Air Fryer Popcorn Crusted Popcorn Chicken Recipes

AIR FRYER POPCORN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place chicken pieces into a medium bowl.
• Combine salt, paprika, black pepper, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and sage in a small bowl. Reserve 1 teaspoon of seasoning mix and sprinkle remaining seasoning on chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
• Combine cornstarch and reserved 1 teaspoon seasoning in a resealable plastic bag; shake to combine. Place chicken pieces into bag, seal bag, and shake to coat evenly. Transfer chicken to a fine mesh strainer and shake to remove excess cornstarch. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes until cornstarch is beginning to absorb into the chicken.
• Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Spray basket of the air fryer with oil and place chicken pieces inside, making sure pieces do not overlap. You may have to do two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Mist chicken with cooking spray.
• Cook for 4 minutes. Shake air fryer basket and spray chicken again with oil so there are no dry or powdery areas. Cook until chicken is no longer pink on the inside, about 4 to 5 more minutes. Serve immediately.

AIR FRYER POPCORN-CRUSTED POPCORN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine cornstarch, salt, paprika, ground mustard, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Drop half of the chicken pieces into the bag, seal the bag, shake, and let sit 5 minutes while your air fryer is pre-heating.
• Set the air fryer to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the popped popcorn in a food processor and pulse to a crumb-like consistency. Place crumbs in a separate resealable plastic bag.
• Dip seasoned chicken pieces first in beaten egg, then drop them into the bag of popcorn crumbs. Shake to coat.
• Place chicken in the basket of the air fryer. Lightly spray with butter flavored cooking spray. Cook, in batches if needed, for 8 minutes. Flip, mist with spray again, and cook 6 additional minutes.
• Using tongs, transfer chicken to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

AIR-FRYER CHICKEN FAJITAS

Steps:

• In a bowl or shallow dish, combine oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, zest, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. , Preheat air fryer to 400°. Drain chicken, discarding marinade. Season chicken with salt. In batches, arrange chicken in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken; set aside., In a large bowl, toss peppers, onions, remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice and remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; add to air fryer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4-5 minutes. Return chicken to air fryer; heat through. Serve with tortillas and lime wedges. If desired, top with sour cream and cilantro.

POPCORN-CRUSTED POPCORN SHRIMP

Steps:

• Pulse the popcorn, panko, cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a food processor until coarsely ground. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl; set aside. Melt the butter with the cayenne, half of the lemon zest and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan; set aside.
• Heat 2 inches vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Working in batches, toss the shrimp in the flour mixture until coated. Shake off the excess, then dip the shrimp in the eggs and let the excess drip off; coat in the popcorn mixture. Fry the shrimp until golden, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a platter.
• Mix the mayonnaise with the remaining lemon zest and the lemon juice. Drizzle the shrimp with the melted butter right before serving. Serve with the mayonnaise.