Description
These Crispy Popcorn Chicken Bites are incredibly addictive, bite-sized pieces of chicken that are marinated for tenderness, coated in a flavorful blend of spices, and fried to golden perfection. They are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun meal. This recipe offers options for frying in oil or using an air fryer, making it accessible to everyone. Get ready for a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch in every bite!
1️⃣Popcorn Chicken Bites
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp chicken bouillon
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne or chili powder (optional)
Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate: Toss chicken in buttermilk. Chill 20–60 minutes for tenderness.
- Dredge: Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices. Coat chicken well.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Drain & season: Rest on a rack; sprinkle lightly with salt.
Sauce Toss Ideas (Optional)
- Honey Garlic: Butter + garlic + honey + soy
- Bang Bang: Mayo + sweet chili + sriracha
- Buffalo: Hot sauce + melted butter
- Salt & Pepper: Garlic, green onion, cracked pepper
Air Fryer Option
- Spray coated chicken with oil.
- Air fry 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Serve With
- Ranch or garlic aioli
- Sweet chili sauce
- Lemon wedges or pickles
2️⃣Popcorn Steak Bites
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp steak seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate: Toss steak bites in buttermilk. Chill 20–45 minutes (don’t over-marinate).
- Dredge: Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices. Coat steak well.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C. Fry in batches 2–3 minutes until golden and just cooked.
- Drain & season: Rest on a rack; sprinkle with salt.
Quick Toss Sauces (Optional)
- Garlic Butter: Melted butter + garlic + parsley
- Peppercorn: Cream + cracked pepper + splash Worcestershire
- Sweet Chili: Sweet chili sauce + lime
- Steakhouse: Butter + soy + Dijon + honey
Air Fryer Option
- Lightly spray coated steak with oil.
- Air fry 400°F / 205°C for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Serve With
- Garlic aioli or ranch
- Horseradish cream
- Lemon wedges + flaky salt
3️⃣Popcorn Pork Bites
Ingredients
1 lb pork shoulder or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup buttermilk
¾ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne (optional)
Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate: Toss pork in buttermilk. Chill 20–60 minutes.
- Dredge: Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices. Coat pork well.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C. Fry in batches 3–4 minutes until deep golden and cooked through.
- Drain & season: Rest on a rack; sprinkle with salt.
Quick Toss Options (after frying)
- Honey Garlic: Warm honey + soy sauce + garlic + butter
- Sweet Chili: Sweet chili sauce + splash of lime
- BBQ: Brush with warm BBQ sauce
- Salt & Pepper: Finish with cracked pepper and flaky salt
Air Fryer Option
- Spray coated pork lightly with oil.
- Air fry 400°F / 205°C for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
Serve With
- Ranch or garlic aioli
- Bang bang sauce
- Pickles + lemon wedges
4️⃣Popcorn Shrimp Bites
Ingredients
1 lb small shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails off)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1–1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Instructions
- Season shrimp: Pat shrimp very dry. Toss with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Bread:
- Dredge shrimp in flour (shake off excess)
- Dip into beaten eggs
- Coat generously with panko, pressing lightly
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry in batches 2–3 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Drain: Transfer to a rack or paper towels. Lightly salt while hot.
Air Fryer Option
- Spray breaded shrimp lightly with oil.
- Air fry 400°F (205°C) for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway.
Oven Option
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flip once.
Dipping Sauces (Quick)
- Bang Bang: Mayo + sweet chili + sriracha
- Garlic Aioli: Mayo + garlic + lemon
- Honey Mustard or Cocktail Sauce
