Description
Indulge in the crispy delight of Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, where juicy chicken meets a perfect crunchy coating. This easy-to-make dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration starter that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these flavorful bites paired with your favorite dipping sauces are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken thighs and buttermilk in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk and coat in the flour mixture thoroughly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown, shaking halfway through.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pieces (110g)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added heat, mix cayenne pepper into the coating or toss the cooked chicken with buffalo sauce. Customize flavors by adding Parmesan cheese or herbs to the breadcrumb mix. Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken into uniform pieces.