Weight Watchers Popcorn Chicken (Air Fryer) Recipe
Weight Watchers Popcorn Chicken (Air Fryer) Recipe. If you’re in the mood for a tasty snack, lunch, or dinner that’s easy to make, you’ve got to try this WW friendly chicken recipe.
It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves the crispy, savory goodness of fried chicken, but wants to keep things simple and fuss-free. What’s great about this recipe is its straightforward approach.
You just need some basic spices like salt, paprika, and garlic powder, along with chicken, of course. The magic happens in an air fryer, which turns these humble ingredients into crunchy, golden bites of deliciousness.
The spices blend to give a flavor that’s both bold and satisfying, while the air fryer ensures each piece is cooked to crispy perfection.
What’s more, this popcorn chicken is versatile. It’s a great addition to any meal, whether you’re settling down for a movie night or serving up a feast for friends.
It’s super easy to whip up. You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to nail this recipe. So, next time you’re in need of a quick, tasty snack that’s sure to be a hit, remember this popcorn chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
Weight Watchers Points
1 Point (2022/2024 Plan)
MyWW Plan – 1 Blue Plan and 3 Green Plan
1 WW Freestyle Point and 3 Smart Points
Tips and Tricks
Seasoning the Chicken
Mix the seasoning blend thoroughly before sprinkling it over the chicken. This ensures that all the spices are evenly distributed, giving the chicken a balanced flavor.
Coating with Cornstarch
Ensure the chicken pieces are well-coated with the cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch helps create a crispy outer layer when cooked in the air fryer.
Shaking Off Excess
Shake off any excess cornstarch from the chicken using a fine mesh strainer. This prevents clumping and ensures an even coating.
Air Fryer Basket
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, cooking them evenly and making them crispy.
Cooking in Batches
If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy chicken.
Spraying with Cooking Spray
Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before and halfway through cooking. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior without adding too much oil.
Checking Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the air-fried chicken with a dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. Pair it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Related Recipes
Weight Watchers Southern (Air) Fried Chicken
Weight Watchers Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Weight Watchers Chicken Fingers (And Barbecue Sauce)
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Weight Watchers Popcorn Chicken (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon dried sage
- ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, paprika, black pepper, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and sage. Save 1 teaspoon of this mixture for later.
- Sprinkle the rest of the seasoning over the chicken in the medium bowl. Toss the chicken so it's fully covered in the seasoning.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine cornstarch and the 1 teaspoon of seasoning you saved earlier. Close the bag and shake it to mix.
- Place the seasoned chicken into the bag. Seal it and shake again to coat the chicken evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
- Put the chicken in a fine mesh strainer and shake off any extra cornstarch. Let the chicken sit for 5 to 10 minutes until the cornstarch sticks to it.
- Turn on the air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket. Don't let the pieces touch each other. You might need to cook in two batches if your air fryer isn't big enough.
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 4 minutes. Then shake the basket and spray the chicken again, making sure there are no dry spots.
- Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the juices are clear. Use a thermometer to check that the chicken's internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Notes
Nutrition
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