Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
This Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken pieces coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier twist, it’s a fast and flavorful dish ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 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)
To Garnish:
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispier finish.
- Set Up Your Dredging Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the whisked eggs, then press it into the flour and panko breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is evenly and well-coated for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up quickly.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil to help with browning. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), and rice vinegar (or lime juice) until smooth. Adjust the spiciness and sweetness to your preference.
- Combine & Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions and crushed red pepper flakes for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Enjoy! Serve the bang bang chicken hot over steamed rice, in sandwiches, or alongside your favorite side vegetables for a quick, crispy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- Adjust sriracha to control the spiciness level of the sauce.
- Lightly spraying the chicken with oil before air frying helps achieve a crispier crust.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Quick Dinner, Spicy Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Air Fryer Recipes
