This buffalo air fryer popcorn chicken is crispy, easy to make and full of flavor. This gluten free recipe is perfect for the Super Bowl or just a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Why you’ll love this recipe
I’m pretty much obsessed with buffalo anything. Buffalo cauliflower, buffalo mac and cheese, tacos… the list goes on.
I had air fryer popcorn chicken on my list for a while now, and I figured the Super Bowl was the perfect time to make a buffalo version! Popcorn chicken is called that because they’re bite sized pieces that resemble kernels of popcorn.
They’re crispy, bite sized, perfectly spicy and so easy to make. Plus, it’s much healthier than a traditional deep fried version!
They’re gluten and dairy free if you need them to be, but can also be gluten filled if you prefer. If you want to mix up the flavors, you can use barbecue sauce in place of buffalo sauce for a summertime version. Try my buffalo chicken taquitos next!
Key ingredients
CHICKEN. You need one pound of chicken breast that we will dice into small pieces. I like popcorn chicken on the smaller size, but you can make them bigger if you want them more like chicken nuggets.
FLOUR & SPICES. We will coat the chicken in a mix of gluten free flour and some spices such as garlic in order to help give it a crispy coating.
EGGS. Once the chicken is coated, we’ll dredge it in an egg wash which will allow the breadcrumbs to stick to it.
BREADCRUMBS. I used gluten free breadcrumbs, but regular work too. Be sure they aren’t Italian flavored!
BUFFALO SAUCE. Any kind of buffalo sauce will do here! I like a medium spice, but feel free to do hot or mild.
How to make popcorn chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite sized pieces (about 1 inch cubes). Whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic, salt and pepper.
Add the flour/spice mixture on top of the chicken and toss to coat. Whisk together the eggs in a bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a second bowl.
Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet.
When all pieces have been coated, place in a pre-heated air fryer. You may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. You ideally want just one single layer of chicken to ensure it gets really crispy.
Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway. After 10 minutes, check a piece to ensure it is cooked through, and add two more minutes as needed.
When done, let cool for 10 minutes. Whisk together the ranch and buffalo sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Oven instructions
Follow all instructions as usual, but place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool for 10 minutes, then coat with the sauce.
What air fryer do you use?
I use this air fryer, which I love. Whatever you have should work though! Depending on the size, you will likely have to make this recipe in two batches.
Pro tip: Popcorn chicken traditionally uses breast meat, but you are welcome to use thigh meat if you prefer.
Serving suggestions
I love to serve these air fryer popcorn chicken bites with ranch, celery and carrots. The ranch helps cut the spice from the buffalo a bit and the celery and carrots add the perfect little crunch on the side.
They pair perfectly with some other football appetizers like my sweet potato quesadillas, chickpea taquitos, red pepper hummus or bang bang cauliflower.
How to store
This air fryer popcorn chicken is definitely best served fresh, but will keep for up to 2 days in the fridge. You can reheat them in the air fryer or the oven until warm and crispy.
Can I freeze popcorn chicken?
I haven’t tried it myself, but I do think freezing will give you better results than storing in the fridge.
To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer safe bag and store for up to 2 months. I suggest reheating in the oven or air fryer to get that crispy texture back.
More air fryer recipes to try!
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out! Be sure to follow me on instagram and subscribe to my newsletter for more recipes.
Air Fryer Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
by: claire cary
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- ½ cup gluten free all purpose baking flour can sub for regular
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups gluten free breadcrumbs can sub for regular
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- ¼ cup ranch see notes
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite sized pieces (about 1 inch cubes).
- Whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic, salt and pepper.
- Add the flour/spice mixture on top of the chicken and toss to coat.
- Whisk together the eggs in a bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a second bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumbs.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- When all pieces have been coated, place in a pre-heated air fryer. You may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. You ideally want just one single layer of chicken to ensure it gets really crispy.
- Air fry at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway. After 10 minutes, check a piece to ensure it is cooked through, and add two more minutes as needed.
- When done, let cool for 10 minutes. Whisk together the ranch and buffalo sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Sabine L. Delmure says
These tendrils of GLUTEN free chicken and buffalo are to die for… RUN, don’t walk. Make sure you’ve secured an internet connection for this recipe, because your browser is going to try and blow your socks off with just how tasty and mouth-watering these bites are.
Buckle up, bite down, and prepare your tastebuds for these beautiful buffalo’d bites. With tender love and care,
Sabine L. Delmure, PhD MD SE-LA
Ann says
What English ingredient would be a suitable substitute for “ranch” and could you recommend a suitable air fryer please, I am very new to the idea of this way of cooking.
Thank you A C
Claire Cary says
Ranch isn’t very popular in Europe, your best bet is to just leave it out! The air fryer I use is link in the FAQ section of the post.