Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Crispy Popcorn Chicken is made with chicken breast, buttermilk, flour, paprika; air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes to serve 4. 260 calories per serving.
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Cut chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Soak in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- 2
Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne.
- 3
Remove chicken from buttermilk, toss in seasoned flour. Shake off excess.
- 4
Spray generously with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking every 4 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- 5
Serve with an assortment of dipping sauces.
Tip: The buttermilk soak tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour stick. Cut pieces the same size so they cook evenly. Shake the basket frequently for all-around crispiness. These don't last long — make extra.
Why Air Fry This?
- ⏱️Ready in 12 minutes vs ~22 in a conventional oven — no preheating needed.
- 🫒Uses up to 80% less oil than deep frying, bringing this down to 260 calories per serving.
- ✨Achieves the same golden, crispy texture without submerging food in oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Cook Crispy Popcorn Chicken at 400°F for 12 minutes. The buttermilk soak tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour stick. Cut pieces the same size so they cook evenly. Shake the basket frequently for all-around crispiness. These don't last long — make extra.
You need: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 cup flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp cayenne, Ranch dressing, Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, Ketchup. This recipe serves 4 with 260 calories per serving.
Crispy Popcorn Chicken takes 12 minutes total at 400°F. Serve with an assortment of dipping sauces.
This recipe is rated Easy. It serves 4 and takes just 12 minutes at 400°F.
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