Description
Crispy and spicy Air Fryer Buffalo Popcorn Chicken is the perfect appetizer, snack, or meal. Made with a crunchy breading and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, this easy air fryer recipe is healthier than deep-frying and ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In three separate bowls, place flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix it with buffalo sauce over low heat until well combined.
- Toss the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl and toss with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Baked Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Extra Crispy: Double coat the chicken by dipping it in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Milder Flavor: Reduce the buffalo sauce or use a honey buffalo sauce for a sweeter touch.
- Different Sauce: Try BBQ, teriyaki, or garlic parmesan sauce instead of buffalo sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Air fryer popcorn chicken, buffalo chicken bites, crispy air fryer chicken, spicy chicken snack, easy buffalo chicken recipe