Healthy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Hello, dear readers! As always, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for your continued support and enthusiasm for my recipes. It’s your curiosity and zest for healthier, tastier alternatives that fuel my passion to create and share! Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a recipe that combines the fun of snacking with a healthy twist—say hello to Healthy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken!

Crafted with care, this recipe is your ticket to guilt-free indulgence. Perfect for game nights, family snacks, or even as a protein-packed addition to your meals, this popcorn chicken will leave you amazed with its crispy texture and delightful flavors—minus the deep frying! Let’s get straight to the magic, shall we?

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp divided kosher salt
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray (for cooking)
• Assorted dips (optional): ketchup, low-fat ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, marinara

this Recipe

How to Make

1: Prep the Chicken

1. Season and Coat: In a bowl, combine the flour, half of the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this seasoning blend, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

2: Egg Wash

2. Dip: Dip the seasoned chicken pieces into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off.

3: Breadcrumbs

3. Bread: Roll the chicken pieces in panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and the remaining salt. This helps achieve that golden, crispy texture we all love!

4: Air Fry

4. Cook: Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.

Helpful Tips

• Even Cooking: Ensure chicken pieces are not overlapping in the air fryer for even cooking.
• Crispiness: For extra crispiness, spray the chicken lightly with olive oil spray before the final few minutes of cooking.
• Batch Cooking: If you have more chicken than can fit in one layer, cook in batches to maintain the perfect texture.

Substitutions/Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with any gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko.
• Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this in the oven? A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly? A: Yes, it’s a hit with kids! Adjust the spices according to their preference and serve with their favorite dips.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.

More Relevant Recipes

If you loved this healthy snack, check out these other tasty and healthy air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
• Air Fryer Rotisserie-Style Chicken

Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today! I can’t wait to hear all about your air fryer adventures with this popcorn chicken. Remember, cooking is not just about feeding the body, but also the soul, so enjoy every bite and keep exploring new tastes!

Happy cooking, and until next time, keep it flavorful and fun!

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