Name: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ⅓ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving); ¼ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 green onions (finely chopped); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Nonstick cooking spray

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If you love finger foods that bring big smiles and bold flavors, this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe will quickly earn a top spot in your snack or appetizer rotation. Imagine bites of tender, juicy chicken infused with smoky barbecue sauce, gooey cheddar, and a little zing from green onions, all wrapped in a golden, lightly crisp coating. This recipe combines the pure comfort of barbecue classics with the ease and health benefits of air frying. Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding your family, or meal prepping for the week, you’ll reach for these irresistible chicken poppers again and again!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients are the magic behind this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe. Each one plays a role, whether adding stretchy texture, savory flavor, or a hint of color and crunch. Here’s what you need, plus a handy tip for each to make your poppers truly pop!

Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the barbecue flavors and stays juicy inside.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, tangy pockets that make every popper irresistible.
Barbecue sauce (plus extra for dipping): Adds signature smoky, sweet flavor; try a spicier or hickory-style sauce for variety.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture while adding a little structure and that coveted, crisp bite — use gluten-free if needed.
Egg: Acts as the glue, holding everything together so your poppers don’t fall apart.
Green onions: Bring a fresh, gentle bite and a pop of color without overpowering the other flavors.
Garlic powder: For that extra hint of savory depth that chicken dishes love.
Smoked paprika: Elevates the smoky barbecue element and turns the poppers a lovely, golden hue.
Salt and pepper: Essential for lively, balanced flavor in every bite.
Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your poppers lift easily from the air fryer and get a golden finish.

How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe

Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients

Start by grabbing your largest bowl — trust me, you’ll want plenty of room. Into the bowl goes your ground chicken, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with your hands as you mix; they’ll help you combine everything gently yet thoroughly, without overmixing, so your poppers stay tender and juicy.

Step 2: Shape Into Poppers

With the mixture ready, scoop out generous tablespoon-sized portions. Roll each one into a ball, about the size of a golf ball or a bit smaller — this ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer and make perfect, poppable bites for snacking or sharing.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it run for about three minutes. Preheating ensures an even, golden finish and helps those poppers cook through just right. While it heats, give your air fryer basket a quick mist of nonstick spray.

Step 4: Cook the Poppers

Arrange your chicken poppers in a single layer in the basket, being careful not to crowd them. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to get color on both sides. They’re done when the outside is golden brown and the inside reads at least 165°F on a thermometer — juicy, safe, and utterly tempting!

Step 5: Serve and Dip

The last, but certainly not least, step: serve your hot poppers with a generous side of barbecue sauce for dunking. That sweet-smoky-salty combo is beyond addictive, especially when the sauce clings to the nooks and crannies of each chicken bite.

How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up your platter by scattering finely chopped fresh parsley or extra sliced green onions over your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe just before serving. For a splash of color and flavor, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a handful of pickled red onions on the side also delivers a striking finish.

Side Dishes

These poppers are wonderfully versatile, pairing well with everything from crisp coleslaw and tangy pickle chips to roasted sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. For gatherings, set out a medley of crunchy veggies and ranch or blue cheese dressing alongside your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe for a full-on flavor experience.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get as playful or elegant as you like! Skewer two or three poppers on a small stick for a party appetizer, stack them on slider buns with crunchy slaw, or even tuck a few inside a lettuce wrap for a gluten-free, handheld snack. However you serve them, these bite-sized delights are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your poppers cool completely before packing them into an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, staying moist and flavorful.

Freezing

Batch cooking for the win! Arrange completely cooled Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe pieces on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’re ready for future snacking or party prep, and can be stored frozen for up to two months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place your poppers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 6 minutes straight from the fridge, or add a minute or two if reheating straight from frozen. The poppers crisp up nicely, keeping that irresistible just-cooked texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a wonderful, lean swap for chicken and takes on barbecue flavors just as well. Your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe will still turn out juicy and delicious.

What kind of barbecue sauce works best?

It’s all about personal taste — sweeter sauces give a kid-friendly vibe, while hickory or spicy sauces add some grown-up flair. Try different styles for fun, or use your favorite store-bought or homemade blend.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply replace the regular breadcrumbs in your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Double-check your barbecue sauce, as some brands may contain gluten, but otherwise this dish is a cinch to adapt.

Can I prep these in advance for a party?

Yes, and they’re ideal for batch prep! Shape the chicken poppers ahead of time and refrigerate, covered, for up to a day before air frying. You can also freeze the shaped, uncooked poppers and air fry from frozen, just adding a couple of extra minutes.

How do I know the chicken poppers are cooked through?

The most reliable way is to check with an instant-read thermometer; look for an internal temperature of 165°F. The outsides should be evenly browned, and the poppers should feel firm but springy.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe is pure joy, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie. With juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and just the right kiss of barbecue, these poppers always steal the show. Give them a try — you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds) before you know it!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe

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4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 20 poppers 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack that’s perfect for parties or game days. Made with ground chicken, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce, these poppers are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound ground chicken
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for serving)
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 green onions (finely chopped)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, breadcrumbs, egg, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Form Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes and lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Air Fry: Place chicken poppers in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.