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Crispy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe is a must-try!

These guilt-free popcorn chicken bites are crispy, flavorful, and air-fried to perfection—without the heavy grease! Packed with herbs and spices, they’re a healthy snack or protein-packed meal that satisfies cravings while staying WW-friendly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ¼ teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon dry mustard ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano ⅛ teaspoon dried basil ⅛ teaspoon dried sage ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme 3 tablespoons cornstarch Cooking spray (for air fryer basket and chicken)

Method
 

  1. Mix the Spice Blend:In a small bowl, combine the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dry mustard, oregano, basil, sage, and thyme. Set aside 1 teaspoon of the mix.
  2. Season the Chicken:Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl and toss them with the remaining spice blend until evenly coated.
  3. Prepare the Cornstarch Coating:In a large resealable bag, combine the cornstarch and the reserved 1 teaspoon of seasoning. Shake to mix well.
  4. Coat the Chicken:Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the bag. Seal and shake thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken in the cornstarch mixture.
  5. Shake Off Excess:Use a fine mesh strainer to shake off any excess cornstarch from the chicken. Let the coated chicken rest for 5–10 minutes to help the coating stick.
  6. Preheat Air Fryer:Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
  7. Layer and Spray:Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
  8. Air Fry to Perfection:Cook for 4 minutes, then shake the basket and spray again. Continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.

Notes

  • Letting the chicken rest before air frying helps the coating stay on and crisp up better.
  • Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking—work in batches if necessary.
  • For extra flavor, serve with a WW-friendly dipping sauce like mustard, yogurt ranch, or hot sauce.
  • Great for meal prep—store in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

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