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
Scale
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
