Our Tyson Popcorn Chicken air fryer recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious! Ready in just 10 minutes straight from the freezer, this popcorn chicken recipe will revolutionize how you make this classic lunch or dinner dish. What’s better than crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken, served with your favorite dipping sauces? Let's start air frying!
Jump to:
- Watch: How to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken
- Ingredients
- How to Make Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer Step-by-Step
- Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Oven Instructions
- Tips for Air Frying Popcorn Chicken
- FAQ
- What is popcorn chicken?
- Storing Leftovers
- Popcorn Chicken Dipping Sauces
- What to Serve with Popcorn Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Feedback
Craving crispy popcorn chicken? Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is the solution! All you need is an air fryer, frozen popcorn chicken, and a spritz of oil. What could be more rewarding than biting into golden, crunchy chicken in only 10 minutes?
Air frying popcorn chicken is a game-changer for busy days. It's fast, mess-free, and cooks straight out of the freezer. No fuss, no waiting for the oven to preheat. Pop them in the air fryer and they're ready in no time! Compared to oven-baking, this method saves you plenty of time! Let's get started!
Watch: How to Air Fry Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
- Frozen popcorn chicken: We're using Tyson Any'tizers Popcorn Chicken in this recipe, but you can use other brands! See below for suggestions.
- Oil spray: We recommend pure avocado oil or olive oil in a spray bottle. Avoid using a non-stick cooking spray with additives as this might break down the non-stick coating in your air fryer basket. Learn more: Air Frying Oils.
Note: Don't worry; our Tyson popcorn chicken air fryer recipe can be made using any brand, not just Tyson. Store-brand popcorn chicken is often a great choice, too! For example, we have also tried Meijer brand popcorn chicken when testing substitutions, and found great results.
If the brand of popcorn chicken you're using is under-seasoned, we recommend using a simple mix of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder - you can't go wrong with this mix. Onion powder and paprika also works well if you have it!
How to Make Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer Step-by-Step
Step 1 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you can't fit the chicken all in one layer, don't overcrowd the air fryer; cook it in batches, instead.
Step 2 - Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, turn the pieces over.
Step 3 - When heated through and crispy, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a serving plate! For dipping sauce suggestions, see "Popcorn Chicken Dipping Sauces" below!
Hey there!
I'm Marion, the recipe developer and chef here on Air Fryer Dinners! Air frying is my favorite way to cook an affordable, energy-efficient meal - that actually works! I test every recipe in my kitchen and frequently make the dinners we share. I'm excited to be a part of your air frying journey!
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Oven Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place frozen popcorn chicken on the air fryer tray in a single layer. If you can't fit the chicken all in one layer, don't overcrowd the tray: cook it in batches, instead.
- Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, turn the pieces over.
- When heated through and crispy, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a serving plate! For dipping sauce suggestions, see "Popcorn Chicken Dipping Sauces" below!
Tips for Air Frying Popcorn Chicken
- Cook from frozen – do not thaw first.
- Cook time may vary depending on your specific model of air fryer.
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a preheated air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
FAQ
To ensure crispiness, preheat your air fryer, avoid overcrowding the basket, and lightly spray the chicken with oil such as avocado oil or olive oil. Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking also helps achieve an even, crispy texture.
You can air fry popcorn chicken without oil, but this may cause some of the chicken to stick to the air fryer, and it may not crisp up as well.
You can use any brand of frozen popcorn chicken you prefer! Most popcorn chicken is going to be the same general size. Just check to make sure the chicken is done before removing it from the air fryer basket.
What is popcorn chicken?
Popcorn chicken is quite similar to chicken nuggets: it's breaded and fried bites of chicken, and can be made using skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs, depending on the brand (or if it's homemade). It's a kid-friendly snack, lunch, or dinner option that we guarantee will be irresistible once you try air frying it!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover popcorn chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow it to cool first, then place it in an airtight container to store.
To reheat, simply place the popcorn chicken back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.
Popcorn Chicken Dipping Sauces
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Sweet and tangy honey mustard is a classic choice!
- Barbecue Sauce: BBQ sauce adds a rich and smoky flavor perfect for serving with popcorn chicken.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and herby, ranch is a crowd-pleaser you just can't go wrong with.
- Buffalo Sauce: If you love a little spice, try buffalo sauce and pair it with some bleu cheese to mellow it out!
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: A delightful mix of sweetness and acidity, perfect for those who enjoy a little tang.
- Teriyaki Sauce: A classic, truly delicious sauce pairing for this dish.
- Classic Fry Sauce: Mix together ketchup, mayo, and a little bit of pickle brine for a classic fry sauce that pairs deliciously with fried chicken.
- Sriracha Mayo: Whisk together mayo and sriracha in a bowl for a creamy, mildly spicy sauce to dip chicken in.
What to Serve with Popcorn Chicken
- Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet and savory sweet potato fries make a great side dish! Try our Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer recipe.
- Roasted Broccoli: Even out the fried chicken with some simple roasted greens, like our Air Fryer Broccoli.
- French Fries: Classic fries make a great choice, too. Try our Air Fryer Frozen Fries or how about your favorite Arby's Fries made in the Air Fryer!
- Green Salads, for a lighter choice.
- Other vegetables, such as corn.
- Macaroni and cheese is a classic!
- Coleslaw is great when paired with a spicy dipping sauce for the chicken.
Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Our recipe for popcorn chicken in the air fryer is a must-try. It's not only about the crispy and juicy chicken (which it definitely is), but also about how it simplifies dinner so you can enjoy a fun treat in half the time and effort. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 12 oz. Tyson Any'tizers Popcorn Chicken or preferred brand
- Oil spray We use avocado oil
Instructions
How to Make Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you can't fit the chicken all in one layer, don't overcrowd the air fryer: cook it in batches, instead.12 oz. Tyson Any'tizers Popcorn Chicken
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, turn the pieces over.
- When heated through and crispy, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a serving plate! For dipping sauce suggestions, see "Popcorn Chicken Dipping Sauces" in the post above!
Countertop Air Fryer Oven Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place frozen popcorn chicken on the air fryer tray in a single layer. If you can't fit the chicken all in one layer, don't overcrowd the tray: cook it in batches, instead.
- Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes. Halfway through the cook time, turn the pieces over.
- When heated through and crispy, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a serving plate! For dipping sauce suggestions, see "Popcorn Chicken Dipping Sauces" in the post above!
Notes
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- Avoid using a non-stick cooking spray with additives as this might break down the non-stick coating in your air fryer basket. It is important to use a sprayer filled with your desired oil, such as avocado or olive oil.
- Make sure to check the nutrition of your brand of popcorn chicken for an accurate reading and recommended serving size.
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- Cook from frozen – do not thaw first.
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- Cook time may vary depending on your specific model of air fryer.
-
- Recipe time and temperature is based on a preheated air fryer. If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
Cheryl says
Amazing
marion says
Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl! Happy to share it with you!