Air fryer frozen popcorn chicken is the ultimate solution for your fried chicken cravings, minus the hassle of prep work. With the air fryer, you can achieve an incredibly crispy texture that rivals traditional frying, but without the excess grease. Indulge in the satisfying crunch without any guilt!
You’ll be amazed by how crispy and crunchy air fryer popcorn chicken gets in just 10 minutes! Whether you’re snacking, serving it as an appetizer, or even preparing a quick dinner, popcorn chicken is a versatile and delicious option. It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love – and they’ll never suspect it came straight from the freezer!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Done in No Time! This popcorn chicken recipe is ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Super Satisfying! With its crunchy and savory goodness, popcorn chicken is a highly satisfying lunch or afternoon snack.
- Perfect for Parties! Whether it’s a kid’s birthday party or a game day potluck, popcorn chicken should always be on the menu. Its small, bite-sized pieces make it easy to share and enjoy.
🥘 Ingredients
For this recipe, you can use your favorite store-bought frozen popcorn chicken. Brands like Purdue, Tyson’s, or even your local grocery store’s label are all great options. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound frozen Popcorn Chicken: You may need to cook it in batches for optimal air frying.
- Dipping Sauce: Choose your favorite dipping sauce to complement the crispy popcorn chicken. BBQ, honey mustard, buffalo, or even sweet chili sauce work fantastically well!
Be sure to see the recipe card below for detailed instructions on the ingredients and amounts!
🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
The air fryer is the secret to achieving amazing popcorn chicken. If you have a convection oven, you can also use that, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Let’s get started!
- Preheat air fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Once it’s fully preheated, evenly arrange 1 pound of frozen popcorn chicken in the basket. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness.
- Air fry popcorn chicken: Cook the popcorn chicken for 10 minutes at 400°F (205°C). Make sure to pause halfway through to shake or flip the chicken. When done, remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauces.
Air fryer frozen popcorn chicken is ridiculously easy to make and perfect for a light lunch or snack. Pair it with my air fryer frozen French fries, onion rings, or any other great side dish. Enjoy!
💭 Angela’s Tips & Recipe Notes
Here are some helpful tips and notes from Angela to ensure your popcorn chicken turns out perfectly:
- Don’t skip preheating the air fryer! Preheating is crucial to achieving crispier and faster results.
- For extra crunchiness, add a few extra minutes. If you prefer your popcorn chicken super crispy, consider extending the cooking time by about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Cook times may vary. Every air fryer is unique, so make adjustments based on your specific model and the size and brand of the popcorn chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. To ensure crispy chicken, make sure the pieces are in a single layer with adequate space between them.
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Leftover frozen popcorn chicken can be stored in an airtight container or storage bag and refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. However, keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more challenging it may be to regain its crispiness.
Reheating Popcorn Chicken
To reheat your leftover popcorn chicken, simply follow these steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
- Arrange the popcorn chicken in an even layer in the air fryer.
- Air fry for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the pieces are crispy and heated all the way through.
😋 More Easy Air Fryer Recipes!
If you’re craving more delicious meals made with your air fryer, check out these easy recipes:
- Sausage and Peppers
- Lamb Chops
- Shake & Bake Pork Chops
- Cornish Hen
- Quesadillas
📖 Recipe
Ready to enjoy some crispy and flavorful popcorn chicken? Get the detailed recipe with ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions here. Treat yourself to a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
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