Instant Vortex Air Fryer - Honey Popcorn Chicken

Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 30-60 min
Cooking technique: Air Fry

INGREDIENTS:

For the Popcorn Chicken:

• 2 eggs
• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups crushed corn flakes or panko
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Cooking oil spray

For Hot Honey Sauce:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 6 tbsp honey

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, add chicken, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix all the ingredients and rub all over the chicken. Marinate for at least half an hour.

2. Beat the eggs in a large bowl, add the chicken and toss well to coat. In a separate bowl, combine the cornflake crumbs and flour.

3. Coat the chicken through the crumbs, covering fully and place on the prepared baking sheet

4. Spray cooking oil lightly on all sides of the chicken.

5. Select -Air Fry- set the temperature to 400 °F and time to 12 mins.  Press Start. 

6. Once the air fryer is preheated, open the air fryer basket, and place the chicken not touching each other. 

7. Once the Air fryer shows the ‘Turn Food’ signal, open the basket, and turn the chicken. Close the basket to continue to cook.

8. Once the cooking cycle is done, remove the chicken. Follow the same steps with the remaining chicken.

9. Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a small skillet, melt together the butter and garlic over medium heat.

10. Cook until the garlic turns golden, and then add honey, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, chili flakes, and soy sauce.

11. Drizzle or pour the warm sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat.

12. Serve warm!