If you love finger foods that pack a punch of flavor while staying delightfully crispy, then this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe is about to become your new go-to snack. Imagine tender ground chicken meatballs, perfectly spiced and coated with a crunchy almond flour crust, all smothered in smoky BBQ sauce. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just craving a satisfying bite, these poppers are quick to make, irresistibly tasty, and effortlessly healthy thanks to the air fryer magic. They bring together bold flavors and crunch in every bite, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser in any setting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the mild ground chicken providing a juicy base to the almond flour adding a crispy crust without gluten, these simple components combine to create a sensational dish you’ll want again and again.
- 2 lbs ground chicken or ground turkey: This lean protein forms the tender, juicy base of your poppers.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together seamlessly.
- 1/3 cup almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps the mixture firm up.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a gentle, aromatic depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 sweet onion, diced: Adds mild sweetness and moisture, balancing the spices.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all other flavors for a better taste experience.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Provides just the right amount of peppery kick to awaken the palate.
- 2 tbsp diced jalapeños (optional): For those who crave a touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Ranch dressing for dipping: A creamy, cooling companion that perfectly complements the BBQ sauce.
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce: The star glaze that gives the poppers their irresistible smoky sweetness.
- 3/4 cup almond flour (for coating): Ensures a perfectly crispy and golden crust on the outside.
- 1/2 tsp salt (for coating): Balanced seasoning in the coating to enhance every bite.
- 1/4 tsp pepper (for coating): Adds mild spice to the crunchy crust.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for coating): Complementary seasoning for a well-rounded flavor.
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 onion, and jalapeños in a large mixing bowl. This mix lays the flavorful foundation. Use your hands or a spoon to blend everything evenly, ensuring that the spices and onions are well-distributed to make every bite burst with flavor.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the beaten egg and 1/3 cup almond flour to the bowl. The egg helps bind the mixture, while the almond flour brings tenderness and moisture retention. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a cohesive mixture that’s easy to shape.
Step 3: Form the Poppers
Now comes the fun part: rolling your mixture into golf ball-sized poppers, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking, and this size is perfect for popping into your mouth in one or two bites.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup almond flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This coating mixture will create a crispy, flavorful shell on each popper. The almond flour here is crucial for a golden crust without deep frying.
Step 5: Coat the Meatballs
Roll each chicken ball carefully in the almond flour mixture, making sure every side is thoroughly coated. This step guarantees a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender interior.
Step 6: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken poppers in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded for optimal airflow. Air fry for 13 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying lightly once more to help crisp the coating perfectly.
Step 7: Toss in BBQ Sauce
Once cooked, transfer the poppers to a bowl and toss them gently in 3/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. The sauce will cling to each popper, adding that signature smoky sweetness that makes this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe so addictive. Serve hot with ranch and some fresh veggies like celery and carrot sticks for the full experience.
How to Serve Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also add visual appeal and depth to the smoky flavor.
Side Dishes
These chicken poppers pair wonderfully with crunchy vegetable sticks, such as celery, carrots, or bell pepper strips, which add texture and freshness. For something heartier, serve alongside a crisp side salad or a refreshing coleslaw that complements the BBQ tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Thread a few poppers onto skewers for easy sharing at parties or arrange them up as sliders with mini buns for a fun twist. You can even serve them with a trio of dipping sauces — ranch, blue cheese, and an extra BBQ sauce — for a dynamic experience that keeps everyone dipping back in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure poppers are cooled completely before sealing to keep that perfect texture intact.
Freezing
These poppers freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. This method brings back that freshly cooked crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar mild flavor and texture that makes this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe shine.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I substitute it?
Almond flour adds a great crunch and crumbly texture, but you can swap it for panko breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a different twist depending on your dietary preferences.
How spicy are these poppers with jalapeños?
The jalapeños add a subtle, pleasant heat that doesn’t overwhelm. You can always adjust the amount or leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder version.
Can I make these poppers gluten-free?
Yes! This Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use compliant BBQ sauce and almond flour, making it a safe and tasty option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What other dipping sauces work well besides ranch?
Try blue cheese, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli — all wonderful partners that complement the BBQ flavor and crispy texture beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s fun to prepare, delightfully crispy without the mess of frying, and packed with so much flavor that each bite feels like a little celebration. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to one of the tastiest, easiest snacks around!
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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Poppers are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring ground chicken mixed with spices and onions, coated in almond flour, air fried to crispy perfection, and tossed in tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for parties or game day with a side of ranch dressing and fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Chicken 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 pepper
- 2 tbsp diced jalapenos (optional)
Coating
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Sauce and Dips
- 3/4 cup compliant BBQ sauce
- Ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, diced onions, jalapenos if using, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten egg and 1/3 cup almond flour to the meat mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly combined, helping the mixture bind together.
- Form the Poppers: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized balls, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, shaping them carefully to hold their form during cooking.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together 3/4 cup almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will be used to coat the chicken balls for a crispy exterior.
- Coat the Meatballs: Roll each chicken ball thoroughly in the almond flour mixture until fully coated, ensuring an even crust after air frying.
- 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 again with cooking spray for added crispness.
- Toss in BBQ Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken poppers from the air fryer and immediately toss them in 3/4 cup BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot with ranch dressing and fresh vegetables like celery and carrots for dipping.
Notes
- Jalapenos are optional; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Use compliant BBQ sauce for dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Ensure air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Can substitute ground turkey if preferred or to reduce fat content.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
