Description
This crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken comes together in just 15 minutes for the perfect snack or dinner idea! Juicy chicken bites are coated in a flavorful, golden crust that’s crunchy on the outside and tender inside—no deep frying required.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for maximum tenderness).
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, almond flour, parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Drain the chicken from the buttermilk. Toss each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce.
Notes
- For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to the coating mix.
- Works with chicken thighs for juicier bites.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (out of 6)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg