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Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: A Delightful Treat

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack that’s easy to make and full of flavour, look no further than crispy air fryer popcorn chicken. This dish is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, thanks to the miraculous air fryer, which uses less oil while maintaining that delightful crunch we all adore. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this scrumptious treat at home.

What is Popcorn Chicken?

Popcorn chicken typically refers to bite-sized pieces of chicken that are battered and fried until golden brown, resembling popcorn in size and shape. Originating in the southern United States, this snack has gained popularity worldwide, often served as a starter or a tasty snack. With the air fryer, we can enjoy all the flavour without the excess oil that comes with deep-frying.

Why Choose an Air Fryer?

An air fryer circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. This method not only reduces the amount of oil needed but also cuts down on cooking time. The result? Guilt-free crispy popcorn chicken that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Ingredients

To make crispy air fryer popcorn chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 150g buttermilk (or plain yoghurt)
• 100g plain flour
• 50g cornflour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray (optional, for extra crispness)

Note: You can also customise the seasonings according to your palate – feel free to add paprika, cayenne pepper for heat, or even herbs like dried thyme or oregano!

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Marinate: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Ensure that all the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavour.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. Coating Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dredge: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Take each piece from the buttermilk mixture and dip it into the flour coating, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Shake off any excess flour and set the pieces aside on a plate.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, 200°C (about 390°F) is a good temperature for cooking the chicken to achieve that golden crispiness.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Cooking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This may require cooking in batches.

2. Air Fry: Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and is beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 6: Serve

1. Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as barbecue, ranch, or sweet chilli for added flavour.

Final Thoughts

Crispy air fryer popcorn chicken is not just a delicious snack; it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. This dish is perfect for gatherings, as a quick weeknight meal, or just for satisfying those cravings. With the air fryer, you can indulge without the guilt, making it a winner for both adults and children alike. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy goodness right from the comfort of your own kitchen!

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