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    Home » Air Fryer, Instant Pot, & Crock-Pot

    Updated: Feb 15, 2024 · Published: Dec 4, 2021 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken

    Jump to Recipe

    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.

    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken plated with parsley and ranch dip

    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.

    Jump to:
    • POPCORN CHICKEN VS CHICKEN NUGGETS
    • INGREDIENTS FOR AIR FRYER POPCORN CHICKEN
    • How to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken
    • How Long to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken
    • Serving Ideas
    • What to Serve with Popcorn Chicken
    • AIR FRYER FROZEN POPCORN CHICKEN

    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. 

    POPCORNNUGGETS
    round & bumpy piecessquare or rectangular
    small - one bitebigger - two bites
    more breading to chicken ratiomore 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.

    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken 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
    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken frozen spaced on the air fryer tray ready to be cooked

    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).

    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken cooked on the tray in the air fryer

    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.

    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken PINREDO plated with ranch dressing

    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.

    • RANCH DRESSING WITHOUT MAYO
    • HOMEMADE HOT HONEY
    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken plated with ranch drip and parsley on the table

    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.

    • DEEP-FRIED SWEET POTATO FRIES
    • ASIAN AVOCADO COLESLAW
    • FRENCH POTATO SALAD
    • CHICKEN BROTH RICE
    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken PIN plated with ranch dressing and fresh parsley

    Product Recommendations for this Recipe - #ad:

    Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel, BOV900BSS
    $399.95
    Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Brushed Stainless Steel, BOV900BSS
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 10:26 am GMT
    Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
    $159.99
    Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 03:06 pm GMT
    Hotec Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs Set of 2 - 9" and 12", Locking Metal Food Tongs Non-Slip Grip
    $9.99
    Hotec Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs Set of 2 - 9" and 12", Locking Metal Food Tongs Non-Slip Grip
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    05/13/2025 07:20 am GMT

    The Short Order Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you! 

    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe card plated with fresh parsley and ranch dressing

    AIR FRYER FROZEN POPCORN CHICKEN

    Angela
    Crispy air fryer popcorn chicken is so easy to make using your favorite store-bought frozen popcorn chicken.  It is a family favorite whether it is for an appetizer, snack, football food, lunch, or dinner. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
    Servings 4

    Equipment

    • air fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ pound Frozen Popcorn Chicken
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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. 
    Keyword air fry, easy, fried, kid favorite, quick
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Did you make this The Short Order Cook Recipe?

    Tag @theshortordercookblog (Instagram & Facebook) or @shortorder_cook (Twitter). 

    I would love to see your latest creations and kitchen adventures.

     

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Papa Joe says

      December 10, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      My brand of popcorn chicken had really tiny pieces. It inly took 8 minutes for exra crispy but that’s how I like it.

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

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