By Aditi Saraswat
July 13, 2026
Skip the deep-fried version and enjoy the crispy chicken popcorn that is made with less oil. With this air fryer recipe, you get crunchy bites that are juicy within, making them perfect to enjoy for evening cravings or as a quick high-protein snack option.
500 g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 cup all-purpose flour ½ cup cornflour 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs 1 egg 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 1 tsp black pepper powder 1 tsp paprika or red chilli powder 1 tsp oregano ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp cooking oil (for brushing)
In a bowl, mix the chicken with egg, ginger-garlic paste, salt, pepper, and paprika. Let this rest for about half an hour so that every bite gets juicy.
In another bowl, mix flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Coat every chicken piece with this, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Lightly brush or spray the coated chicken pieces with oil. Place the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer for even frying.
Set the temperature at 200°C for 10–12 minutes; flip halfway through. The chicken pieces should turn golden and crispy from the outside and soft from within.
Serve the crispy chicken popcorn with mint yoghurt dip, mayo, or tomato ketchup for a delightful snack.