Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: A Crispy & Guilt-Free Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: A Crispy & Guilt-Free Recipe
Total time: 45 mins
Ingredients: 0.25 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.75 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in bite-sized pieces; 6 cups popped popcorn; 2 eggs, beaten; butter flavored cooking spray

This air-fryer popcorn-crusted chicken recipe offers a perfectly crunchy and guilt-free alternative to traditional fried chicken. Using buttered popcorn as breading creates a popcorn lover's dream!

Total time45 mins
Prep time15 mins
Cook time30 mins
Yield6

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Servings

Ingredients

0.25 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
0.75 teaspoon paprika
0.5 teaspoon ground mustard
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in bite-sized pieces
6 cups popped popcorn
2 eggs, beaten
butter flavored cooking spray

Instructions

In a large resealable bag, mix cornstarch, salt, paprika, ground mustard, and black pepper. Add half the chicken pieces, seal, shake well, and let sit while the air fryer preheats for 5 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) following the manufacturer's directions.
Place the popcorn in a food processor and pulse until it forms a crumb-like texture. Transfer the popcorn crumbs to another resealable plastic bag.
Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, then transfer them to the bag of popcorn crumbs. Shake to thoroughly coat each piece.
Arrange the coated chicken in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes, then flip, spray again, and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
Using tongs, move the cooked chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat the coating and cooking steps with the remaining chicken. Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 219 kcal
Fat Content: 6 g
Fiber Content: 1 g
Sugar Content: 0 g
Sodium Content: 473 mg
Protein Content: 29 g
Cholesterol Content: 131 mg
Carbohydrate Content: 12 g
Saturated Fat Content: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g