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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken


Description

Crispy, bite-sized chicken that rivals any fast food joint but without the guilt. Your air fryer just became your new best friend.


Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce (optional)
  • 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5g) dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil spray

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into ¾-inch cubes of uniform size. Place in a medium bowl, pour buttermilk and hot sauce over chicken, and stir to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
  3. Working with a few pieces at a time, remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in seasoned flour, pressing gently. For extra crispiness, dip floured chicken briefly back in buttermilk, then coat in flour again.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil.
  5. Arrange breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces don’t touch. Lightly spray tops with oil.
  6. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip or shake basket, and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let rest for 2 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.