Nothing says party like these irresistible Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe! Bursting with smoky barbecue flavor, gooey cheddar cheese, and perfectly seasoned ground chicken, these bite-sized delights are a game changer for appetizer time. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they come together quickly thanks to the magic of the air fryer, making them a go-to dish when you need something speedy but spectacular. Whether you’re serving friends, family, or simply snacking solo, this recipe brings comfort, color, and bold taste that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the tender ground chicken to the sharp cheddar and smoky spices, everything plays an essential role in making these poppers both delicious and visually appealing.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean, juicy base that keeps these poppers moist and meaty.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, melty richness that no one can resist.
- â…“ cup BBQ sauce: Brings that trademark smoky sweetness that screams summer cookout.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs: Provides structure and a slight crispness when air fried.
- 1 egg: Acts as the perfect binder to hold everything together.
- 2 green onions (finely chopped): Infuses fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Lends savory depth and warmth.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall aromatic profile without overpowering.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Delivers a subtle smoky kick complementing the BBQ sauce.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds just enough heat and complexity.
- Nonstick spray: Ensures your poppers come out perfectly golden without sticking.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F, giving it 3 to 5 minutes to warm up. This step helps ensure those chicken poppers cook evenly and develop a beautiful crispy exterior right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar, BBQ sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything until the ingredients are fully integrated. This ensures every popper is packed with flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Shape the Poppers
For uniform cooking, form the mixture into 1-inch-sized poppers. Using a cookie scoop or your hands works perfectly. Making them consistent in size is the secret to cooking them evenly throughout without any popping open or drying out.
Step 4: Prepare and Air Fry
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the poppers in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching each other. Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown all sides beautifully. Your poppers are done when golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Remove the poppers carefully and serve them piping hot with extra BBQ sauce for dipping. This adds an additional punch of tangy, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the smoky chicken.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe from tasty to outstanding. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for a bright herbal note and a burst of vibrant color that enhances presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these poppers with creamy coleslaw, a fresh garden salad, or even some crispy sweet potato fries. These sides complement the smoky richness of the chicken without overpowering the balanced flavor profile.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve the poppers on a platter with small ramekins of varied dips like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo. You can also thread a popper onto cocktail picks along with a pickle chunk or cherry tomato for a fun, bite-size appetizer experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra poppers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to enjoy as a quick snack or addition to your next meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked poppers by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, add 3 to 4 extra minutes to the air frying time to ensure they cook through evenly from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat leftover poppers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely crunchy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well with the spices and BBQ sauce in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey can vary slightly in moisture content.
Is it necessary to use breadcrumbs?
Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and add texture, but if you prefer gluten-free or low-carb options, you can substitute with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs without sacrificing taste.
How spicy are these poppers?
This recipe has a mild smoky flavor with a subtle warmth thanks to smoked paprika, making it suitable for all taste preferences. You can always amp up the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mix.
Can I make these ahead and cook later?
Yes! You can prepare the poppers in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking. This flexibility is perfect for meal prepping or last-minute entertaining.
What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
Besides extra BBQ sauce, popular choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, blue cheese dip, or even a tangy chipotle mayo. These options complement the smoky, cheesy poppers beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly delightful about the ease, flavor, and texture of the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe. Once you try these, they’ll become one of your favorite go-to snacks or appetizers, perfect for any occasion from casual family dinners to lively get-togethers. So grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to wow yourself and your loved ones with every delicious bite!
