Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (2024)

by hintofhelen

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (1)

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KFC popcorn chicken recipe is made easy in the Actifry.

The batter is simple and made with ingredients most households have in the cupboards already. To get the KFC batter texture a seasoned flour mixture is used – the KFC secret spice mix is of course a secret – but this is pretty close!

The Actifry is perfect for recipes like this – minimal oil is used but the result is so crispy and delicious.

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (2)

These popcorn chicken pieces are amazing dipped into your favourite sauce or served with fresh salad and chips for a guilt-free snack. Even the kids will love these!

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (3)

I have many Actifry recipes on the blog and also an Actifry Facebook group if you’d like to join and be amongst the first to hear about new tips and recipes!

How to make KFC Popcorn chicken in the Actifry

Scroll down for recipe card and ingredient list

1. Cut the chicken breast into small popcorn sized pieces

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (4)

2. In a bowl add all the seasoned flour ingredients

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (5)

3. And mix to combine

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (6)

4. Then add 1 tbsp of this flour mixture to the chicken bowl

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (7)

5. Stir to coat the chicken evenly

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (8)

6. Then add the egg and again, stir to coat the chicken

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (9)

7. Next, transfer the chicken pieces into the bowl of seasoned flour – take care not to get much excess egg into the flour

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (10)

8. Pour 1 tbsp oil into the Actifry pan and shake the pan to coat the bottom

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (11)

9. Then add the battered chicken pieces and cook – if you have a Genius model use mode 3 for battered snack. If you have any other model cook for 8 minutes without the paddle, then add the paddle and cook for a further 5 minutes Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (12)

Yield: 2 People

Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (13)

Make KFC style popcorn chicken at home in your Actifry with this simple recipe. Minimal oil for a guilt-free fried chicken snack.

Prep Time10 minutes

Cook Time13 minutes

Total Time23 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Chicken Breasts
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil

Batter (Seasoned flour) mixture:

  • 3 Tbsp Plain Flour
  • 1 Tbsp Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Onion Granules
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground Basil
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground Oregano
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt

Instructions

  1. Chop the chicken into small popcorn sized pieces, then place into a bowl
  2. Mix together the batter ingredients in another bowl
  3. To the bowl of chicken add 1 tbsp seasoned flour mixture
  4. Stir to coat the chicken
  5. Then crack the egg into the chicken bowl and mix to coat the chicken pieces
  6. Next, transfer the eggy chicken pieces into the bowl of seasoned flour (use a fork to bring over a minimal amount of egg from the bowl
  7. Toss to fully coat the chicken in the flour mixture
  8. Next, place tbsp vegetable oil in the Actifry (swirl it round so the base is evenly coated)
  9. Place the battered chicken into the Actifry and cook for 13 minutes - I have a Genius model so I used the 'battered snack' mode - if you have a normal Actifry cook without the paddle for the first 8 minutes, then add the paddle for the final 5 - this will stop the batter coming off when cooking
  10. Once cooked serve with your favourite sides and dip

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Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1

Amount Per ServingCalories 305Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gCholesterol 195mgCarbohydrates 12gProtein 42g

See more: Actifry Recipes, American, By Ingredient, Chicken Recipes, Fast Food Style Recipes, Lunch, Recipes, Sides

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10 comments

Mr Konrad27th June 2019 - 9:01 am

Thanks, only got my Genius XL recently so was good to find a popcorn chicken recipe which tells me which mode to use!

Reply

Kath29th October 2019 - 6:32 pm

Sounds delicious! Would it be possible to increase the quantities to serve 3 (or even 4 people), or would that overload the ActiFry? I have the Genius XL. Many thanks!

Reply

Helen3rd November 2019 - 9:57 am

You can definitely up the quantity 🙂 cook it on the ‘breaded snacks’ mode in the Genius

Reply

Angela9th April 2020 - 5:23 pm

You may want to adjust this post, battered snack mode is mode 3, not mode 2 as stated in this post.

Reply

Helen R12th April 2020 - 9:55 am

Ah you’re right – thanks Angela. Mode 2 is breaded snacks, mode 3 is battered. The modes are quite interchangeable – I’ve updated in the recipe, thank you 🙂

Reply

SteveTTT31st October 2020 - 1:08 pm

I have the Actifry Original…and I have the Snacking Basket. I was thinking that I could put the battered chicken in the basket…and hopefully it would cook and keep all the batter on. What do you think?

Reply

Hint of Helen15th November 2020 - 9:15 am

Hi Steve! I put it in the main ‘pan’ as I’ve never owned a snacking basket – but imagine it’d be great in the basket too / that’s the type of thing it’s made for!

Reply

Lynn3rd March 2021 - 7:09 pm

I have the Actifry plus and I ordered the snack basket attachment – would this recipe work there?

