If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a crunchy breading, then air fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer makes the chicken crispy on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The sweet and spicy sauce takes this dish to the next level, adding tons of flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Flour (for dredging)
- Eggs (beaten)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Olive oil spray (for crisping)
- Salt and pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice level)
- Rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
Full list of ingredients and measurements below.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs, making sure each piece is coated evenly.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with olive oil spray to help it crisp up. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar (if using). Adjust the amount of sriracha depending on how spicy you like it.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of rice, vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For Extra Crunch: Double-dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker coating that will get even crispier.
- Adjust the Heat: Add more or less sriracha to the sauce to control how spicy you want it. If you like it mild, reduce the amount of sriracha.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness and flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist on this recipe. Shrimp cooks quickly in the air fryer, so adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add a Sweet Twist: For a sweeter variation, you can add a little honey to the Bang Bang sauce for a honey-sweet chili version.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken pairs perfectly with:
- A bed of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- A side of sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans.
- A refreshing cucumber and avocado salad to balance out the heat.
FAQs
1. Can I make the Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking, but the best results are when it’s freshly made. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the fridge, then toss it in the sauce right before serving.
2. Can I use regular chicken breasts without cutting them into pieces?
Yes, you can use whole chicken breasts, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. You may need to cook them for 15-20 minutes, depending on their thickness.
3. Can I use a different sauce instead of Bang Bang sauce?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or a simple garlic butter sauce instead.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to get it crispy again.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a game-changer. Crispy chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce – what’s not to love? It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer. Give it a try and watch your family and friends rave about this delicious dish!
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Description
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, flavorful chicken dish that’s coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The air fryer gives the chicken a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping it juicy on the inside. Paired with a creamy, tangy sauce made of mayo, sriracha, and honey, this dish is sure to be a hit for dinner or as an appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In one bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, beat the egg.
- In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs. Set the breaded chicken aside.
- Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches).
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and sesame oil (if using) in a bowl until smooth.
- Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece.
- Serve:
- Serve the Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. It pairs wonderfully with rice or a side of veggies
Notes
- For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce and add more honey.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can also work, but panko gives a crispier texture.
- You can use chicken tenders instead of cutting chicken breasts into pieces for easier preparation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 140mg