Homemade Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe is a longtime family favorite. It makes for an easy weeknight dinner and is ready in less than 30 minutes. And they’re perfect for an after school snack, appetizer and game day menus.

Made with basic ingredients you probably already have on hand, it’s easy to make so it comes together quickly. Which means you’ll be adding this simple recipe to your regular meal rotation.  

I can’t tell you the number of times when my kids were younger that I would grab a bag of Tyson popcorn chicken and call it a day when it came to dinner. At that point, air frying wasn’t even a thing. And I’m not a fan of deep frying at home – it’s way too much effort and mess, especially on busy weeknights.

But now that I’ve got an air fryer, I make homemade popcorn chicken on the regular. And let me tell you, it beats the socks off of the store-bought variety. Plus, it doesn’t have any of the funky ingredients you find in the frozen nuggets.

If you’re into meal prepping, make a double batch over the weekend. Then use the cooked chicken to make homemade KFC bowls or add to a salad for a light dinner. And the chicken reheats really well in the air fryer, so you can serve it with a simple veggie like spaghetti squash or cauliflower for a quick meal.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Ingredients

• boneless skinless chicken breasts – be sure to pat them dry before cutting into bite-sized cubes
• buttermilk – if you don’t have any on hand, see the notes below for an easy substitution hack
• cornstarch – the secret ingredient for an extra crunchy breading
• eggs – helps the breading stick 
• seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper
• flour – we used all-purpose flour
• olive oil spray – extra oil helps to crisp the outside without deep frying
• dipping sauce – optional (we’ve included some options below)

How to Make Homemade Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer 

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. 

Marinate the chicken in the buttermilk, making sure all the pieces are covered. 

Next set up a breading station: place the cornstarch in a bowl, then beat the eggs in a separate bowl, and add the seasonings and flour to a third bowl. 

Now we’ll start breading the chicken. Shake off the excess buttermilk before dipping chicken pieces in the cornstarch, then dip in the beaten egg and ending in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake the pieces gently to remove any excess flour. 

Spritz the basket with cooking spray, and add the chicken in a single layer, making sure to leave a little space between the pieces. 

Cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

Tips for Making Crispy Chicken Nuggets

• Cut the chicken pieces so they are similar in size, to ensure even cooking.
• DIY buttermilk hack: add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before using. 
• Don’t overload your air fryer basket – the hot air needs to circulate so the chicken gets crispy. 
• Halfway through cooking, check the chicken – if the  chicken pieces look a little “floury” just spritz with a little more oil so they get nice and crispy. 
• Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 
• The cooking time may vary based on the size of your air fryer. 

What to Serve With Breaded Chicken

These crispy popcorn chicken bites are made for dunking. Some of our fave dipping sauces are honey mustard, bbq sauce, ketchup and ranch dressing. And we pair them with french fries, sweet potato wedges, onion rings, or homemade chips for a fast food-vibe meal.

If you’re making bigger batches during football season or as a party app, they go great alongside mozzarella sticks, pizza rolls, and fried pickles. 

How to Store Leftover Chicken

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at 375 degrees F, for about 3-4 minutes, giving the basket a shake at the halfway mark. 

Can I make homemade nuggets in the oven?

Yes, you can! Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it, then add the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown, turning the pieces halfway through.

Skip the drive-thru and make this air fried popcorn chicken recipe at home this week. It’s fast, kid-approved and simple enough for busy weeknights. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you thought.