How to make frozen popcorn chicken better

Q: Can you marinate frozen Popcorn Chicken?

Yes, the chicken can marinate while its thawing in the fridge. As it thaws, the meat will absorb the flavors of the marinade. Never thaw chicken at room temperature as it can be exposed to harmful bacteria.

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Ingredients
Directions
Nutrition Facts
Recommended Video
Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken
How to Cook Frozen Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer
Cooking Tips
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Popcorn
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken
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Can you marinate frozen Popcorn Chicken?
Can you pan fry frozen Popcorn Chicken?
Can you eat frozen Popcorn Chicken?
Is frozen Popcorn Chicken already cooked?

Vegetarian

Vegan

Contains cheese

Gluten free

Nut free

Dairy free

No shellfish

No tree nuts

No white meat

No red meat

Contains Pasta

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Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Makes

4 servings

This sweet and sour chicken dish is one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Pre-cooked, frozen popcorn chicken simmered in a thick, homemade sweet-and-sour sauce is the secret to this fast and fabulous recipe. And what a great way to dress up frozen chicken nuggets! —Amy Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan

Sweet-and-Sour Popcorn Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) frozen popcorn chicken
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 medium green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 can (20 ounces) unsweetened pineapple chunks
3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Hot cooked rice, optional
Optional toppings: green onions and sesame seeds

Directions

Microwave chicken according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add green pepper and onion; stir-fry until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes. Drain pineapple, reserving the juice in a 2-cup measuring cup; set pineapple aside. Add enough water to the juice to measure 1-1/3 cups; stir in vinegar, soy sauce and ketchup.
In a large bowl, combine brown sugar and cornstarch. Stir in pineapple juice mixture until smooth. Gradually add to the skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in chicken and pineapple; heat through. If desired, serve with rice and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 441 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 1143mg sodium, 65g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.

Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken

If you want an amazingly fast and easy recipe to make for dinner tonight, you should try frozen popcorn chicken in the air fryer! Not only are they cooked to golden and crispy perfection, but they are so simple to make as well.

For this recipe I used the Kirkwood brand of popcorn chicken, but you can use any brand that you like!

Use your air fryer to cook frozen popcorn chicken to perfection by following the instructions below.

How to Cook Frozen Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer

I like to keep a bag of these popcorn chicken in the freezer so I have it on hand when I’m in the mood or just need a quick snack for some hungry kids!

All you need to make this recipe is your air fryer, non-stick cooking oil spray, and the frozen popcorn chicken!

The first step is to spray the air fryer basket with the non-stick cooking spray or brush it lightly with some vegetable or olive oil. This helps prevent the food from sticking to the basket.

Next pour in some of the frozen popcorn chicken. Make sure it is in a single layer and not on top of each other.

Then set the temperature to 400F for 8 minutes cook time.

After 4 minutes, take the basket out and shake it well to toss the popcorn chicken. This helps promote even browning on all sides.

Then return the basket to the air fryer and let it finish cooking.

When done, remove the popcorn chicken and enjoy warm!

Cooking Tips

Let the chicken cool down slightly before serving to children.
For this recipe, you don’t need to worry about defrosting. Just put the chicken in the air fryer right from frozen.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Popcorn

You can serve this delicious chicken bites on their own as a snack, or alongside some other sides for a more filling meal!

They are also great dipped in some ketchup or BBQ sauce!

Here are some ideas for what to serve with these popcorn chicken:

Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Rainbow Vegetables Recipe – Easy Healthy Oven Roasted Veggies!
Instant Pot Steamed Sugar Snap Peas
Air Fryer Frozen Coconut Shrimp
Air Fryer Frozen Salmon Power Bites

You can serve some appetizers for a crowd or just enjoy for dinner as a family meal! Either way, adults and kids alike will love these popcorn chicken bites!

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you should try these other frozen air fryer recipes as well. These are some of my favorite go-to meals for fast and easy meals for my family!

Frozen Air Fryer Potstickers
Air Fryer Frozen Burrito
Air Fryer Frozen Coconut Shrimp
Roasted Sugar Snap Peas in the Air Fryer
Air Fryer Frozen Corn Dogs

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Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken

Do you love popcorn chicken as much as I do? For this recipe all you need to do is put frozen popcorn chicken in your air fryer and it will turn out perfectly golden brown and crispy!

Cook Time8 mins

Total Time8 mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: breaded chicken, chicken

Cooking Method: Air Fryer

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 210kcal

1 Package frozen Popcorn Chicken

First lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with vegetable oil.
Then pour the chicken into the basket and make sure they are in a single layer.
Then set the temperature to 400F for 8 minutes.
After 4 minutes of cooking, remove the basket and shake to toss the popcorn chicken.
Replace basket in the air fryer and let it finish cooking.
When done, serve warm and enjoy!

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Can you marinate frozen Popcorn Chicken?

Yes, the chicken can marinate while it's thawing in the fridge. As it thaws, the meat will absorb the flavors of the marinade. Never thaw chicken at room temperature as it can be exposed to harmful bacteria.

Can you pan fry frozen Popcorn Chicken?

Deep Fry: 1. Heat oil to 350 degree F. 2. Fry frozen Popcorn Chicken 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.

Can you eat frozen Popcorn Chicken?

Air fried frozen popcorn chicken is best served with a tangy dipping sauce like plum sauce or sweet and sour sauce. It makes a great appetizer this way. If you want to eat popcorn chicken as part of a larger meal, you can always make another side like frozen waffles fries or even homemade French fries!

Is frozen Popcorn Chicken already cooked?

These chicken chunks are perfect for dipping, snacking, or used as a salad or pasta topper. Simply heat what you need and store the rest for later! From freezer to table in minutes - PERDUE® Popcorn Chicken Bites are frozen and fully cooked for your convenience.