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    Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

    How to Cook Frozen Popcorn Chicken in Air Fryer

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on April 1, 2022, updated December 13, 2022 - Leave a Comment

    Total time: 9 minutes minutes
    5 from 2 votes
    Jump to Recipe

    With no prep time & 8 minutes of cooking you can cook the best Frozen Popcorn Chicken in Air Fryer. Perfectly crispy and golden, and all ready to serve with your favorite dipping sauces!

    popcorn chicken on a plat next to a dipping sauce.
    Jump to:
    • Why you will love this recipe
    • What you need to make them
    • How to make them
    • Tips & tricks
    • Recipe FAQ
    • More quick & easy air fryer chicken recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Popcorn chicken makes such a great snack, appetizer or protein part of a meal - what crispy chicken doesn't?! It's great to have a bag on hand in the freezer for all you snacking needs - just add your favorite dipping sauce, and you're ready for a party.

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    Why you will love this recipe

    • It's the best way to cook frozen popcorn chicken
    • Quicker than to bake them in the oven
    • Less greasy than deep frying them
    • Super easy and done in just 8 minutes + 5 minutes of preheating

    What you need to make them

    frozen popcorn chicken on a white plate.

    Ingredient notes & substitutions

    • Frozen popcorn chicken: You can use any kind, store bought or homemade. Some good brands include Tyson, Foster Farms and Perdue.

    How to make them

    collage showing how to air fry frozen popcorn chicken.
    1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and bring out the frozen popcorn chicken
    2. Spread the popcorn chicken out evenly in the air fryer basket
    3. Air fry for 8 minutes, then check to make sure they are done. If not, add a little bit more time.

    Tips & tricks

    • Preheat the air fryer for the very best results
    • Don't defrost the popcorn chicken, cook them straight from frozen
    • Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket - cook popcorn chicken in a single layer
    • No need to flip or shake them - they will still get a nice color on all sides
    • Adjust cook time depending on the size of the chicken pieces - this can vary a lot
    • Cook time can vary with different air fryers
    • Store leftover popcorn chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days - but I recommend not air frying more than you will finish
    popcorn chicken on a plat next to a dipping sauce.

    Recipe FAQ

    How long do you cook Tyson popcorn chicken in the air fryer?

    Air fry Tyson popcorn chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, then check to make sure they are done.

    How long do you cook Foster Farms popcorn chicken in an air fryer?

    Air fry Foster Farms' popcorn chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes, then check to make sure they are done.

    Is frozen popcorn chicken precooked?

    Frozen popcorn chicken is generally precooked, but please check the package to be sure. Even if it is precooked, frozen food should always be heated to 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

    What should I do if the popcorn chicken isn't crispy?

    If the popcorn chicken isn't crispy, just cook a few minutes longer.

    popcorn chicken on a plat next to a dipping sauce.

    More quick & easy air fryer chicken recipes

    Looking for more quick & easy air fryer chicken recipes?

    • Frozen Fried Chicken
    • Chicken Nuggets
    • Chicken Drumsticks
    • Frozen Chicken Wings
    • Chicken Tenders

    Did you love this recipe? Rate it five stars!
    ...and let me know what you loved about it in the comments.

    Recipe

    popcorn chicken on a plat next to a dipping sauce.

    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken

    5 from 2 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: North American
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 146kcal
    Cook time: 4 minutes mins
    Preheating 5 minutes minutes
    Total time: 9 minutes minutes
    Author: Emmeline Kemperyd
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    Ingredients

    • 12 frozen popcorn chicken

    Instructions

    • Preheat the air fryer by running it at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
    • Spread out the popcorn chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
      12 frozen popcorn chicken
    • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
    • Check to make sure they are done, and then serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!

    Equipment (may contain affiliate links)

    • Air Fryer*

    Notes

    This recipe was tested in a Philips HD9252/90 Air Fryer* and a Ninja Foodi DZ401 DualZone XL Air Fryer*. Cook time can vary with your air fryer model.
     

    Ingredient notes

    • Frozen popcorn chicken: You can use any kind, store bought or homemade. Some good brands include Tyson, Foster Farms and Perdue.
     

    Tips & tricks

    • Preheat the air fryer for the very best results
    • Don't defrost the popcorn chicken, cook them straight from frozen
    • Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket - cook popcorn chicken in a single layer
    • No need to flip or shake them - they will still get a nice color on all sides
    • Adjust cook time depending on the size of the chicken pieces - this can vary a lot
    • Cook time can vary with different air fryers
    • Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days - but I recommend not air frying more than you will finish
     
    Nutrition facts provided is for Tyson Any'tizers Popcorn Chicken. Nutritional content will vary with the brand you choose.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 514mg | Fiber: 2g

    Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.

    Did you make this? Tag me today!Tag @alwaysusebutter and use the hashtag #alwaysusebutter!

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      Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenders
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      Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
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      Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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