Crispy air fryer popcorn chicken is so easy to make using your favorite store-bought frozen popcorn chicken. You will never want to bake or deep fry popcorn chicken again since cooking them in the air fryer is so amazing.
No additional oil is needed which makes it healthier with less fat than deep frying would have. Enjoy air-fried popcorn chicken in just 10 minutes. Check out how fast & simple this is.
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POPCORN CHICKEN VS CHICKEN NUGGETS
Have you ever wondered what is the difference between popcorn chicken and chicken nuggets? Well to put it simply, the shape and size.
| POPCORN | NUGGETS |
| round & bumpy pieces | square or rectangular |
| small - one bite | bigger - two bites |
| more breading to chicken ratio | more chicken to breading ratio |
INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER POPCORN CHICKEN
All you need for this popcorn chicken air fryer recipe is the frozen breaded chicken that is shaped like popcorn. So whether you have Pilgrims, Perdue, Tyson, Great Value, Foster Farms, or Costco, this is the best way to crisp up that frozen popcorn chicken.
Many other items may need a spray of avocado oil when air fryer but not frozen popcorn chicken. Most premade products include some oil in the ingredients.
How to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken
Here are the easy steps for this recipe:
- Add Chicken to Air Fryer in a Single Layer
- Set Time & Temperature for 400°F for 10 Minutes (no preheating!)
- Check Internal Temperature for 165°F
- Serve & Enjoy with Dips & Sauces
How Long to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken
The main step is to make sure the chicken reaches 165°F. Many products are precooked but some may be raw. It is important for poultry to reach a safe internal temperature which is 165°F (64°C).
Then it is up to you how crunchy, brown, or dark you want your nuggets. For extra crispy set the timer for 13 minutes. Well done for 15 minutes. For light & soft breading, set it for 8 minutes.
Serving Ideas
Once the little pieces of popcorn chicken are done air frying, carefully remove the tray or basket from the air fryer with an oven mitt. Using tongs, plate them for eating.
Serve popcorn chicken with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. For tasty sauces & dip ideas, check out my recipe recommendations below.
What to Serve with Popcorn Chicken
These great recipes go well as a side dish to serve with popcorn chicken, nuggets, or tenders. If you have room or a second air fryer, try AIR-FRIED FROZEN CRINKLE FRENCH FRIES OR AIR FRYER GREEN BEANS.
Product Recommendations for this Recipe - #ad:
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AIR FRYER FROZEN POPCORN CHICKEN
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- ½ pound Frozen Popcorn Chicken
Instructions
- Add frozen popcorn chicken to your air fryer basket or tray. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket or tray, add only as many as will fit without overcrowding. Be sure to leave some space between the chicken pieces and that they are in a single layer.
- There is no need to preheat. Once the chicken is in the air fryer, set to cook. Set to air fryer at 400°. Next set the timer for 10 minutes. For extra crispy, set it for 15 minutes.
- When they are done cooking, carefully remove them from the oven and plate. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dip.
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Papa Joe says
My brand of popcorn chicken had really tiny pieces. It inly took 8 minutes for exra crispy but that’s how I like it.