Get ready to fall in love with these tantalizing Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers! They’re juicy, flavorful bites that are perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer, and they’re a breeze to whip up. Utilizing the magic of the air fryer, these poppers come out crisp and delicious without the fuss of deep frying. Let’s dive in and make your taste buds dance with joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, these poppers are ready before you know it.
- Healthy Crunch: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that delightful crunch without extra oil.
- Versatile Flavors: Easily modify the seasoning to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These poppers are great as party appetizers or a fun family snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the texture and flavor profile, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last.
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: Provides the perfect base for juicy, tender poppers.
- Almond Flour: A healthy alternative to breadcrumbs, adding crunch and keeping it gluten-free.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Packs a punch of flavor that’s subtle yet impactful.
- Diced Jalapeños (Optional): For those who love a bit of heat!
- BBQ Sauce: Coats each popper with a sweet and tangy finish.
Variations
What makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser is how customizable it is. Feel free to switch it up based on what you’ve got in your pantry, or cater to specific dietary preferences with ease.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for fiery poppers.
- Cheesy Delight: Incorporate shredded cheddar for a gooey, cheesy center.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh twist.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers
Step 1: Prepare Your Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onions, and your choice of diced jalapeños. Add in the beaten egg and almond flour, mixing thoroughly with a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Form and Coat the Poppers
Roll the chicken mixture into golf ball-sized rounds. In a separate bowl, blend all the coating ingredients together. Gently roll each popper in the coating, ensuring an even cover for that delightful crunch.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, place the coated poppers inside in a single layer, and cook at 400°F for 13 minutes. Remember to flip halfway through for optimal crispiness and give them a spritz of cooking spray.
Step 4: Toss in BBQ Sauce and Serve
Once cooked, remove the poppers and toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve immediately alongside homemade ranch dressing with some refreshing celery and carrots.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers
- Optimal Crispiness: Ensure poppers have space in the air fryer; packing them too tightly will prevent even cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Let the seasoned chicken sit for 15 minutes before coating for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Perfect Coating: Press the almond flour coating firmly onto each popper to ensure it sticks during cooking.
- Sauce Selection: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to match your taste mood, from smoky to sweet.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich BBQ flavor of the chicken poppers.
Side Dishes
Pair these delicious poppers with classic side dishes like crunchy coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or even some buttery cornbread to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these poppers on a rustic wooden platter with dipping sauce bowls nestled in, surrounded by colorful veggies or even a bed of greens for a visually appealing dish that excites as much as it delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. They make a great quick snack or lunch option for the next day!
Freezing
These chicken poppers freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, retaining all their deliciousness.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F, or until they’re heated through. This method keeps them crispy and fresh-tasting, as if you just made them.
FAQs
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Can I make these poppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them up to the coating stage, then freeze or refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Perfect for meal prep!
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What other sauces work well with these poppers?
You can experiment with hot sauce, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
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Is it possible to bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through until they are golden and cooked through.
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What can I use instead of almond flour?
If almond flour isn’t your grain of choice, regular breadcrumbs or panko work as great alternatives for that crunchy exterior.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers are sure to become a regular in your kitchen repertoire. Easy to make, full of flavor, and endlessly adaptable, they offer a healthier yet scrumptious option for chicken lovers everywhere. Give them a try and watch them disappear right off the plate!
Print
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes (air fryer) or 15 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 23 minutes (air fryer) or 25 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 18 Poppers
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers recipe offers a delicious, healthy twist on classic chicken bites, using ground poultry mixed with seasonings and coated in a crispy almond flour crust. Perfect for quick snacks, parties, or family dinners, these poppers are infused with smoky BBQ flavor and served with homemade ranch and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken or ground turkey
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp diced jalapenos (optional)
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce
Coating
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced onions, and jalapenos if using. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Add eggs and almond flour: Stir in the beaten egg and 1/3 cup almond flour until the mixture is fully combined and cohesive.
- Form the balls: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions, about 18 in total, and place aside.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat the balls: Carefully roll each meatball into the almond flour mixture until evenly coated, then place onto a plate or tray.
- Cook in the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the coated meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Finish and serve: Remove cooked poppers from the air fryer, toss in the BBQ sauce until well coated, and serve immediately with homemade ranch dressing and fresh celery and carrots.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or any lean poultry.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapenos according to taste.
- For oven baking, cook in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve with fresh vegetables for a complete and nutritious snack or meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper (about 50g)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
