Craving for a fast food fix but hesitant about the unhealthy implications? Or are you missing movie nights with an overflowing bucket of popcorn chicken? Allow me to introduce you to the magic of air fryer popcorn chicken. It’s just like using a magic wand and transforming those calorie-heavy guilty pleasures into a healthier and equally delicious alternative.
Now, isn’t that a dream come true? But wait, can it still be crispy and tasty without all that oil? Absolutely. I like to think of it like trading in your old gas guzzler for a sleek electric car: it still gets you where you want to go, but in a much cleaner, more efficient way. So let’s take a scenic drive into the recipe.
The Magic of the Air Fryer
The air fryer is a game changer in the kitchen. It uses convection to circulate hot air around the food, giving it a crispy brown finish that mimics deep frying, minus the excessive oil. It’s not just a healthier option, but it’s also easier and faster. No need to worry about splattering oil or disposing of used oil anymore.
While it’s perfect for frying chicken, fries, and other comfort food, its usage isn’t limited to that. You can roast vegetables, bake muffins, toast bread, and even make hard-boiled eggs in it. The possibilities are endless. However, today, we’re focusing on the star of the show – the popcorn chicken.
What is Popcorn Chicken?
Popcorn chicken, as the name suggests, is bite-sized pieces of chicken that are breaded and fried. They get their name from their size – small enough to pop in your mouth like popcorn. It’s a popular snack in fast food chains and is loved by people of all ages.
The key to good popcorn chicken lies in the seasoning and the breading. It should be flavorful and juicy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. And with the air fryer, you can achieve this without drenching the chicken in oil.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to popcorn chicken, you want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, easy to cut into small pieces, and cook quickly. Plus, they provide a nice, clean flavor that easily takes on the seasoning.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use other cuts of chicken. If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result. Just make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornmeal.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the beaten eggs, then coat them in the flour mixture.
- Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray them lightly with the non-stick cooking spray.
- Cook at 200°C for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Tips for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. The hot air needs to circulate around each piece of chicken for it to cook evenly and get crispy. Also, remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides of the chicken are cooked perfectly. For extra flavor, feel free to experiment with different seasonings or marinades to suit your taste.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This air fryer popcorn chicken recipe is a must-try because it gives you the best of both worlds – the crispiness and flavor of deep-fried popcorn chicken, without the guilt and mess of deep frying. It’s a simple, quick, and delicious snack that everyone will love.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g