Chicken Poppers

There’s something undeniably satisfying about indulging in Chicken Poppers on a cozy evening. I remember the first time I made these delightful bites; they were a spontaneous creation born from a craving for something crispy and flavorful. As I gathered my ingredients, the excitement grew. The aroma of the chicken mingling with the spices filled the kitchen, and soon, I was eagerly anticipating that first crunchy bite. If you’re looking for a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also brings a sense of joy and nostalgia, look no further than Chicken Poppers.

These morsels are perfect for gatherings, game nights, or simply a treat for yourself. The combination of the crispy exterior and tender chicken inside creates a wonderful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! Just imagine serving a plate of these to your friends and family; the compliments will be endless. Whether you’re dipping them in a zesty sauce or enjoying them on their own, Chicken Poppers are sure to impress.

With just a handful of ingredients and a little love, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also filled with heartwarming memories. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the process of making Chicken Poppers that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Poppers

The ingredients for Chicken Poppers are simple yet effective. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect flavor and texture combination. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

• ½ cup mayo – Adds creaminess to the dipping sauce.
• 2 tablespoons mustard – Brings a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the overall taste with a subtle hint of garlic.
• 1 tablespoon vinegar – Balances the flavors in the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Introduces a touch of sweetness to the mix.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
• 1½ pounds chicken breasts – The star of the dish, ensuring a satisfying bite.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Creates a crispy coating.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon pepper – For seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and a mild smokiness.

The Method for Chicken Poppers

Making Chicken Poppers is a fun and engaging process. Follow along as we create these delicious bites step by step!

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that desired crispiness.

2. In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: mayo, mustard, vinegar, honey, and garlic powder. Whisk them together until smooth, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

3. In a large ziplock bag, add the flour, powdered sugar, salt, paprika, and pepper. Close the bag tightly and shake to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

4. Next, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. Add the chicken pieces to the ziplock bag, seal it, and shake until each piece is fully coated in the flour mixture.

5. Remove the chicken from the bag, shaking off any excess flour. This step is crucial to prevent a heavy coating that won’t crisp up nicely.

6. Spray the basket of the air fryer lightly with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and promote even browning.

7. Place the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket for optimal air circulation.

8. Spray the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray to encourage browning.

9. Insert the basket into the air fryer and cook for 15 minutes. Halfway through, remove the basket and shake the chicken to ensure even cooking.

10. Once finished, check that the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Serve your hot Chicken Poppers with the mayo-mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce!

Helpful Hints

When preparing Chicken Poppers, a few handy tips can make the process smoother and the results even tastier. Here are some suggestions:

• Storage: Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: If you have extra poppers, they can be frozen for up to three months. Just reheat in the air fryer for a quick snack.
• Pairing: Serve these poppers alongside fresh veggies or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Spice it up: Incorporate different spices into the flour mix for added flavor depth.
• Make it a meal: Transform these poppers into a main dish by serving them over rice or in a wrap with fresh veggies.
• Experiment with sauces: Try different dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or sweet chili for variety.

Serving Options for Chicken Poppers

There are so many delightful ways to serve Chicken Poppers, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Here are some ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve Chicken Poppers at parties or gatherings as a finger food that everyone loves.
• Lunch Option: Pack them in lunchboxes with veggies and a dipping sauce for a delicious midday treat.
• Game Day Snack: These bite-sized delights make the perfect snack while watching sports with friends.
• During Festivals: Their easy-to-eat nature makes them an excellent addition to any festive celebration.
• With Dipping Sauces: Present a variety of dipping sauces to cater to different tastes, enhancing the overall experience.
• Seasonal Pairings: Consider pairing them with seasonal salads or sides to create a balanced meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

Every bite of Chicken Poppers is a delightful experience that combines crispy texture with savory chicken flavors. They’re a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a party appetizer. I encourage you to try making them; you won’t be disappointed. Once you serve these to your friends or family, they’ll be asking for seconds!

Chicken Poppers

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Poppers are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With a savory coating and tender chicken, they make a fantastic easy weeknight dinner. Try them tonight and taste the joy in every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Calories: 325

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons mustard (regular prepared yellow mustard)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1½ pounds chicken breasts (skinless or boneless, or chicken tenders, cut into bite sized pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Equipment

• COSORI Air Fryer 5.8 Quart

Method

 

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) if needed.
2. Add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl, whisk well and refrigerate until ready for serving.
3. In a large ziploc bag add the flour, sugar, salt, paprika and pepper. Close the bag and shake it so that all ingredients are mixed well.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the ziploc bag, close it and shake it until each piece is fully coated in the flour mixture.
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the ziploc bag, shake all the excess flour from them and spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray.
6. Place the chicken in the basket in a single layer and spray them as well with a bit of cooking spray.
7. Put the basket into the air fryer and air fry the chicken for 15 minutes. Remove the basket halfway through the cooking time to shake the poppers around.
8. Serve hot with the mayo/mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Pat the chicken dry: Pat the chicken dry before cutting it into pieces to remove any excess moisture. This will help to create a better coating on the chicken.
• Use the powdered sugar: The sugar takes this air fryer chicken poppers recipe to the next level by creating a savory sweet coating on the chicken pieces and it also helps brown the chicken.
• Temp the chicken: To ensure that chicken is fully cooked, use an instant-read digital thermometer to make sure that it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
• Leftovers: Leftover chicken poppers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container or sealed freezer bag.

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Meet Sadie Mitchell

The Mood Catcher I’m our lead photographer, but my camera is just another tool in the kitchen, right next to my knife and whisk! I am obsessed with capturing the feeling of a meal the steam rising off a bowl or the golden light on a loaf of bread. I cook and style every shoot with the team, ensuring that the photo tells you exactly how cozy and delicious the food will taste.