Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 500 g (1lb) skinless chicken breasts, chopped into small bite-size pieces
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) buttermilk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic salt (or garlic powder + extra ¼ tsp regular salt)
Crispy Coating
- 100 g (2/3 cup) cornflour (cornstarch in USA)
- 1 large egg
- 120 g (1 cup) plain (all-purpose) flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp celery salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Spray oil (approx 15 ml or 1 tbsp total, avocado oil recommended)
Serving Suggestions
- Ketchup
- BBQ sauce
- Burger Sauce
- Sweet Chilli Sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chopped chicken breast pieces to a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, add salt, white pepper, and garlic salt. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you're short on time, a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Set up three bowls: first with cornflour, second with a lightly whisked egg, and third with a mixture of plain flour, salt, black pepper, garlic salt, celery salt, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Coat the Chicken: Spray the preheated air fryer basket(s) with spray oil. Take each piece of marinated chicken and toss first in the cornflour, then dip fully into the egg, ensuring it's completely coated, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary, leaving some space between pieces for airflow. Spray the chicken lightly with spray oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces twice during cooking, spraying additional oil each time to ensure even crispiness.
- Serve: Remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, burger sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
Notes
- Marinating time enhances flavor and juiciness but can be reduced to 10 minutes if short on time.
- For even crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Spraying oil on the basket and chicken pieces helps achieve the golden crispy texture without deep frying.
- Adjust seasoning in flour mixture to taste or dietary preferences.
- Use skinless chicken breasts for the best texture; chicken thighs can be substituted but may alter cooking time and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Accompaniment
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American