© 2026 AirFry Pro
RecipesGuideCalculatorBest Air FryersSuggest
PrivacyTerms
Crispy Popcorn Chicken
Back
High ProteinKid-FriendlyQuick
Chicken

Crispy Popcorn Chicken

4.8(3)
12 min
Time
400°F
Temp
260 cal
Cal
4
Serves

Ingredients

Chicken
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
Dipping Sauces
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard
BBQ sauce
Ketchup

Equipment

  • Oil Sprayer Mister
  • Air Fryer Parchment Liners

Steps

  1. 1

    Cut chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Soak in buttermilk for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne.

  3. 3

    Remove chicken from buttermilk, toss in seasoned flour. Shake off excess.

  4. 4

    Spray generously with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking every 4 minutes, until golden and crispy.

  5. 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.

🎉

How did it turn out?

Share your result and inspire others

Liked this recipe? There's more.

Get new recipes straight to your inbox.

More Chicken

Honey Garlic Crispy Wings
25 min400°FEasy

Honey Garlic Crispy Wings

Zero-oil wings with a sticky honey-garlic glaze that caramelizes to perfection.

4.7(3)
280 cal
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
15 min400°FMedium

Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders

Buttermilk-soaked tenders with fiery cayenne butter glaze. Iconic heat.

4.7(2)
350 cal
Chicken Katsu
18 min400°FEasy

Chicken Katsu

Ultra-crispy panko-crusted chicken cutlets pounded thin for even cooking. Served with tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage.

4.7(2)
340 cal