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
Scale
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
