn chicken bites are air fried to perfection in just 10 minutes. Perfect as a snack or meal accompaniment, they provide a crunchy texture and juicy interior without deep frying, making them a lighter, healthier alternative that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Breading Mixture
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Others
- 1 large egg
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Wash the chicken breast thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into small, uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Whisk Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, crack and whisk the large egg until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Coat Chicken in Egg: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated to help the flour mixture adhere well.
- Dredge in Flour Mixture: After the egg wash, dredge each piece through the flour mixture until completely covered, shaking off any excess flour.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping to ensure even crisping.
- Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the chicken pieces with olive oil spray to promote browning and crispiness.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through at the 5-minute mark to ensure even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Serve: Once cooked and golden brown, carefully remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for best results.
- Leftover popcorn chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for crispiness.
