Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this scrumptious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers recipe! These juicy nuggets of deliciousness, coated with a crisp almond flour crust and slathered in mouthwatering BBQ sauce, are perfect for gatherings, game nights, or just a cozy evening at home. Trust me, once you try these poppers, they’ll quickly become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these poppers ready to serve in no time.
- Healthier Option: Thanks to the air fryer, enjoy the crunch without the typical grease of fried foods.
- Flavor Explosion: Each popper is a burst of savory, tangy, and spicy goodness.
- Versatile: Perfect for appetizers, snacks or even a main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers require simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Ground Chicken or Turkey: Choose between these lean options for a healthier base that’s protein-packed and moist.
- Almond Flour: Provides a gluten-free crispy coating, adding a subtle nutty flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the poppers with a savory aroma and a subtle, flavorful depth.
- Sweet Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and moisture, making the poppers juicier.
- BBQ Sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand for a tangy, sticky finish that’s irresistible.
Variations
This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Don’t hesitate to customize your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers to suit your ingredients on hand or personal taste preferences.
- Spicy Twist: Add more jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Poppers: Mix in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the chicken mixture for a cheesy surprise.
- Herb Infusion: Include fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fragrant touch and slight flavor complexity.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers
Step 1: Mix Ingredients
Start by combining the ground meat, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onions, and jalapenos if you’re feeling adventurous. This initial mix is crucial for an evenly seasoned base, so make sure everything is well combined.
Step 2: Form and Coat
Next, add in the beaten egg and almond flour, mixing until fully incorporated. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized rounds and roll them in the coating mixture for that delightful crunch.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F for even cooking and a perfect crispy crust.
- Batch Cooking: If you need to cook in batches, keep the cooked poppers warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
- Coating Perfection: Use cooking spray on both the air fryer basket and the poppers to enhance the crispy texture.
- Sauce Toss: Toss poppers in BBQ sauce just before serving to keep them crisp and full of flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers
Garnishes
Top these delightful poppers with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness that pairs beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken poppers with crunchy celery sticks and carrot matchsticks along with a side of cool, creamy homemade ranch to temper the heat and enhance the flavor palette.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the poppers on a rustic wooden board for a party platter or skewer them for an easy, grab-and-go snack at casual gatherings. They’ll be the talk of the bash!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover poppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them perfect for advance meal prep or quick lunches during the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the poppers on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months, ready for a quick snack fix.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the poppers in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy exterior and warm, juicy interior. A quick toss in BBQ helps refresh the flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use a different flour for coating?
Absolutely! While almond flour gives a great texture and flavor, you can use panko or regular breadcrumbs for a more traditional crispy coating.
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What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Opt for a BBQ sauce that suits your taste—be it spicy, sweet, or smoky. Just ensure it’s compliant if you’re following specific dietary restrictions.
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Can these be made vegetarian?
Yes, try using a mix of mashed chickpeas or lentils and vegetables to replace the ground meat, keeping all other ingredients consistent.
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Is it possible to prepare without an air fryer?
Definitely! You can bake them in the oven, just as instructed, for a similar result. They might not be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something delicious and easy to make, give these Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers a try. Perfect for pleasing a crowd or enjoying on your own, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe lineup. Enjoy creating these poppers, and savor every bite!
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes (air fryer), 15 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 23 minutes (air fryer), 25 minutes (oven)
- Yield: 18 Poppers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers are juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy on the outside, coated in almond flour and seasoned with garlic and onion. Finished with a smoky BBQ glaze and served with ranch dressing and fresh vegetables, they make a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Poppers
- 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)
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce
For the Coating
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
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.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten egg and 1/3 cup almond flour to the mixture, stirring until evenly combined.
- Form the Poppers: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat the Meatballs: Carefully roll each chicken ball into the almond flour mixture until well coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken balls in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with cooking spray to crisp.
- Toss in BBQ Sauce: Remove cooked chicken poppers from the air fryer, toss in 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, and serve immediately with ranch dip and fresh vegetables like celery and carrots.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for chicken for a lower fat option.
- Adjust the level of jalapenos based on spice preference.
- Ensure the meatballs are evenly spaced in the air fryer for uniform crispiness.
- For oven cooking, follow the baking instructions provided in the article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 popper (~22g)
- Calories: 50 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
