How Should You Cook Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer?

Popcorn chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal that can be enjoyed by everyone.

If you have an air fryer, this dish is even easier to make as it requires minimal ingredients, no pre-cooking, and only takes about 10 minutes of cooking time.

Let’s take a look at how you can make the perfect air fryer popcorn chicken. 

How To Cook Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer?

Before we get started with the cooking process, let’s discuss what ingredients you will need for the popcorn chicken.

– Ingredients Needed for Popcorn Chicken 

The most important ingredient is boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces.

You will also need breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other seasonings of your choice. 

– Instructions for Cooking Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer 

Once you have all of your ingredients together it is time to start cooking!

• Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F and setting aside two shallow dishes or plates.

• On one plate place the breadcrumbs after adding in any desired seasonings such as salt and pepper. Then lightly beat the egg on the other plate with a fork or whisk.

• Next, dip each piece of chicken into the egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture making sure each one is evenly coated on both sides before placing it into your air fryer basket.

• Repeat this step until all pieces are done then place them into your basket without overcrowding it; they should not be touching each other while cooking.

• Place them in your preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes flipping them once halfway through but not before 4 minutes have passed so that they can begin to crisp up nicely on both sides before flipping them over.

• When finished remove it from the air fryer and enjoy! 

How Long Should You Cook Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer?

When cooking popcorn chicken in the air fryer it is important to make sure you are not overcooking it.

The exact time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and how hot your air fryer gets, but most recipes suggest a cooking time of 8-10 minutes.

If you have very large pieces then it may need an extra few minutes. It is also important to make sure you flip them over at least once during the cooking time in order for them to cook evenly on both sides.

What Temperature Do You Heat Popcorn Chicken in an Air Fryer?

When cooking popcorn chicken in the air fryer it is important to preheat your appliance first.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 375°F before adding in the chicken pieces and starting the cooking process.

This will help ensure that the chicken cooks all the way through without burning on the outside.

Do You Preheat Air Fryer for Popcorn Chicken?

Yes, it is important to preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken and starting the cooking process.

Preheating helps ensure that the chicken cooks all the way through and gets a nice crispy crust on the outside.

Most recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 375°F before adding in the chicken pieces.

How Long Does It Take to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken at 350°F?

The exact time it takes to air fry popcorn chicken at 350°F will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and how hot your air fryer gets.

But most recipes suggest a cooking time of 8-10 minutes, flipping them over once after 4 minutes have passed.

If you have very large pieces then it may need an extra few minutes.

Make sure to keep an eye on it while cooking so that it does not overcook or burn.

What Setting Do You Put Air Fryer on for Popcorn Chicken?

Most recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 375°F before adding in the chicken and starting the cooking process.

This will help ensure that the chicken cooks all the way through without burning on the outside.

Once preheated, place your popcorn chicken pieces into your air fryer basket and set it to cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping them over once after 4 minutes.

What Sides Goes Well With Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken?

Read on for some delicious and creative side dishes that will make your air fryer popcorn chicken even better. 

1. Fried Rice:

Fried rice is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with air fryer popcorn chicken. It’s easy to make and can be customized depending on what ingredients you have on hand.

To make fried rice, simply cook some cooked white or brown rice in a pan over medium heat, adding your favorite chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, or peppers along with soy sauce and other seasonings of your choice.

Once the vegetables are cooked through and the rice has absorbed all the flavors, you have yourself a delicious side dish! 

2. Roasted Potatoes:

Roasted potatoes are another delicious side dish for air fryer popcorn chicken.

• To make them, simply cut some potatoes into cubes and place them in an oven-safe dish.

• Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or any other herbs or spices of your choice.

• Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re golden brown and crispy – about 25 minutes.

• Serve them alongside your air fryer popcorn chicken for an amazing meal! 

3. Coleslaw:

Coleslaw is a great way to add some crunchy texture and flavor to your meal.

To make coleslaw quickly and easily at home, combine shredded cabbage with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, sugar (or honey), dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt & pepper to taste.

Refrigerate for about 30 minutes before serving for best results. 

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken?

The key to storing your leftover popcorn chicken is making sure it is stored correctly.

• The first thing you want to do is make sure that your leftovers are refrigerated quickly after cooking. This helps to keep the chicken fresh and prevents bacteria from growing on it.

• To ensure that your chicken does not spoil, make sure to place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before putting it in the refrigerator. 

• Another important step when storing leftover popcorn chicken is labeling the container with the date when the food was cooked. This will help you remember when the food was cooked and will also help you know how long it has been in the refrigerator.

• Typically, cooked food should be eaten within three days of cooking, so keeping track of this information can be very helpful! 

• Finally, if you have any large batches of leftover popcorn chicken, consider freezing them for future use.

• To freeze popcorn chicken, simply divide the leftovers into individual portions and then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers.

• Make sure to label each bag or container with the date when they were frozen so that you know how long they have been stored for later reference.

Frozen popcorn chicken will typically last up to 2 months in a standard household freezer. 

Conclusion: 

Making popcorn chicken in an air fryer couldn’t be easier! With just a few simple ingredients like boneless chicken breasts, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings you can whip up this delicious snack or meal in 10 minutes or less!

Leftover air fryer popcorn chicken can be a great way to save time during busy weeknights but knowing how to properly store it is essential for keeping food safe and preventing spoilage.

To get the most out of your leftovers, make sure that they are refrigerated quickly after cooking, labeled with dates, and if necessary frozen for future use in individual portions. With these simple tips, you can enjoy delicious air fryer popcorn chicken any night of the week!

There are plenty of delicious side dishes out there that pair perfectly with air fryer popcorn chicken. From fried rice to roasted potatoes to coleslaw – there’s something for everyone!

So next time you’re making this tasty dish at home, don’t forget about the sides – they can really take your meal from good to great! Enjoy!