Description

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a crispy, golden delight tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This healthier twist on the classic uses an air fryer for crunch without excess oil. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 eggs (beaten)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Set up a dredging station with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Add panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl.
Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
Spice Level: Adjust sriracha to taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and panko.
Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute panko with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: air fryer
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion

Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, Crispy Chicken Recipe, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Easy Appetizer