The Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe for Spicy Lovers

Crispy and zesty air fryer bang bang chicken bursts with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Spicy sauce coats tender chicken pieces in a delightful crunch.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet irresistible dish.

No complicated techniques or long ingredient lists stand between you and a delicious meal.

Creamy, tangy sauce brings extraordinary excitement to ordinary chicken breasts.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and richness.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation and impress everyone at the dinner table.

Why Bang Bang Chicken in the Air Fryer Steals the Show

• Speedy Kitchen Hero: Create a restaurant-quality meal in minutes with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Crunch Master Challenge: Achieve perfectly crispy chicken without deep-frying, using air fryer technology for a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on texture.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: The Bang Bang sauce delivers a tantalizing blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy notes that transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Performer: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously addictive and universally appealing.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

• Chicken: A tender protein that serves as the base for this crispy and flavorful dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that helps create a smooth base layer for the breading.
• Eggs: A binding agent that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy exterior that gives the chicken its signature crispy texture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and enhance the overall flavor of the chicken coating.

• Mayonnaise: Adds a creamy base to the Bang Bang sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a sweet and slightly spicy element to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Contributes an extra kick of heat to the Bang Bang sauce.

• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, crisp finishing touch to the dish.

Cooking Spray: Helps achieve a golden and crispy exterior for the chicken.

How to Air Fry Bang Bang Chicken to Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer to a sizzling 400°F (200°C). This high heat will transform your chicken into a crispy dream.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Layers

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until perfectly blended. Pour breadcrumbs into the final bowl.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

• Thoroughly coating chicken in flour mixture
• Dunking each piece into whisked eggs
• Rolling generously in breadcrumbs

Ensure every chicken piece is fully dressed and ready for its crispy transformation.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Arrange chicken pieces in the air fryer basket with some breathing room. Spritz with cooking spray for extra crunch. Cook for 10-12 minutes, giving the basket a shake midway to guarantee even browning. Your goal: golden exterior and fully cooked interior.

Step 5: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha

Stir until ingredients create a smooth, tangy sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Transfer hot chicken to a large bowl. Pour Bang Bang sauce over the top and toss until every piece is coated in spicy, creamy goodness.

Step 7: Plate and Celebrate

Arrange chicken on a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Dig in and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Juicy and Crispy Bang Bang Chicken

• Optimize Air Fryer Performance: Preheat the air fryer to ensure crispy, evenly cooked chicken every time, preventing soggy results.
• Master Coating Technique: Dredge chicken in flour first, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs for a perfectly adhered, crunchy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer with slight spacing to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing maximum crispiness and even cooking.
• Balance Sauce Flavors: Adjust Bang Bang sauce proportions to match your spice tolerance by tweaking sriracha amount, creating a personalized heat level.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb options, making the recipe suitable for different dietary needs.

Creative Spins on Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Kick Upgrade: Add cayenne pepper to flour mixture and increase sriracha in Bang Bang sauce for extra heat lovers.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for keto-friendly alternative with lower carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, maintaining same coating and sauce technique for plant-based eaters.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Chicken for a Bold Bite

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair crispy air fryer bang bang chicken with zesty side dishes that complement its spicy, tangy profile.
• Refresh with Citrus Drink: Serve chilled lemonade or lime-infused sparkling water to cut through the richness and balance the spicy sauce.
• Cool Creamy Companion: Add a smooth cucumber yogurt dip or ranch dressing as a cooling counterpoint to the hot, crispy chicken.
• Wine and Dine Match: Select a light, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to soften the sriracha heat and enhance the overall meal experience.

How to Store Bang Bang Chicken and Keep It Crispy

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.
• Spread chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, removing foil in the last 2 minutes to restore crispiness.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken Questions You Might Have

• What are the key ingredients for the coating?

The key coating ingredients are all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, eggs, and breadcrumbs. These help create a crispy, flavorful exterior for the chicken.

• How do I ensure the chicken gets crispy in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray, and make sure not to overcrowd the basket. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps achieve an even, crispy texture.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Adjust the spice level by changing the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce. More sriracha means more heat, while less keeps it milder. You can also completely omit the sriracha for a non-spicy version.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer bang bang chicken elevates weeknight dinners with explosive Asian-inspired flavors. Irresistible spicy-sweet sauce and perfectly crunchy coating guarantee a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha

Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F, creating an optimal environment for achieving a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
2. Prepare three separate coating stations: first with seasoned flour mixture, second with whisked eggs, and third with breadcrumbs for comprehensive chicken preparation.
3. Meticulously coat each chicken piece by first dredging in seasoned flour, ensuring excess is shaken off, then thoroughly dipping in beaten eggs, and finally rolling completely in breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
4. Arrange breaded chicken pieces in a single layer within air fryer basket, maintaining slight spacing between items. Lightly mist with cooking spray to enhance crispiness and promote even browning.
5. Cook chicken for 10-12 minutes, rotating basket midway through cooking process to guarantee uniform golden coloration and complete internal cooking.
6. Simultaneously prepare Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha into a smooth, vibrant condiment with balanced heat and sweetness.
7. Transfer hot, cooked chicken to mixing bowl and generously coat with prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly dressed.
8. Plate the sauced chicken, garnishing with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, aromatic finishing touch that complements the rich, spicy flavors.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better and create a crispier exterior.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free panko.
• Reduce sauce spiciness by adjusting sriracha amount or replacing with mild hot sauce for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg