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
Scale
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
