Introduction

This Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a perfect weeknight meal that combines crispy air-fried chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce. Ready in just 20-25 minutes, it’s a flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or alongside fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is white fluffy rice, the middle layer is golden brown crispy chicken pieces coated in a shiny sauce, and the top layer has green chopped scallions, a drizzle of light beige creamy sauce, and sprinkled light tan sesame seeds. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth partially visible underneath, and a clear glass bowl with more chicken in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
Cooking spray or a little oil for spraying
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
½ teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for tang)
Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better.
Step 2: In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then press into the flour and panko mixture, coating each piece thoroughly.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure a crispy finish.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth. Adjust the sauce to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
Step 7: Toss the cooked chicken in the bang bang sauce or drizzle it on top. Garnish with chopped chives and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 8: Serve immediately over steamed rice, in a sandwich, or with your favorite side vegetables. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful bang bang chicken!

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Adjust the sriracha to control the heat level in the sauce to suit your taste.
For extra crunch, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
Swap sweet chili sauce with a mix of honey and hot sauce if you prefer homemade sauce components.
Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. The sauce can be stirred and served cold or gently warmed.

How to Serve

A white bowl shows a layer of white rice as the base, topped with several pieces of golden-brown crispy chicken coated in an orange sauce. Drizzled lightly over the chicken is a creamy light tan sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions. Two yellow chopsticks with small panda designs rest beside the bowl on a blue cloth with white stars. Nearby, a small white sauce pitcher contains the same creamy sauce with a drop dripping down its side, and a glass bowl holds more pieces of the sauced chicken. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and proper coating. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and soggy coating.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, shallow fry in oil for a crispier texture.