Gluten Free Popcorn Chicken
Crispy, juicy, and super easy, this gluten free popcorn chicken is everything you love about takeout, made healthier at home! It’s golden brown on the outside, tender on the inside, and made with simple real food ingredients you probably already have.
Whether you’re gluten free like I am or just looking for a fun, family-friendly meal or snack, this air fryer popcorn chicken delivers big flavor without the deep fryer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Crunchy – Thanks to the air fryer and a simple gluten free coating, these bites are ultra-crispy without being greasy.
- Totally Gluten Free – Made with gluten free flour, no one will even miss the gluten.
- Kid-Approved – Perfectly poppable and fun to eat—kids (and adults!) go crazy for them.
- High Protein – Made with real chicken breast for a satisfying and nourishing snack or meal.
- Air Fryer Magic – No deep frying required! Just 10 minutes in the air fryer and done.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready.
- Versatile – Serve them as an appetizer, game day snack, weeknight dinner, or pack them in lunches.
- Check out this Gluten Free Fried Chicken for another delicious chicken recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this gluten free popcorn chicken recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.
First, choose boneless skinless chicken breast. If possible, use organic antibiotic-free chicken. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw completely.
Whisk an egg for the egg wash.
Use gluten free flour for the breading. I recommend using King Arthur Flour or Bob’s Red Mill.
Season the breading with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Taste & Texture
These gluten free popcorn chicken bites are crispy on the outside with a juicy, tender center.
They’re savory, lightly seasoned, and totally crave-worthy. Each bite has the satisfying crunch you expect from fried food, without the heavy, greasy feel.
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Step 1
First, cut the chicken into small pieces.
Step 2
Add the whisked egg to a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the gluten free flour, sea salt, pepper, and garlic.
Step 3
Dip each piece of chicken in the egg wash. Coat thoroughly.
Step 4
Then, dredge in the dry mixture until fully covered. Place in the air fryer basket. Repeat for the remaining chicken.
Step 5
Generously spray with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. If desired, flip the chicken over after 5 minutes.
Step 6
Finally, remove from the air fryer and serve!
How to Make Oven Baked Popcorn Chicken
Step 1
First, cut the chicken into small pieces. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Add the whisked egg to a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the gluten free flour, sea salt, pepper, and garlic.
Step 3
Dip each piece of chicken in the egg wash. Coat thoroughly.
Step 4
Then, dredge in the dry mixture until fully covered. Place on a baking pan. Repeat for the remaining chicken.
Step 5
Generously spray with olive oil spray. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes. If desired, flip the chicken over after 10 minutes.
Step 6
Finally, remove from the oven and serve!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Follow these tips and tricks to make the perfect gluten free popcorn chicken.
- Cut chicken evenly – Uniform sizes help everything cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches if needed for max crispiness.
- Double dip for extra crunch – Dip in egg, then coating, back to egg, and coating again.
- Use olive oil spray – Generously spray the chicken to prevent sticking and increase crispiness.
- Check internal temp – Make sure chicken reaches 165°F for safe eating.
How to Serve & Store
Serve your crispy gluten free popcorn chicken with your choice of sauce and side dishes. I love air fryer sweet potatoes, air fryer hash browns, and air fryer potato wedges.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes or bake at 400°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 380°F for 8–10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, KFC popcorn chicken is not gluten free. It is made with their traditional wheat based coating.
Popcorn chicken gets its name from its small shape, resembling popcorn.
Popcorn chicken is made with chicken, breading (gluten free in this case), and seasonings.
Equipment Needed
Air Fryer: This air fryer is great for making gluten free popcorn chicken.
Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
You May Also Like
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
- Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Bacon
- Gluten Free Orange Chicken
- Baked Chicken Thighs
If you make this gluten free popcorn chicken recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, see these Lunch and Dinner Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 cup gluten free flour
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- olive oil spray
Instructions
Air Fryer Method
- First, cut the chicken into small pieces.
- Add the whisked egg to a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the gluten free flour, sea salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg wash. Coat thoroughly.
- Then, dredge in the dry mixture until fully covered. Place in the air fryer basket. Repeat for the remaining chicken.
- Generously spray with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. If desired, flip the chicken over after 5 minutes.
- Finally, remove from the air fryer and serve!
Oven Method
- First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. cut the chicken into small pieces.
- Add the whisked egg to a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the gluten free flour, sea salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg wash. Coat thoroughly.
- Then, dredge in the dry mixture until fully covered. Place on a baking pan. Repeat for the remaining chicken.
- Generously spray with olive oil spray. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes. If desired, flip the chicken over after 10 minutes.
- Finally, remove from the oven and serve!
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken breast for the best texture.
- I love King Arthur Flour and Bob’s Red Mill for gluten free flour.
- Coat in the dry breading mixture thoroughly.
- Generously spray the chicken pieces with olive oil spray. This helps it become crispy.
- If needed, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It must be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or oven.
- Check out all of my kitchen favorites!
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