Published: | Updated: | Author: Neena Panicker
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Air fryer frozen popcorn chicken cooks up crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Make frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer in less time than it takes to bake them in the oven or deep-fry them. You can use a traditional air fryer or an Instant Pot air fryer.
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The air fryer does such a great job at heating frozen foods. I’ve already shown you how to cook frozen sweet potato fries, frozen steak fries, chicken nuggets, tater tots, and taquitos. In this recipe, I show you how to make frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer.
Popcorn chicken is a term used for small bite-sized pieces of breaded chicken that resemble kernels of popcorn. They’re a great snack especially for a hungry crowd or as an after-school snack.
Serve popcorn chicken with a dipping sauce for an easy party appetizer.
For a more substantial chicken snack, frozen chicken tenders are another option.
Here are some more Air Fryer Recipes you might enjoy:
– Air fryer frozen french fries
– Air fryer cauliflower
– Air fryer frozen potato skins
– Air fryer frozen chicken patties
Tips for Success
Preheat the air fryer if the air fryer doesn’t have a built-in preheat functionality. Some air fryers preheat before starting to count down. e.g. the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Cosori.
Don’t thaw the popcorn chicken before air frying. Keep it frozen until ready to cook.
Every air fryer will vary. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the popcorn chicken and check on them 2 minutes before the cooking time is up. Adjust the recipe as needed.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. It’s best to place the chicken pieces in one layer, without stacking them so they crisp evenly.
Shake the basket or turn the chicken halfway through air frying.
FAQS
Do I need to coat the air fryer basket with oil?
You don’t need to use any oil in this recipe.
How long do you air fry popcorn chicken?
Cook them for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket once at 5 minutes.
Can I use the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid accessory or Duo Crisp to make this recipe?
Yes, you can use the same timing and temperature to make air fryer popcorn chicken using the Instant Pot air fryer lid, Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp.
What brand of frozen popcorn chicken was used in this recipe?
I used Foster Farms brand this time but also use Tyson popcorn chicken (Any’tizers). You can use the same timings for any brand. Just keep an eye on the chicken and check on it two minutes before the time’s up.
What brand of air fryer was this recipe tested with?
This recipe was tested using Cosori and Duo Crisp brands of air fryer.
What should I do if the popcorn chicken isn’t crispy?
Air fry the chicken for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Can I reheat the chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, the chicken can be reheated by air frying them for 2 to 3 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I double the quantity?
It depends on the capacity of your air fryer. You just need to make sure that they’re not packed too tight and are in one layer.
If you need to air fry double the quantity, you can do it in two batches. The second batch may take less time to cook because the air fryer is hot.
How to make frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer
- Keep popcorn chicken frozen until ready to use
- Preheat air fryer
- Place frozen chicken in the air fryer basket
- Air fry popcorn chicken
See recipe details below
Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken
Air fryer frozen popcorn chicken cooks up perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. And you can make them in less time than it takes to bake them in the oven or deep-fry them. Use a traditional air fryer or an Instant Pot air fryer.
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 servings (½ bag)
Calories: 190
Author: Paint the Kitchen Red
Ingredients
- ½ bag popcorn chicken or as many as will fit in a row *
Instructions
Air Fryer Instructions (See Note!)
Place the empty air fryer basket in the air fryer and preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. **
Add the frozen popcorn chicken to the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, turning them over with tongs or shaking the basket at the 5 minute mark.
Transfer the popcorn chicken to a serving platter and serve with a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Note: Every air fryer’s cooking time will vary due to wattage, capacity, and other factors. Always check on the food 2 to 3 minutes before the time is up to make sure it’s not burning or overcooking!
- * Foster Farms popcorn chicken wasused in this recipe. Nutrition information is for Foster Farms Popcorn Chicken.However the same timings can be used for Tyson Any tizers popcorn chicken.
- Don’t thaw the frozen chicken before air frying.
- ** Preheat the air fryer if the air fryer doesn’t have a built-in preheat functionality.
- Every air fryer will vary. The first time you make this recipe, monitor the popcorn chicken and adjust the air frying time as needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 3 oz. | Calories: 190 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 1.5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 35 mg | Sodium: 440 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g
Course Sides
Cuisine American
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Sheron C Bingham
I’m still a novice air fryer user; so advice is very much appreciated. I followed this recipe and my chicken turned out perfectly. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Very tasty. As a widow living alone, cooking for one can be challenging to not waste groceries just because the portion size is for two or more persons.Reply
Paint the Kitchen Red
Thank you for commenting on the air fryer popcoen chicken recipe – I’m glad that you found it helpful.
Reply
Brett
Another thing to add onto this – what I did tonight was cooked for about 8 minutes and then dumped them into a mixing bowl with your favorite wing sauce, I chose Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan…then throw them back in for the last 2 minutes to cook the sauce in. Tasted amazing!
Reply
Paint the Kitchen Red
What a great idea – thank you for sharing!
Reply
Clara
Thank you. Perfect timings.Reply
Paint the Kitchen Red
You’re welcome, Clara – happy to help.
Reply
