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Popcorn chicken air fryer on a tray with a bowl of dip.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

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Created by Mariam Ezzeddine
Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are tastier and healthier than take-out, and you are going to love them. This bite-sized air fryer popcorn chicken is marinated in buttermilk so it’s tender and juicy, then seasoned to perfection and air fried until hot and crispy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken tenders cut into bite size pieces
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • Salt and pepper to season the chicken in buttermilk
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 whole eggs
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt for flour mixture
  • ½ tsp black pepper for flour mixture
  • Chopped parsley to garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl marinate the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • In a small bowl place the cornstarch and keep it aside.
  • In another bowl whisk the eggs with a fork and keep it aside.
  • In a plate combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Mix everything together and keep it aside.
  • First dredge the marinated chicken in cornstarch, then in egg mixture and finally in the flour mixture. Coat the chicken pieces evenly and shake the excess flour if any.
  • Repeat the same with the remaining chicken pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  • Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and top with cooking spray again.
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes until they turn crispy and golden. Flip the chicken halfway through until it is completely cooked.
  • Garnish the popcorn chicken with fresh parsley and serve with ranch or ketchup.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to about 6 hours. 
  • Make buttermilk by mixing 1 ½ teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice with milk. 
  • Preheating the air fryer will give you the crispiest chicken nuggets.
  • Don’t crowd the chicken. Leave space between the nuggets and cook in batches if needed. 
  • Don’t forget to flip the nuggets halfway through the cooking time. 
  • Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken should be cooked to 165 degrees F. 
  • Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for an easy meal or snack later on. 

Nutrition

Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 456mg | Potassium: 498mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 211IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
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