Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer | Everyday Family Cooking (2024)

April 11, 2024March 16, 2022 by Samantha

If you haven’t tried making frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer yet, what are you waiting for? These crunchy bites are absolutely irresistible and ready in just 10 minutes!

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Need a snack or appetizer that requires no prep at all and can be ready in a matter of minutes? If that sounds like a pipedream, then you need to try making popcorn chicken in the air fryer!

I love keeping a bag of Tyson’s Any’tizers Popcorn Chicken in my freezer for exactly this reason. All you have to do is toss them in the air fryer for 10 minutes and shake the basket halfway through. Seriously, that’s it!

Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:

• The easiest way to make air fryer popcorn chicken
• Tips for making the best popcorn chicken
• What brands of frozen popcorn chicken work best for this recipe
• How to reheat popcorn chicken in the air fryer

Whether I have some unexpected guests dropping by or I just need to get my kids to eat something before we race out the door, making Tyson popcorn chicken in the air fryer is a lifesaver. Just be prepared to make a second or third batch, because everyone always wants more!

How to Make Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer

STEP ONE: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees.

STEP TWO: Lay the popcorn chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between the nuggets for the air to circulate.

STEP THREE: Cook at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cook time.The popcorn chicken is done once an Instant Read Thermometer hits 165 degrees.

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Crumbed Chicken Pops 1KG - Manna MeatsKFC Popcorn Chicken RecipeAir Fryer PopcornAir Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken

STEP FOUR: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

How Long Should I Cook Frozen Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer?

The final cook time is going to depend on your individual air fryer as well as the size of your popcorn chicken bites. All air fryers vary, and the larger the pieces of chicken, the longer it will take to heat them through.

When I make Tyson popcorn chicken in the air fryer, they take around 10 minutes to get fully crispy on the outside and warmed through. If you find your bites aren’t quite crispy enough or are still cool in the center, try adding a minute or two.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

First, let the leftovers cool to room temperature. You don’t want the heat to cause condensation that could make the breading soggy.

Once cooled, store the popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken

• 2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce
• Easy Homemade Garlic Cheese Bread
• Homemade Buffalo Sauce
• Honey Sriracha Sauce
• Tater Tots in the Air Fryer

Tips for Making the Best Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer

• Lay the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate properly to get maximum crispiness in each bite.
• There’s no need to spray any nonstick cooking spray. The breading already contains oil that will prevent the popcorn chicken from sticking. Learn more about when to use oil in your air fryer here.
• Yes, you should still preheat your air fryer. This allows for a crispy even cooking.

What Kinds of Popcorn Chicken Can You Make in the Air Fryer?

While I love Tyson’s Any’tizers, you’re welcome to use whatever brand you like! Banquet, Perdue, Foster Farms, or any other variety you find in the freezer section of your grocery store will work great.

Have some fully cooked popcorn chicken? Maybe leftovers from KFC? See the next section for the best way to reheat these tasty bites!

How to Reheat Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees.
2. Lay the popcorn chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each one.
3. Cook at 350 degrees F for about 3 minutes.
4. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Other Air Fryer Frozen CHICKEN Recipes You’ll Love:

• Dino Nuggets in the Air Fryer
• Frozen Chicken in the Air Fryer
• Frozen Chicken Patties in the Air Fryer
• Frozen Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
• Frozen Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer
• Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Nuggets

And check out this big list of Air Fryer Frozen Foods!

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