This Paleo Popcorn Chicken is healthier and allergy friendly. It is made in the air fryer for the crispiest texture without all the added oil of frying.

paleo popcorn chicken
paleo popcorn chicken

What’s not to love about popcorn chicken? It’s high protein, crunchy, and salty! But traditional popcorn chicken is usually made with corn flour and fried in inflammatory oils. So, let me teach you how to make an easier, healthier popcorn chicken at home.

My paleo popcorn chicken is also completely gluten free and dairy free with no added sugars or additives. It’s allergy friendly and can be made egg free too!

gluten free and paleo popcorn chicken
gluten free and paleo popcorn chicken

How to Make Paleo Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn Chicken Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast diced
  • Plantain chips
  • Tapioca or arrowroot starch
  • Eggs
  • Salt and spices to taste

Instructions:

  • Dice the chicken.
  • Blitz the chips, starch, and any spices in a food processor. Pour this mixture into a large bowl.
  • Whisk eggs in a small bowl.
  • Line up egg, chip mixture, and air fryer basket.
  • Dip the chicken in the eggs then coat in the chip mixture. Line chicken in an even layer in air fryer basket (you may have to cook in batches).
  • Air fry at 350F for 7-10 minutes until chicken is done. 

What if I can’t have egg?

If you can’t eat eggs, but still want to make this gluten free popcorn chicken, use a mixture of milk and oil. Combine 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 Tbsp of oil, whisk and use instead of the eggs. This will make this recipe completely autoimmune paleo friendly!

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can try baking the popcorn chicken in the oven. Although I have not tested this method myself, I think it would still work fine! Try baking at 350F for 10-15 minutes. You could even broil the chicken for a couple minutes at the end to get it extra crispy.

gluten free and paleo popcorn chicken
gluten free and paleo popcorn chicken

Paleo Popcorn Chicken

This healthier and allergy friendly popcorn chicken is Paleo, gluten free, and dairy free. Plantain chips provide that crisp and we get the perfect crunch from cooking everything in the air fryer.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword dairy free, gluten free, healthy, paleo
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author Victoria Faling

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs chicken breast diced
  • 1 bag plantain chips
  • 2 Tbsp tapioca or arrowroot starch
  • 2 eggs see notes above for egg subs
  • Salt and spices to taste*

Instructions

  • Start by dicing your chicken into cubes.
  • Blitz the chips, starch, and any spices you are using together in the food processor until the chips are in crumbs. You can also do this in a bag, if needed. Pour this mixture into a large bowl.
  • Whisk the eggs in a small bowl.
  • Line up your egg, chip mixture, and air fryer basket.
  • Dip the chicken in the eggs then coat in the chip mixture. Line chicken in an even layer in air fryer basket (you may have to cook in batches).
  • Air fry at 350F for 7-10 minutes until chicken is done.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

If you like a little kick or want extra flavor, feel free to add some garlic or onion powder, paprika, or your other favorite spices!