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Crispy Popcorn Chicken
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High ProteinKid-FriendlyQuick
Chicken·Updated Sep 6, 2025

Crispy Popcorn Chicken

12 min
Time
400°F
Temp
260 cal
Cal
4
Serves

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.

CD
Chris DeWeese·Editor
Updated Sep 6, 2025

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

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  • 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.

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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