If you’ve never tried Bang Bang Chicken, you’re in for a treat! This dish is famous for its crispy coating paired with a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce that packs a punch. The tender chicken, crunchy outside, and flavorful sauce make it irresistible for any occasion. It’s no surprise that this dish has become a favorite at restaurants and in home kitchens alike.
But here’s the best part: you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy this crispy delight! Using an air fryer, you can achieve that golden crunch with a fraction of the oil. Not only is this method healthier, but it’s also much quicker and easier. No messy splatters, no greasy cleanup—just perfectly crispy chicken, every single time. So, whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for air fryer basket
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (optional, for added tang)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces and let them soak while preparing the coating.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray and repeat until all pieces are breaded.
4. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching (you may need to cook in batches).
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
6. Coat the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done, transfer the pieces to a large bowl.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve:
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, if desired. Pair with rice, a salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken
Here are some Tips for Perfect Crispy Bang Bang Chicken, including your suggestions and a few extras:
1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch
Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the chicken a crispier texture. For added flavor, you can toast them lightly in a dry pan before coating the chicken.
2. Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure every piece gets perfectly crispy.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, leading to a crispier coating.
4. Use Cooking Spray for Even Crisping
Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray or use a brush to apply oil before air frying. This helps achieve a golden-brown finish without excess oil.
5. Pat the Chicken Dry Before Marinating
Removing excess moisture from the chicken ensures the coating sticks better and crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
6. Shake or Flip Halfway Through Cooking
For even browning, shake the air fryer basket or flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process.
7. Use Fresh Ingredients for the Sauce
Use high-quality mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and a sweet chili sauce you enjoy. Fresh, quality ingredients will elevate the sauce’s flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to fully thaw the chicken first. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the air fryer will make it difficult for the coating to stick and may result in uneven cooking.
How can I make the chicken spicier?
Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Bang Bang sauce. You can also sprinkle cayenne or chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture.
Can I bake the chicken instead of air frying it?
Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a greased baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, steamed or roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even fries. It can also be served as an appetizer or in tacos.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
What’s the difference between Bang Bang Chicken and Honey Bang Bang Chicken?
Honey Bang Bang Chicken includes honey in the sauce for added sweetness, while traditional Bang Bang Chicken uses a balance of sweet chili sauce and sriracha without honey.