Crispy Air Fryer Gravy Chicken Poppers
Delicious bite-sized chicken poppers coated in crispy breadcrumbs, served with gravy for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1.0 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1.0 cup buttermilk
- 1.0 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.0 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.0 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1.0 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.0 large egg
- 1.0 cup homemade or store-bought gravy, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum tenderness.
- Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, crack the egg and whisk it until well combined. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Take a piece of chicken, coat it in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it evenly in the breadcrumbs. Repeat with all pieces of chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken poppers in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with more cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry the chicken poppers at 380°F (193°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove the crispy chicken poppers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve with warm gravy for dipping, along with your favorite sides.
Notes
Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance tenderness.