Irresistible Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for Spicy Fans

Crispy, golden bang bang chicken in an air fryer promises a delightful culinary adventure that will make you swoon.

Every bite bursts with tangy, spicy flavors that dance across your palate.

Crunchy exterior meets tender meat in this crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in minutes.

Packed with zesty sauce and irresistible texture, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this foolproof method.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or endless prep work.

You’ll want to add this to your regular rotation – trust me, it’s that good.

FAQs

• Why is panko breadcrumbs recommended for this recipe?

Panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy, light coating that gets extra crunchy in the air fryer, providing a perfect texture that regular breadcrumbs can’t achieve.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into smaller, even-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and get the same crispy coating.

• How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat level from sriracha. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha sauce to suit your taste preferences.

• Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?

While an air fryer gives the best crispy result, you can also bake the chicken in a conventional oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Packs a Punch

• Customize Your Kick: Adjustable spice levels in Bang Bang sauce allow personalization, letting home cooks control heat intensity from mild to wild.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kid-approved crispy chicken with a sweet-spicy sauce that transforms a simple protein into an exciting meal everyone will enjoy.
• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Total cooking time under 30 minutes means you can whip up restaurant-quality chicken faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Mix

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes crispy and flavorful when air fried. Choose boneless, skinless pieces for even cooking and easier preparation.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Create a savory and well-seasoned base coating for the chicken. Use fresh, high-quality spices for maximum flavor.
• Egg: Helps the breading stick to the chicken and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a light, crunchy texture that ensures a crisp coating. Japanese-style breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce that adds richness.
• Sriracha Sauce: Brings heat and tangy flavor to the sauce. Adjust amount for desired spice level.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps balance the spicy elements of the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tang and brightness to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Optional ingredient that introduces a nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances overall sauce flavor with a mild garlic taste.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh color and extra texture to the finished dish. Chopped green onions bring a mild, sharp flavor.

Bang Bang Chicken Air Fryer Method

Step 1: Craft the Crispy Coating

Grab three mixing bowls.

In the first bowl, blend flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In the second bowl, whisk the egg until smooth.

Pour panko breadcrumbs into the third bowl.

Take each chicken piece and roll it through the flour mixture, then dunk into the egg wash, and finally cover completely with panko breadcrumbs.

Let the breaded chicken rest on a clean plate.

Step 2: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank the air fryer to 400°F.

Spritz the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Carefully place breaded chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded.

You might need to cook in multiple batches.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, giving the basket a shake midway to ensure even browning.

Look for a gorgeous golden exterior that’s crisp and inviting.

Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

While chicken sizzles, create the bang bang sauce.

• Mayonnaise
• Sriracha sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Sesame oil

Whisk these ingredients until they blend into a smooth, tangy mixture.

Step 4: Coat with Flavor

Transfer hot chicken to a large mixing bowl.

Pour the vibrant sauce over the crispy pieces.

Gently toss until every morsel is generously coated with the spicy-sweet sauce.

Step 5: Plate and Celebrate

Slide the saucy chicken onto serving plates.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flair.

Serve alongside steamed rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Bang Bang Chicken Air Fryer Notes

• Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better adherence of breading.
• Cook chicken in single layers to guarantee even browning and perfectly crispy texture without steaming.
• Adjust Bang Bang sauce thickness by adding more mayonnaise for creamier result or sriracha for extra heat.
• Modify sriracha quantity to control heat intensity, making the dish milder or spicier according to personal preference.
• Replace regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Leftover Tips

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, keeping the sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
• Wrap individual pieces of plain (unsauced) chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F, place chicken pieces in a single layer, and warm for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.
• For quick reheating, place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Note that microwaving might slightly soften the breading.

Snacks That Go With Breakfast Cookies

• Craft Crispy Companions: Elevate your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken with these mouthwatering pairings.
• Refresh with Zesty Slaw: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with rice vinegar, shredded cabbage, and a hint of sriracha to complement the spicy chicken's crunch and balance its heat.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Slice cucumbers paper-thin, dress with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to create a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the Bang Bang sauce.
• Rice Bed Magic: Serve the saucy chicken over steamed jasmine or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious Bang Bang sauce and provides a perfect neutral base for the bold flavors.
• Bubble Tea Buddy: Pair with a sweet Thai iced tea or a mango bubble tea to cool down the spice and add a playful, tropical twist to your meal.

Bang Bang Chicken Made Several Ways

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap flour and breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use a sugar-free honey substitute or sugar-free maple syrup in the sauce.
• Spicy Lovers' Option: Add extra sriracha or cayenne pepper to the sauce for an intense heat kick. Include sliced fresh jalapeños when tossing the chicken for additional spiciness.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use reduced-sodium seasonings and low-sodium mayonnaise. Replace salt with herbs like dried thyme or oregano for flavor enhancement without extra sodium.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy bang bang chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its irresistible crunch and spicy-sweet sauce. Perfectly golden and juicy, this air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor that makes simple meals feel like a gourmet celebration you can’t wait to devour.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cooking spray (for air frying)

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Establish a breading station with three distinct vessels: one for seasoned flour blend incorporating garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; another for whisked egg; and the third containing panko breadcrumbs.
2. Methodically transform chicken pieces by first dredging in flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then immersing in beaten egg, and finally encasing with crisp panko breadcrumbs. Allow breaded chicken to rest momentarily.
3. Calibrate air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and lightly mist basket with cooking spray to prevent potential adherence.
4. Strategically arrange breaded chicken in a singular layer within air fryer basket, potentially executing multiple batches to maintain optimal spacing.
5. Initiate cooking process, rotating basket midway through 10-12 minute duration to guarantee uniform golden-brown exterior and thorough internal cooking.
6. Simultaneously craft bang bang sauce by vigorously combining mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and optional sesame oil until achieving silky, uniform consistency.
7. Upon chicken completion, transfer crispy morsels to expansive mixing bowl and delicately enrobe with prepared sauce, ensuring comprehensive coating.
8. Present immediately, optionally adorning with verdant green onion slivers or toasted sesame seeds, accompanied by complementary rice or vegetable medley.

Notes

• Breading Technique Matters: Ensure each chicken piece is evenly and completely coated with flour, egg, and panko for the crispiest exterior and most satisfying crunch.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook chicken in batches to maintain air circulation, preventing soggy spots and guaranteeing uniformly golden-brown pieces.
• Sauce Customization: Adjust Bang Bang sauce heat level by increasing or decreasing sriracha, making it adaptable for different spice tolerances.
• Gluten-Free Modification: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour, and use gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg