If you love crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, then Honey Bang Bang Chicken is a dish you’ll absolutely enjoy! This popular recipe is known for its delicious combination of flavors — the sweetness of honey and the kick of spicy Sriracha sauce. It’s the perfect balance of flavor that makes this dish a family favorite. But what makes this version even better? Cooking it in the air fryer!
Using an air fryer to prepare Honey Bang Bang Chicken isn’t just a time-saver; it’s also a healthier choice. Air fryers use hot air to crisp up your food without the need for deep frying in oil. This means you get that perfect golden crunch on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender, all with far less fat. Plus, it’s quicker and easier than traditional frying methods. So, if you’re craving this mouthwatering dish but want to skip the mess and the calories, the air fryer is the way to go. By the end of this recipe, you’ll have a plate of crispy chicken drenched in a flavorful honey Sriracha sauce, ready to enjoy in just under 30 minutes!
Ingredients for Honey Bang Bang Chicken in Air Fryer
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for a tangy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken:
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour-breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
- Air fry the chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the pieces to a large bowl.
- Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken and toss until the chicken is fully coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the Honey Bang Bang Chicken immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Pair with rice or veggies for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Honey Bang Bang Chicken in Air Fryer
Here are some tips to make sure your Honey Bang Bang Chicken in the Air Fryer turns out perfectly:
1. Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast or Thighs
For the best results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more juiciness, but both work well in the air fryer.
2. Marinate the Chicken
For extra flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better and makes the chicken more tender. You can marinate longer if you have time.
3. Coat Chicken Well
Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the flour and panko mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating sticks, which will create a crispy, crunchy texture when air-fried.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
For the crispiest chicken, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give the chicken enough space for air circulation, which helps it cook evenly and become crispy.
5. Flip or Shake the Basket
Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket or flip the chicken pieces. This ensures they cook evenly on all sides and become uniformly crispy.
6. Use a Sweet Chili Sauce You Love
The sweet chili sauce is a key component of the Bang Bang sauce, so choose one that suits your taste. You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness by using more or less chili sauce or sriracha.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
While it’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, you can use frozen chicken. However, make sure to fully thaw it before marinating and coating. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the air fryer may affect the coating’s texture.
2. How can I make the chicken spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce. If you prefer extra spice in the coating, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder on the chicken before air frying.
3. How do I keep the chicken crispy after coating with the sauce?
To maintain the crispy texture, try to serve the chicken immediately after coating with the sauce. If you need to store leftovers, place the chicken on a cooling rack (rather than directly on a plate) to prevent it from becoming soggy.
4. What can I serve with Honey Bang Bang Chicken?
Honey Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or fries for a more hearty meal.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Ensure that the sweet chili sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
6. Can I make the sauce without mayonnaise?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid mayonnaise, you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy and tangy.
7. How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the doneness or cut open a piece to ensure there’s no pink in the center.
8. Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
Yes! You can make this recipe with shrimp, tofu, or even pork. Adjust the cooking times according to the type of protein you’re using to ensure it’s fully cooked.