If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly easy to whip up, let me introduce you to the superstar of appetizers: the Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe. These little bites pack juicy ground chicken with a smoky, tangy BBQ coating, crisped to perfection in the air fryer. Whether for game day, an impromptu party, or just a fun family dinner, these poppers hit every note of comfort and excitement all at once, making them impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, creating a beautiful balance of texture, flavor, and color that makes these chicken poppers so addictive. The simplicity of the list belies the delicious complexity they bring to the table.
- 2 lbs ground chicken or ground turkey: Provides a lean, tender base full of protein that absorbs the seasoning beautifully.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold all your ingredients together perfectly.
- 1/3 cup almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps give the poppers their tender yet sturdy texture inside.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a warm, savory undertone that complements the BBQ sauce.
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced: Brings a hint of sweetness and moisture to balance the spices.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the mixture.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat for depth.
- 2 tbsp diced jalapenos (optional): Introduce a dash of spiciness if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Ranch dressing for dipping: Offers a creamy, tangy contrast that pairs unbelievably well with BBQ flavors.
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce: The glaze that seals in smoky sweetness and irresistible zest.
- 3/4 cup almond flour (for coating): Creates a light, crispy crust on each popper.
- 1/2 tsp salt (for coating): Ensures the coating has flavor and seasoning balance.
- 1/4 tsp pepper (for coating): Forgives no bland bites, adding just the right peppery touch.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for coating): Rounds out the crust seasoning for maximum flavor harmony.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining the ground chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced onions, and jalapenos (if you like some heat) in a large mixing bowl. Work the mixture gently but thoroughly, making sure every element is evenly incorporated—this is the foundation of your popper’s flavor and texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, add your beaten egg and 1/3 cup of almond flour into the mix. The egg works like glue to keep the poppers intact while cooking, and the almond flour adds a subtle texture that prevents chewiness. Stir everything until you get a cohesive mixture that’s easy to shape.
Step 3: Form the Poppers
Time for some hands-on fun! Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures even cooking and keeps the poppers perfectly bite-sized for snacking.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This coating is crucial because it will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, giving the poppers a flavorful crust that contrasts the juicy inside.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Roll each chicken ball in the almond flour mixture until fully coated. Be generous with the coating—you want a thin, even layer that crisps nicely but doesn’t overwhelm the tender chicken within.
Step 6: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the poppers in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch for the best airflow. Cook for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through and spritzing again with cooking spray to ensure an irresistible crunchy exterior.
Step 7: Toss in BBQ Sauce
Once out of the air fryer, immediately toss the poppers in your BBQ sauce mixture until each bite is glistening and infused with that smoky, sweet goodness. Serve hot with ranch dipping sauce and get ready for everyone to rave about these tasty delights.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Consider sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top for brightness. A dash of smoked paprika or finely grated cheddar can also make these poppers visually stunning and even tastier.
Side Dishes
Balancing these savory poppers with cool, crunchy veggies like celery sticks or carrot batons makes for a classic combo. For something heartier, serve them alongside a crisp coleslaw or a light corn salad to bring fresh texture and brightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, thread the poppers onto skewers with chunks of bell pepper and onion for a fun BBQ-inspired kabob. Alternatively, serve them in mini slider buns with a drizzle of ranch and pickles for a playful sandwich experience that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they have cooled to room temperature before sealing to avoid sogginess. They stay flavorful and are just as easy to indulge in the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the poppers before cooking by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, air fry straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat your poppers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the coating soggy and the texture less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe and offers a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to use lean ground turkey for best results.
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Choose a compliant BBQ sauce that suits your taste, whether it’s smoky, sweet, or a little spicy. The sauce is key to delivering that signature BBQ popper flavor, so pick what you love or even make your own for a personalized touch.
Are the poppers spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
They are only spicy if you add the optional jalapenos. You can easily control the heat level by adjusting the amount or leaving the jalapenos out entirely if you prefer milder bites.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. However, the air fryer gives these poppers a fantastic crispy texture that’s harder to achieve with baking alone.
What’s the best dipping sauce to serve?
Ranch dressing is the classic choice and pairs beautifully with the smoky BBQ flavor. You could also try blue cheese dip, a creamy garlic sauce, or a spicy aioli for exciting variations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a snack that’s fun, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, you absolutely must try this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe. It’s a perfect mix of crispy, juicy, and tangy that keeps people coming back for more. Trust me, once these poppers hit your table, they’ll quickly become a household favorite for any occasion.
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, made with ground chicken, almond flour, and a flavorful blend of spices. Coated in a crispy almond flour crust and tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, they are perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a quick, low-carb treat that’s great for gatherings or game day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground chicken or ground turkey
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/3 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp diced jalapenos (optional)
Coating Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Sauce & Serving
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced onions, and jalapenos if using. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten egg and 1/3 cup almond flour to the mixture, stirring until it’s evenly combined and forms a cohesive mixture.
- Form the Poppers: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they are firm but not too compacted.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create the breading mixture.
- Coat the Meatballs: Carefully roll each chicken ball in the almond flour coating mixture until well covered on all sides.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken balls in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with cooking spray again to ensure an even crisp exterior.
- Toss in BBQ Sauce: Once cooked through and crispy, remove the chicken poppers from the air fryer and immediately toss them in 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken poppers hot with ranch dressing for dipping, accompanied by fresh vegetables like celery and carrot sticks for a balanced snack.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a lean alternative to chicken.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity to control spiciness or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use compliant BBQ sauce to keep recipe low-carb and gluten-free.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- For crispier poppers, spray with cooking spray midway through cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
