air fryer essentials: hot chicken poppers

How To Make air fryer essentials: hot chicken poppers

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  PREP/PREPARE
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  Although I am using an air fryer, you could make these in three ways: 1. In the air fryer, using the times and temps outlined in the recipe. 2. In a convection oven, using the same times and temperatures. 3. In a regular oven by increasing the temp about 25f (15c), or keeping the temperature the same, and increasing the time by about 25 percent.
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  If you do not have any buttermilk; but you do have some regular milk, no worries, just pour a cup of milk, and add a tablespoon of white vinegar. While the results will not taste the same as regular buttermilk, it will serve the purpose in almost any cooking situation.
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  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
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  Cut up the chicken breasts into strips, or bite-sized pieces.
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  I tried it both ways, and for baking (as opposed to deep fat frying), I like the bite-sized pieces, because they have more surface area to hold the yummy batter and sauce.
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  Whisk together the brine ingredients into a non-reactive bowl, then toss in the chicken, cover, and stick in the fridge for 1 1/2 – 2 hours.
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  While the chicken is getting to know the brine, mix all the breading ingredients together in a large bowl.
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  Then, mix the sauce ingredients together in a small saucepan, and keep warm.
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  Remove the chicken from the brine, shake off the excess and toss with the breading.
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  Allow them to rest for 1 – 2 minutes, then return to the brine, and recoat with the breading.
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  Let them rest 1 – 2 minutes.
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  While they are resting, preheat your air fryer to 375f (190c).
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  Add the chicken to the basket (you may need to do this in two batches), spray or brush with a bit of oil, and allow to bake, without disturbing for 5 minutes.
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  Open the air fryer, and give a gentle shake, then resume baking.
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  After 5 minutes, open give it a shake, and continue baking.
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  Open and shake every minute or so, until the chicken is cooked through, and the breading is golden brown, about an additional 5 – 7 minutes.
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  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Remove from the air fryer, brush with the sauce mixture, and serve “traditionally” with soft white bread and pickles. Enjoy.
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  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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