Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken
Your air fryer will make light work of these crispy chicken bites! For a twist on classic nuggets, we’ve used smoky chilli paste to create our Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken, and it worked out a treat! It’s a good job these freeze and reheat well…you’ll want to make sure there are spare portions for a rainy day.
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NutritionPer Serving
- Calories212
- Carbs20g
- Protein25g
- Fat2.8g
- Saturates0.6g
- Sugars6.2g
For the full list of ingredients and comprehensive instructions, please see the recipe card below. Before you scroll, there’s important stuff in the blurb!
Chipotle paste is made from jalapeño chillies that have been smoked and dried and then puréed into a flavour-boosting marinade. We love using it to add a deep, smoky flavour to all kinds of recipes, and it really shines in this easy chicken dish.
Mixed with sweet honey and smoked paprika, the chipotle paste creates a sticky sauce that soaks right into the chicken breast. Whether you leave it for an hour for subtle flavour, or overnight for a bigger impact, you won’t regret letting the marinade work its magic!
We’ve made our own breadcrumbs from a few slices of wholemeal bread, and they’ll stick to the marinated chicken without any need for egg (less mess…yay!). Pop the coated chicken chunks into your air fryer, and just 20 minutes later you’ll have popcorn chicken that gives the drive-through a run for its money. It doesn’t get better than that!
Don’t worry if you don’t have an air fryer – you can also make this recipe in an oven. Find the full method for Chipotle Popcorn Chicken here.
What diets is this Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken suitable for?
Our Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken can be enjoyed on a dairy-free diet. It can also be made gluten free, as long as you substitute the wholemeal bread for a gluten-free alternative.
If you’re cooking for people with allergies, be extra careful when checking ingredients and preparing food!
Do you need any special ingredients to make Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken?
This recipe uses so few ingredients! Chipotle paste is readily available in most supermarkets, so you should easily find it alongside the other jars of seasonings.
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You will need an air fryer to make this recipe. Any kind will do, but we love this Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer MAX, especially if you’re cooking for a family.
You’ll also need a food processor to blitz up your breadcrumbs. It’ll also come in handy for all kinds of soups, sauces and smoothies!
How many calories are in this Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken?
This Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken is included in our Everyday Light category because it contains just 212 calories per portion. For more delicious dishes all under 400 calories, take a look at other Everyday Light recipes!
This Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken recipe is ideal when following any of the larger diet plans such as Weight Watchers or counting calories.
The average woman needs around 2000kcal per day to maintain a healthy body weight, and men typically need slightly more at 2,500kcals, but you may want to reduce these if you are aiming to lose weight. You can find more information on the NHS website.
Step 1
In a mixing bowl combine the chipotle paste, honey, paprika and garlic granules and stir together.
Step 2
Add the chicken and stir until fully coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and pop in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour. For a more intense flavour leave overnight.
Step 3
Place the bread into a food processor and blitz into fine breadcrumbs. Pour out onto a plate.
Step 4
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C and line the basket with non-stick baking paper.
Step 5
Remove the chicken from the fridge and dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumbs, completely coating on all sides.
Step 6
Place the coated nuggets into the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the nuggets are crispy and golden. To test that the chicken is cooked, cut a piece in half. The juices should run clear and there should be no pinkness.
Step 7
Serve with your choice of accompaniment.
What could I serve with this Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken?
Our favourite way to serve this recipe is with a side of chips or fries. You could also add just about any vegetables or a salad!
How do you know when Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken is cooked?
You should cook this Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken until the chicken is golden on the outside, white in the middle and the juices run clear. This will take around 20 minutes.
To keep your family safe, the advice here in the UK is to cook food until it has reached 70°C and stayed at that temperature for 2 minutes.
How long can you keep Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken in the fridge?
Once you’ve served this dish, ideally you should eat it within 4 hours.
If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can keep leftover Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken?
This recipe absolutely can be frozen, but please do remember to do the following:
- Make sure that you freeze it as soon as it is cold enough.
- Choose a container or a bag that is suitable for freezing.
- Label your dish with the name of the recipe and the date that you froze it on.
How do I reheat Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken?
From chilled: Place in a microwavable container with a loosely fitting lid and heat for 4-7 minutes until piping hot. Alternatively, reheat in a moderate oven or air fryer until piping hot throughout.
From frozen: Allow to defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat from chilled.
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Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken
Your air fryer will make light work of these crispy chicken bites! For a twist on classic nuggets, we’ve used smoky chilli paste to create our Air Fryer Chipotle Popcorn Chicken, and it worked out a treat! It’s a good job these freeze and reheat well…you’ll want to make sure there are spare portions for a rainy day.
-
Prep Time
5 MINS
-
Cook Time
20 MINS
- KCals 212
- Carbs 20G
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl combine the chipotle paste, honey, paprika and garlic granules and stir together.
- Add the chicken and stir until fully coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and pop in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour. For a more intense flavour leave overnight.
- Place the bread into a food processor and blitz into fine breadcrumbs. Pour out onto a plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C and line the basket with non-stick baking paper.
- Remove the chicken from the fridge and dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumbs, completely coating on all sides.
- Place the coated nuggets into the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the nuggets are crispy and golden. To test that the chicken is cooked, cut a piece in half. The juices should run clear and there should be no pinkness.
- Serve with your choice of accompaniment.
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