Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Poppers – Ready In 8 Minutes!

Air fryer frozen chicken poppers are the ultimate crispy snack made in a flash! No need to thaw or prep; just toss them into the air fryer, and in minutes, you’ll have golden-brown, perfectly crispy chicken poppers ready to serve. Ideal for parties, quick lunches, or even a snack for kids, these poppers deliver all the crunch and flavor without the hassle of traditional cooking methods.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Poppers

• Quick and Easy: These chicken poppers go straight from freezer to air fryer—no defrosting required! In just 8 minutes, you’ll have a delicious snack that’s faster and crisper than the microwave.
• Incredibly Crispy: The air fryer creates a beautiful, crunchy coating on each chicken popper, ensuring every bite is perfectly golden and satisfying.
• Perfect Party Appetizer: These chicken poppers are great for sharing, making them an easy, crowd-pleasing choice for gatherings, game days, or family movie nights.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the fried crunch without the added oil! The air fryer requires little to no oil, giving you a healthier version of your favorite snack.
• Kid-Approved: These chicken poppers are always a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re bite-sized, flavorful, and fun, making them a go-to for any occasion.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Poppers

• Frozen Chicken Poppers – The star of the recipe! Any brand of frozen chicken poppers works perfectly in the air fryer, delivering delicious, crispy bites.

For exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Poppers

• Air Fryer – Essential for achieving that crisp, golden coating without any added oil.
• Tongs – Handy for safely removing the hot chicken poppers from the air fryer basket.

How To Make Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Poppers

• Arrange the frozen chicken poppers in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• Insert the basket into the air fryer and set it to 360°F.
• Cook the chicken poppers for 8 minutes, letting the air fryer work its magic.
• Once done, take out the basket and let them cool slightly before serving—each popper should be golden and crispy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with classics like ranch, barbecue sauce, or apple sauce dip for extra flavor.
• Include these chicken poppers alongside other air-fried appetizers like mozzarella sticks or potato wedges for a crowd-pleasing variety.
• Add a crispy, savory twist to your favorite salad by using these poppers as a crunchy topping. For the salad options; special Greek tuna, apple coleslaw, or bologna salad.

Tips For Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best crispy texture, arrange the chicken poppers in a single layer without overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate around each piece, ensuring even browning and cooking.
• Shake the Basket Midway: Halfway through the cooking time, gently shake the basket to help the poppers cook evenly on all sides. This step can make a noticeable difference in their crispiness.
• Serve Immediately: Chicken poppers taste best when fresh out of the air fryer. Once they cool, the crispiness may reduce, so plan to enjoy them right away for maximum crunch.
• Experiment with Dips: Enhance your serving experience by offering a variety of dipping sauces. Try pairing with classic options like ketchup or ranch, or spice things up with Sriracha mayo or garlic aioli.
• Adjust Cooking Time if Needed: Air fryers can vary slightly in performance. If your chicken poppers aren’t as crispy as you’d like after 8 minutes, add another 1-2 minutes until you reach the desired level of crunchiness.

Variations And Substitutions

• Spicy Chicken Poppers: For a kick of heat, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or paprika over the frozen poppers before air frying. This will give them a spicy edge without overpowering the flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free chicken poppers if you’re catering to gluten-free dietary needs. Many brands offer gluten-free options that cook up just as crispy in the air fryer.
• Extra Crispy Coating: For even more crunch, spray a light coat of cooking oil on the poppers before cooking. This step enhances their golden color and adds an extra crispy layer.
• Add a Garlic Herb Flavor: Toss the cooked poppers in a garlic and herb seasoning blend for a flavor boost right out of the air fryer. You can also add grated Parmesan for a savory twist.
• Buffalo-Style Chicken Poppers: After air frying, toss the poppers in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce to create a Buffalo-style snack. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese for dipping.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover chicken poppers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To bring back the crispiness, reheat the chicken poppers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method helps maintain their crunchy texture without drying them out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the poppers soggy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the chicken poppers without preheating the air fryer?

Yes, there’s no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe. Just place the frozen chicken poppers directly into the air fryer basket and start cooking. The air fryer heats up quickly, so your poppers will cook evenly without preheating.

How do I make the chicken poppers extra crispy?

To make your poppers extra crispy, you can spray a light coat of cooking oil over them before air frying. This small step can add an extra layer of crunch and a beautiful golden color to each popper.

What if my air fryer doesn’t have a 360°F setting?

If your air fryer lacks a 360°F option, use the closest temperature, typically 350°F or 370°F, and keep an eye on them toward the end of cooking. If using 350°F, you may need an extra 1-2 minutes to achieve the same crispy results.

Can I cook different brands of chicken poppers in the air fryer?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any brand of frozen chicken poppers. Just make sure to place them in a single layer for even cooking and check for crispiness at the 8-minute mark.

Can I use a different seasoning after cooking?

Yes, you can easily add your favorite seasonings once they’re cooked! Garlic powder, Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper work great. Just toss the cooked poppers in your seasoning of choice for added flavor.

Other Easy Frozen Chicken Recipes

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs from Frozen: Enjoy perfectly crispy chicken thighs straight from frozen in the air fryer, with juicy meat and a golden, crunchy skin.

Pressure Cooker Frozen Chicken Thighs: These frozen chicken thighs cook up tender and full of flavor in the pressure cooker, saving you time without sacrificing taste.

Air Fryer Frozen Breaded Chicken Strips: Get restaurant-style breaded chicken strips right at home with the air fryer for a crispy, delicious snack in minutes.

Easy Frozen Chicken Kiev in Air Fryer: Air fry frozen Chicken Kiev for a perfectly crispy crust and a gooey, garlicky center that’s ready in a flash.

Quick Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Parm: Whip up a classic chicken parm with a crispy air-fried coating and melted cheese—all starting with frozen chicken!

Cheesy Frozen Chicken Enchiladas in Air Fryer: Air fry these frozen enchiladas for a cheesy, melty inside and lightly crisped tortillas, perfect for a quick Mexican-inspired meal.

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Fries Recipe: These chicken fries are quick, crispy, and delicious straight from the air fryer, making them an easy snack or side dish.

 

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Bacon Wrapped Steak Bites in Air Fryer
• Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin
• Crunchy Air Fryer Fried Smelts Recipe