Get ready to fall in love with snack time all over again with this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe. These bite-sized, juicy chicken morsels are bursting with smoky barbecue flavor, melty cheddar cheese, and a crispy golden panko coating—perfect for parties, game days, or just a crave-worthy weeknight treat. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines bold flavors with a lighter, homemade touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe plays a starring role, from the tender ground chicken to the smoky spices and sharp cheddar. These simple, everyday staples work together to create irresistible flavor and texture in every bite.
- Ground chicken: The perfect base for juicy, protein-packed poppers that soak up all the seasonings beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a gooey, savory richness and helps hold the poppers together.
- BBQ sauce: Infuses the chicken with sweet, tangy, and smoky notes; use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- Garlic powder: Lends a subtle, aromatic kick without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and a gentle sweetness that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous red hue to the poppers.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Gives just the right amount of warmth and a peppery finish.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Creates the ultimate crispy exterior; swap for gluten-free if needed.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures the poppers get perfectly crisp without sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness for garnish.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. This simple step ensures your poppers cook evenly and get that irresistible, crispy coating right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Popper Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the mixture, or the poppers can turn out dense.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Poppers
Scoop about one tablespoon of the chicken mixture and gently roll it into a ball using your hands. Then, lightly coat each ball in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick. Set the coated poppers aside on a plate as you go.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to keep the poppers from sticking. This also helps them get extra crispy without excess oil.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the chicken poppers in a single layer in the basket, making sure to leave a little space between each for even cooking. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re ready when golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your poppers to a serving platter while they’re still hot. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want a fresh, colorful finish.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is my go-to for a bright, herby touch that makes these poppers look as vibrant as they taste. For extra flair, you can also add a dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce right over the top.
Side Dishes
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe bites are fabulous with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, or a simple green salad. For a party platter, try pairing them with crunchy veggie sticks and a trio of dipping sauces to keep things fun and interactive.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, skewer a few poppers on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites. Or, nestle them into mini slider buns with a little lettuce and extra BBQ sauce for adorable mini sandwiches. They’re also perfect for topping a hearty salad or grain bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare in my house!), store the poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay moist and flavorful, perfect for quick snacks or lunchboxes.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked poppers cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, and you can reheat straight from frozen for busy days.
Reheating
For the best texture, pop the cold or frozen poppers back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through and crispy. The microwave works in a pinch, but they won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey will work just as well, offering a slightly different flavor profile but still keeping the poppers juicy and tender.
How do I make this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe gluten-free?
Just swap the regular panko breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy these poppers worry-free.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use whatever BBQ sauce you love—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy! Homemade or store-bought both work; just be sure it’s a flavor you enjoy since it really shines in this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe.
Can I make the chicken poppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the poppers and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. This makes them perfect for party prep or busy weeknights.
Do I need to flip the poppers while air frying?
Yes, flipping them halfway through helps both sides get evenly golden and crisp. If your air fryer is especially powerful, check a minute or two early to avoid over-browning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new favorite appetizer or snack, this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe truly delivers. With its irresistible flavors, easy prep, and healthier air-fried crunch, it’s sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 poppers (about 4 servings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers made with ground chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and smoky BBQ sauce, perfect for a healthy appetizer or snack. These golden brown bites cook quickly in the air fryer and offer a flavorful combination of spices, cheese, and tender chicken with a crispy breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating & Garnish
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form the Poppers: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Lightly coat each chicken ball in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even layer for crispiness. Set them aside on a plate.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry the Poppers: Place the chicken poppers in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each for air circulation. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella to vary the flavor profile.
- To make ahead, form the poppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to achieve crispy and evenly cooked poppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 poppers
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
