Why you’ll love this recipe
- These bite-sized nuggets are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack, offering a high-protein alternative to fast food.
- Using tapioca starch gives the chicken a unique, “pearl-like” crunch that is signature to authentic Taiwanese street food.
- The addition of fresh basil in the final minutes adds a sophisticated, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
Key Ingredients
- Tapioca Starch: Provides a distinct, light, and slightly chewy crunch that doesn’t get soggy as quickly as wheat flour.
- White Pepper: Offers a floral, sharp heat that is more traditional in Asian poultry dishes than black pepper.
- Fresh Basil: Essential for the classic popcorn chicken aroma; it fries quickly and becomes a crispy, flavorful garnish.
✅Quick Tips: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; leaving space between the pieces ensures the air can circulate for a 360-degree crunch.
Key Steps
- #1: Marinate the cubed thighs overnight to ensure every small bite is packed with garlic and soy flavor.
- #2: Coat the chicken in egg and starch just before cooking to prevent the starch from becoming a gummy paste.
- #3: Air fry at 425F for 15 minutes, flipping to ensure the bottom gets as crispy as the top and do another 15 mins.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Bites
Bite-sized chicken thighs are coated in a spiced tapioca starch and air-fried until extra crispy. This recipe is a family favorite for quick snacks or fun appetizers.
Ingredients:
Seasoning:
Instructions
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Season the chicken thigh and let it marinate overnight.
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When ready to air fry, add the egg into the chicken thigh, and coat it with tapioca starch.
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Before going into the air fryer, drizzle olive oil over.
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Air fry at 425F for 15 minutes, flip and do another 15 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, pop in basil leaves..
Air Fryer, Crispy, Popcorn Chicken, 15-min
