If you’re craving a finger-licking, crowd-pleasing snack that’s quick and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe. These little bites bring together juicy ground chicken, a crispy almond flour coating, and tangy BBQ sauce for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory in every pop. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply want a tasty treat that won’t weigh you down, these chicken poppers come together with simple ingredients and cook up beautifully in the air fryer for a delightfully crispy finish without the guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, wholesome ingredients is the secret to making this dish so irresistibly tasty. Each item plays its part in enhancing flavor, texture, or that satisfying crunch you’ll love.
- 2 lbs ground chicken or ground turkey: The tender base offering juicy, protein-packed flavor with a mild taste to absorb spices well.
- 1 large egg, beaten: The binding agent that helps hold your chicken poppers together perfectly.
- 1/3 cup almond flour: Adds slight nuttiness to the mix and keeps everything gluten-free while improving texture.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A warm, aromatic touch that makes each bite crave-worthy.
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and moisture to keep the poppers juicy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Adds just the right hint of kick to balance the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
- 2 tbsp diced jalapenos (optional): For those who love a little spicy heat to elevate the dish.
- Ranch dressing for dipping: Creamy and cooling, the perfect partner to the smoky BBQ flavor.
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky sauce that coats each popper for maximum flavor punch.
- 3/4 cup almond flour (for coating): Ensures a crispy, golden crust outside every popper.
- 1/2 tsp salt (for coating): Balanced seasoning to complement the crust.
- 1/4 tsp pepper (for coating): Adds mild warmth to the coating blend.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for coating): Enhanced garlic flavor in the crunchy exterior.
How to Make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by combining your ground chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced sweet onion, and jalapenos if you’re using them. This is the flavorful foundation of your poppers, so mix thoroughly to ensure every bite has a balanced taste.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the beaten egg and 1/3 cup almond flour. The egg acts like glue here, helping your poppers hold their shape, while the almond flour keeps the texture just right, binding it all without heaviness.
Step 3: Form the Poppers
Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized spheres, roughly 1.5 inches across. This size is perfect for quick and even cooking in the air fryer, and also makes them ideal finger food.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, blend together 3/4 cup almond flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoning blend adds an irresistible crust once air-fried and tossed in BBQ sauce.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Carefully roll each chicken ball in the almond flour coating mix, making sure every part is coated evenly. This will crisp up beautifully and lock in the moisture.
Step 6: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket to prevent sticking, then place your coated chicken poppers in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for the crispiest results. Cook for 13 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with a bit of cooking spray to keep that golden crunch going.
Step 7: Toss in BBQ Sauce
When your poppers come out beautifully cooked and crisp, immediately toss them in the 3/4 cup BBQ sauce. This step infuses sweet, smoky flavor into every bite. Serve hot with ranch dip and some fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots for a complete snack experience.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but a fresh note that cuts through the richness perfectly. Don’t underestimate the power of a light drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or hot sauce for those who want an extra kick.
Side Dishes
Pairing these poppers with crunchy veggies such as carrot and celery sticks provides a refreshing contrast and a splash of color to your plate. A simple coleslaw or even roasted sweet potatoes can also round out the meal for something more filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your poppers on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of ranch, extra BBQ sauce, and sliced jalapenos for an inviting appetizer spread. You can also skewer them for party platters or stuff them inside slider buns for mini sandwiches packed with personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken poppers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This makes them a perfect make-ahead snack or lunch option that’s ready to heat whenever you are.
Freezing
If you want to keep these tasty poppers on hand for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and are great for last-minute snacks.
Reheating
To reheat and keep the crisp texture, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the crunch and warms the BBQ sauce for that freshly made feeling.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and creates a similar juicy texture. It’s a great alternative if you prefer its flavor or have it on hand.
Is almond flour necessary for this recipe?
Almond flour is key to keeping these poppers gluten-free and adding a lovely nutty crust. You can substitute with panko or regular flour if you’re not avoiding gluten, but almond flour really elevates the texture.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating the air fryer ensures your chicken poppers start cooking right away, giving them a crisp outside while staying juicy inside.
Can I make these poppers spicy?
Definitely! Adding extra diced jalapenos or mixing in some cayenne pepper to the coating is a fantastic way to customize the heat level.
Is it necessary to toss the poppers in BBQ sauce after cooking?
Tossing cooked poppers in BBQ sauce adds moisture and a punch of flavor that really makes the dish shine. However, you can serve the sauce on the side if you prefer to dip instead.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into crispy, flavorful Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe, especially knowing they’re easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether for parties or a cozy night in, these poppers deliver incredible taste without the fuss. Give this recipe a try—you’re going to love how quickly it becomes a trusted favorite in your kitchen!
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers recipe features flavorful ground chicken meatballs coated in a seasoned almond flour mix and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Tossed in tangy BBQ sauce and served with ranch dressing, these poppers offer a delicious, low-carb appetizer or snack option that’s crispy, juicy, and quick to make.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 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 black pepper
- 2 tbsp diced jalapenos (optional)
Coating
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Additional
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- Cooking spray
- Fresh vegetables like celery and carrots for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, diced onions, and diced jalapenos if using. Thoroughly mix to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten egg and 1/3 cup almond flour to the mixture. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined and slightly sticky to help form balls.
- Form the Poppers: Using your hands, roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Make sure they are compact for even cooking.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup almond flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to create the dry coating mixture.
- Coat the Meatballs: Roll each chicken ball carefully into the almond flour coating mixture until fully covered on all sides. This creates a crispy crust when air fried.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Arrange: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken balls in a single layer inside the basket, leaving space between each ball to allow air circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken poppers for 13 minutes at 400°F. Halfway through cooking (around 6-7 minutes), flip the poppers and lightly spray them again with cooking spray to ensure a crisp surface.
- Toss in BBQ Sauce: Once cooked and golden brown, remove the chicken poppers from the air fryer and immediately toss them in 3/4 cup of compliant BBQ sauce for a tangy coating.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken poppers hot with ranch dressing for dipping and fresh vegetables like celery and carrots for a complete snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Using ground turkey instead of chicken works equally well with this recipe.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add extra diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crisping.
- You can prepare the coated meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate before air frying for added convenience.
- Use gluten-free BBQ sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free and compliant with dietary restrictions.
