Homemade Air Fried Popcorn Chicken from Scratch

Healthy Homemade Air Fried Popcorn Chicken Recipe:

Easy air fried popcorn chicken recipe from scratch is gluten-free, sugar-free, soy-free, low-carb, and actually healthy. This flavorful, fun, and delicious air fryer popcorn chicken cooks in 10 minutes and makes a great appetizer or snack. Add some to the salad and make it a complete meal!

Who doesn’t like popcorn chicken? As long as I know everyone loves popcorn chicken. Like seriously, who can say no to the little scrumptious chicken bites that satisfy both sweet and savory tastes. Even better, this air fried popcorn chicken is made from scratch, packed with flavors from boneless chicken thighs, fresh herbs, and spices, and free from the hefty calories of deep frying. Equally, this air fried popcorn chicken has no flour breading; how awesome?

Is Popcorn Chicken Is Good for You?

If you are always wondering whether popcorn chicken is good for you? Or is popcorn chicken is healthy? I got an answer and a recipe for you. This easy homemade air-fried popcorn chicken is indeed healthy and good for you. Uniquely, this recipe is easy to make, doesn’t require deep frying, and tastes way better!

Is Frozen Popcorn Chicken Healthy?

Don’t waste yo money! Say no to air frying frozen store-bought popcorn chicken, they are not worth it! (Well, unless if you are so pressed with time, but this one takes less than 10 minutes to cook?) I personally do not know of healthy popcorn chicken brands to recommend.

Listen, most food brands usually cut corners, and are all about the money. Sadly, but true! If you want a simple healthy popcorn chicken? Make it yourself using this easy peasy recipe!

How this Recipe Came About:

My kids were the backbone behind this yummy air-fried popcorn chicken recipe. They love LOVE popcorn chicken (like several other kids out there), so I decided to make it better for them. Consequently, I intentionally didn’t want to add flour, bread crumbs, or panko. I substitute the flour with cornstarch and panko bread crumbs with almond flour. Additionally, I air fried them instead of deep-frying. Also, I used boneless chicken thighs for more flavors instead of chicken breast.

I initially tested this recipe with only cornstarch, and though it was good, I needed more crunch and crispiness. Then, I tried it with cornstarch and almond flour, and it was phenomenal. And since then, I have always made it this way, and everyone loves it! The bottom line is that this air fried popcorn chicken recipe is tested and trusted.  

Air fryer popcorn chicken makes the best appetizer, snack, or make them part of your lunch or dinner. Typically, I like to add them to my salads; take a look below. Here I equally added some air fryer sweet potato slices. This was one satisfying bowl of salad.

Why you will Love this Air Fried Popcorn Chicken Recipe:

1. It is easy to make and easy to clean up, too, just because you made it in the air fryer. 
2. This recipe is everyone’s favorite over here. I automatically know you will like it!
3. It does not require flour or bread crumbs. 
4. Boneless thighs make the best air fried popcorn chicken!
5. There is no need EVER to buy store-bought frozen popcorn chicken from the frozen aisle. At least you know what’s inside of this one. Those ones, you don’t!
6. Nothing beats homemade; well yeah!
7. The addition of almond flour is a win-win! So healthy and nutritious.
8. Sugar-free; yes, you heard me. I subbed sugar with monk fruit. That amazing no-calorie, no-carb sweetener! 
9. This air fried popcorn chicken is ACTUALLY healthy! Yippie
10. Low-carb and keto-friendly. It sure is! 
11. Soy-free! Yay!

Ingredients for Making Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken from Scratch:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
• Almond flour 
• Corn starch 
• Avocado oil 
• Liquid aminos (I use Bragg)
• Monk fruit 
• Egg 
• Fresh ginger
• Fresh Garlic 
• Maggi or Knorr bouillon or Cajun seasoning  
• Salt (always add salt to your preference)
• Dry thyme 
• Black pepper 
• Some basil leaves (optional; for garnishing)

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER POPCORN CHICKEN FROM SCRATCH (Step-by-Step):

Step one; Gather the Ingredients. Get all the ingredients ready, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. 

Step two: season and marinate the chicken. Place the cut chicken into a big bowl and add all the ingredients except almond flour and cornstarch. Grate the fresh ginger and garlic (please ensure that you use fresh); mix well. Then add the cornstarch and almond flour; combine with everything. Allow to marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes or cook asap. 

Step three: air fry the popcorn chicken. First, spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Second, place the marinated chicken on a single layer—set the air fryer to 375 degrees and time to 8 minutes. This may be ready at 7 minutes, keep eyes on them. Turn/flip halfway though cooking. Popcorn chicken may require more time if they are bigger than these.

Step four: add basil leaves and finish cooking. If you have basil leaves and care to fry them, then add them one minute before you finish cooking to get them fried and crispy. This step is optional. Finish cooking and serve.

Air fried popcorn chicken is not greasy; however, they go by so quickly. This recipe can serve up to 4 people; 2 adults and two children. Hope you enjoy!

Recipe Notes/Tips/Substitution:

1. Make sure to use fresh ginger; it adds so much flavor to this recipe 
2. If you do not like the taste of soy sauce, then use only one tablespoon of liquid aminos.
3. Cut the chicken small (please); actually, cut them however you desire! 
4. Keep eyes on the chicken, do not burn them. Nonetheless, ensure that your popcorn chicken is fully cooked.
5. Cook in batches; I had to cook this recipe in 2-3 batches. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. 
6. You can use chicken breast if you prefer; nevertheless, chicken thighs are very flavorful.
7. We use popcorn chicken to complete a meal most of the time, but feel free to dip them in ketchup. YUM

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRIED POPCORN CHICKEN

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More Air Fryer Recipes to Try:

Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites Recipe (Seriously SO GOOD)!

Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas (so good; serve with tortillas)

Family Favorite Air Fryer Sausage and Veggies (Air fryer meal)

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Bone-in Thighs

• Whole30 Beef Tips and Whole Sweet Potatoes (Healthy Air fryer Meal)
• Easy Air Fryer Salmon (so good with beet puree)!
• Air Fryer Broccoli with Balsamic Vinegar
• Spring Mix Salad with Air Fryer Chicken Breast and Boiled Eggs

Thanks for stopping by! Stay well and blessed!

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