Air Fryer Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
There’s something magical about a meal that gets the whole family excited before they even sit down at the table. For us, Buffalo Popcorn Chicken is one of those meals. It’s the kind of dish that’s requested on game days, cozy movie nights, and even those spontaneous weekends when we’re just craving something a little extra special. I first started making this when I was looking for a fun, less greasy alternative to deep-fried wings, and the air fryer turned out to be the ultimate game-changer.
What I love most is how the bite-sized chicken pieces turn out unbelievably crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside. Toss them in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce, and suddenly it feels like you’ve transported your kitchen into a lively sports bar — minus the noise and with way better company. My kids think they’re fun because they’re mini and dippable, and my husband loves that they pack a real flavor punch without the heaviness of traditional fried food.
The first time I served these, the tray disappeared faster than I could sit down! They’ve quickly become a staple for us, not only because they’re mouthwateringly good, but because they’re simple and quick to make, perfect for our busy household. I can confidently say these little bites of joy are our go-to crowd-pleaser — and trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re the star of our snack table.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe if you prefer a richer flavor.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
You can use any brand you love, but for the best balance of heat and tang, I recommend a medium buffalo sauce. If you like it spicier, go for the hot version!
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect crispy texture.
Can these be made ahead of time?
You can cook them ahead and reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crispiness before serving.
Is there a good dipping sauce to serve with them?
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with the buffalo flavor, but even a simple garlic aioli works great if you’re looking to switch it up.
What You Need to Make Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons melted butter
Non-stick cooking spray
Special Equipment:
Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Tongs
Parchment paper (optional for easier clean-up)
How to Make Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well-coated. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes.
Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the chicken with a little more non-stick spray.
Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
Toss in Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine buffalo sauce and melted butter. Once the chicken is done, toss it gently in the sauce until well coated.
Serve: Plate up with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
Cut Chicken Evenly: Try to keep the chicken pieces about the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to keep the chicken crispy — overcrowding can lead to soggy spots.
Adjust the Heat: If you’re serving little ones, consider using a mild buffalo sauce or mixing half buffalo sauce with half honey.
Crispier Texture: Double-coat the chicken by dipping it again in buttermilk and flour mixture before air frying.
Reheat Like a Pro: To reheat leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes — they’ll crisp right up without drying out.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are perfect for our family movie nights! Easy, quick, and a total crowd-pleaser.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I loved the flavor, but next time I might spice it up even more with extra hot sauce!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So crispy and juicy! Way better than takeout and healthier, too.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe but be warned — they disappear FAST! Double the batch if you have teens.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Super easy to follow and the texture was spot-on. My new favorite game day snack!”
Printable Recipe
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Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
This Buffalo Popcorn Chicken is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with bold buffalo flavor. Made in the air fryer for a healthier spin, these bite-sized chicken pieces are the perfect appetizer or game-day snack — easy, quick, and family-approved!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Special Equipment:
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Parchment paper (optional for easier clean-up)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well-coated. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the chicken with a little more non-stick spray.
- Cook: Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Toss in Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine buffalo sauce and melted butter. Once the chicken is done, toss it gently in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Plate up with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy immediately!
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Try to keep the chicken pieces about the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to keep the chicken crispy — overcrowding can lead to soggy spots.
- Adjust the Heat: If you're serving little ones, consider using a mild buffalo sauce or mixing half buffalo sauce with half honey.
- Crispier Texture: Double-coat the chicken by dipping it again in buttermilk and flour mixture before air frying.
- Reheat Like a Pro: To reheat leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes — they'll crisp right up without drying out.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook
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