Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy chicken bites and a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This easy air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with less oil, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights, family dinners, or party appetizers. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy texture without deep frying
- Sweet, spicy, and creamy bang bang sauce
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish
- Air fryer cooking means less mess and less oil
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and fully combined.
- Reserve ¾ cup of the sauce in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Place flour in a large resealable bag.
- Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until evenly coated.
- Transfer the floured chicken to the sauce mixture and stir until all pieces are coated.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to another resealable bag.
- Working in batches, place the coated chicken into the breadcrumb bag and shake until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken if needed.
- Place the cooked Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken into a clean bowl.
- Pour the reserved sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even crisping.
- For extra crunch, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil before air frying.
- Adjust the Sriracha level to control the heat.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Serve the sauce on the side if you prefer extra crispy chicken.
- Freshly shredded panko creates the crispiest coating.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes:
- High Protein
- Nut-Free
- Family-Friendly
Notes
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness.
- Serve over rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for additional flavor and presentation.
- The sauce also works well as a dip for fries or shrimp.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQ
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish featuring crispy chicken coated in a creamy, sweet chili, and spicy sauce. The sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken in advance and store it separately from the sauce. Toss together just before serving.
How do I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Sriracha or replace part of it with additional sweet chili sauce.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely before breading and cooking for the best texture.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, and fresh salads all pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Similar Recipes
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and fully combined.
- Reserve ¾ cup of the sauce in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Place flour in a large resealable bag.
- Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake until evenly coated.
- Transfer the floured chicken to the sauce mixture and stir until all pieces are coated.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to another resealable bag.
- Working in batches, place the coated chicken into the breadcrumb bag and shake until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken if needed.
- Place the cooked Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken into a clean bowl.
- Pour the reserved sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra brightness.
- Serve over rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp salad or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for additional flavor and presentation.
- The sauce also works well as a dip for fries or shrimp.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe delivers everything you want in a quick and delicious meal—crispy chicken, a creamy sweet-spicy sauce, and easy preparation. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, weeknight dinner, or party favorite, this flavorful dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy restaurant-quality results right from your air fryer.