By Akshara
July 26, 2026
When sudden hunger strikes or unexpected guests drop by, waiting for a deep fryer to heat up is the last thing you want to do. Making chicken popcorn in an air fryer delivers that shattering crunch and juicy interior in record time without the heavy grease of traditional frying methods. Cutting boneless chicken thighs into small, uniform bite-sized pieces ensures they cook through rapidly while staying tender. Coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend, these miniature nuggets crisp up to golden perfection in under ten minutes when tossed into a preheated basket.
300g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small bite-sized cubes  1 tablespoon buttermilk or beaten egg white  4 tablespoons all-purpose flour  2 tablespoons cornstarch  1 teaspoon garlic powder  1 teaspoon paprika or red chilli powder  Salt and black pepper to taste  1 tablespoon cooking oil or olive oil spray
Toss the chicken pieces in buttermilk or egg white, then dredge them thoroughly in a seasoned mixture of flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes to ensure an immediate crisping environment.
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and mist them lightly with oil spray for a golden finish.
Air fry at 200 degrees Celsius for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken popcorn is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.