Reply

Hint of Helen15th March 2021 - 10:52 am

Yes I think it would 🙂

Reply

Ellen29th May 2021 - 9:33 am

I have the Actifry original & really appreciated the tip to take the paddle out first 8 mins. It’s been sitting in my cupboard for years as I was only using it for shop bought frozen snacks. My chicken breasts were huge, so I cooked in 2 batches. Next time, I will add white pepper, tone down the paprika, add garlic powder & maybe some garam marsala. I served with aioli & the troops here loved it. Thank you 🙂

Reply

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Actifry Popcorn Chicken Recipe | Hint Of Helen (2024)

FAQs

How long do you put frozen popcorn chicken in an air fryer? ›

Add the frozen popcorn chicken to the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, turning them over with tongs or shaking the basket at the 5 minute mark. Transfer the popcorn chicken to a serving platter and serve with a dipping sauce.

How long to heat popcorn chicken? ›

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, place the popcorn chicken in a single. 3. Heat for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165º F.

What do you eat with popcorn chicken? ›

7 Sides To Accompany Popcorn Chicken
  • A dipping sauce. A dipping sauce is just perfect for popcorn chicken, especially the kind that hasn't been cooked in sauces. ...
  • Coleslaw. ...
  • Mac and cheese. ...
  • Celery and carrot sticks. ...
  • French fries. ...
  • Cornbread. ...
  • Salad.
Jul 22, 2022

How long to put KFC chicken in air fryer? ›

Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer. Repeat the process until all the chicken is cooked.

How do you know when popcorn chicken is done? ›

Make sure your chicken reaches a final temperature of 165 degrees. These Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken pieces should come out with a crispy and golden-brown color. The paprika and chili powder give it a great color and flavor. The double-coating of breading and spraying with olive oil make these pieces nice and crispy.

How long do you cook frozen popcorn chicken? ›

Heating Method

Preheat to 400 °F. * Place frozen pieces on a foil-lined baking sheet. * Heat 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through.

How do you keep popcorn chicken crispy? ›

Oven-warming for long-lasting crunch: To keep crispy dishes warm in the oven without compromising texture, place them on a wire rack and bake at 170 to 200 degrees. This method preserves the crunch for about 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring no crispness is lost when served.

Is frozen popcorn chicken precooked? ›

Most frozen breaded chicken products like chicken nuggets, strips, burgers, chicken fries, and popcorn chicken contain raw chicken. They may look pre-cooked or browned but they are raw inside.

Is it OK to eat cold popcorn chicken? ›

In fact, eating leftover fried chicken cold or even room temperature is safe as long as it hasn't spent more than two hours in the "danger zone," which is the USDA's term for temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, when bacteria grow fastest.

What culture is popcorn chicken from? ›

Taiwanese fried chicken (Chinese: 鹹酥雞; pinyin: xiánsūjī; Wade–Giles: hsien²su¹chi¹; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: kiâm-so͘-ke; also 鹽酥雞; yánsūjī; 'salty crispy chicken'), westernized as popcorn chicken, is a dish in Taiwanese cuisine commonly found as a street snack and in the night markets in Taiwan.

Why is it called popcorn chicken? ›

This is no ordinary fried chicken. Named popcorn chicken because it is similar in size and texture to popcorn, it's served in big buckets or paper bags and popped into the mouth using your hands or a wooden skewer.

Can you put aluminum foil in an air fryer? ›

Foil is safe to use in an air fryer so long as you follow three basic rules: never let foil touch the heating element; make sure the foil is weighted so it doesn't blow around the basket; and avoid contact with acidic ingredients, which can cause the foil to leach onto your food.

What is the best temperature to cook chicken in an air fryer? ›

After testing a variety of temperatures, I found that 375 degrees F is the best temperature for air frying chicken. Because the air fryer uses convection heat, you do not need to set it as high as you would an oven (in a regular oven, 425 degrees F is best for baking chicken, like Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast).

How do you know when chicken is done in air fryer? ›

Place chicken in the air fryer basket, presentation side down, and cook for 8 minutes at 375°F. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking until the thickest part registers 155°F on an instant-read thermometer, typically about 6 to 8 minutes longer.

How long does Tyson popcorn chicken go in the air fryer for? ›

How long does Tyson popcorn chicken go in the air fryer? You only need 14 minutes give or take depending on your air fryer. For frozen food most air fryers take the same amount of time.

What temperature do you cook Tyson popcorn chicken in the air fryer? ›

Preheat air fryerSet temperature to 400F and set timer for 8 minutesShake basket once during cooking to ensure even cooking This one is a no brainer.

Can I put frozen chicken directly in air fryer? ›

There's no need to thaw the chicken, just toss it in your air fryer straight out of the freezer. It's a quick and easy way to cook juicy chicken breasts! This post may contain affiliate links.

What temperature do you reheat popcorn chicken in an air fryer? ›

Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, heat the air fryer to 350 degrees F. Spray the basket with oil and cook 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time.

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