Air Fried Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Air Fried Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
For the Popcorn Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 egg, large
- 1 cup potato starch, or as needed for coating
- as needed cooking oil spray
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
- to taste seasoning, such as salt, pepper, or a spice blend
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and white pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands to ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min
- 3
After marinating, take each chicken piece and coat it individually in potato starch. Ensure each piece is fully covered with a thin, even layer of starch.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Place the coated chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Set the air fryer to 390°F and air fry for 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 390
- 6
After the initial air frying, open the air fryer and add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Tuck the basil leaves at the bottom of the basket, underneath or amongst the chicken pieces.
⏱️ 1 min
- 7
Continue air frying for an additional 3 minutes and 40 seconds, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
⏱️ 4 min•🌡️ 390
- 8
Once cooked, transfer the air-fried chicken and basil to a large bowl. Sprinkle generously with your preferred seasoning while the chicken is still hot. Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
⏱️ 2 min
- 9
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Air Fried Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
For the Popcorn Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 egg, large
- 1 cup potato starch, or as needed for coating
- as needed cooking oil spray
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, packed
- to taste seasoning, such as salt, pepper, or a spice blend
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and white pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands to ensure the chicken is well coated with the marinade.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min - 3
After marinating, take each chicken piece and coat it individually in potato starch. Ensure each piece is fully covered with a thin, even layer of starch.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Place the coated chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Set the air fryer to 390°F and air fry for 15 minutes.
⏱️ 15 min•🌡️ 390 - 6
After the initial air frying, open the air fryer and add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Tuck the basil leaves at the bottom of the basket, underneath or amongst the chicken pieces.
⏱️ 1 min - 7
Continue air frying for an additional 3 minutes and 40 seconds, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
⏱️ 4 min•🌡️ 390 - 8
Once cooked, transfer the air-fried chicken and basil to a large bowl. Sprinkle generously with your preferred seasoning while the chicken is still hot. Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
⏱️ 2 min - 9
Serve immediately and enjoy!