Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Closeup view of pieces of breaded popcorn chicken with a bowl of ranch dipping sauce.

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Our homemade chicken nugget recipe ticks all the boxes - it's kid-approved, easy on your budget, simple to make and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, snacks, game day parties and lunchboxes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time7

Total Time17

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course, Weeknight Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

Calories: 210kcal

Author: Lori

Equipment

Ingredients

1-2 pounds chicken breast rinsed and cut into 1 inch pieces
¼ cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ cup flour
olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 390℉.
Place chicken and buttermilk in a medium size bowl, stirring to coat, to marinate the chicken. Set aside.
1-2 pounds chicken breast, ¼ cup buttermilk
Create a dredging station (you'll need 3 bowls):
· Add cornstarch to a mid-size bowl.
· Whisk the eggs in a second mid-size bowl.
· Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and flour in a third medium bowl and stir to combine.
2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ cup flour
Remove chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off the excess buttermilk and roll in the cornstarch.
Next dip the chicken into the egg wash, then add to flour mixture and toss to coat evenly. Gently shake off excess flour.
Lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil and add chicken to basket
olive oil
Cook for 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink inside, shaking halfway through the cooking process.

Notes

Chicken tenders can be used in place of chicken breast.
Make sure you cut the chicken in similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Check the chicken at the halfway mark. If it looks a little floury spritz with a little more oil so the pieces will get a little crispier.
The cook time will vary based on your air fryer model.
Oven directions: preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare the chicken as directed. Place chicken on a lightly greased sheet pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, turn the pieces and bake for 8-10 more minutes until cooked through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat: place chicken in a preheated 375 degrees F air fryer for 3-4 minutes. Shake the basket at the halfway mark.
Nutritional information is based on using 1.5 pounds of chicken.

Nutrition