Easy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken

Crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, Easy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken is a quick way to enjoy a bold, restaurant-style meal at home. Ready in under 30 minutes, these tender chicken bites are coated in a sweet and fiery sauce perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day snacking.

Get ready for a flavor-packed meal with Easy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken! These crispy, tender chicken bites are coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that delivers a fiery kick without overwhelming your taste buds.

Quick to make in the air fryer and perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or even casual get-togethers, this dish brings bold, restaurant-style flavor straight to your plate with minimal fuss.

My entire family are huge fans of Asian food, I have been creating lots and lots of recipes on my website for everything from Instant Pot Fried Rice to Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken, and do not forget about the 5-minute air fryer crab rangoons.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy without deep frying: Achieve a golden, crunchy texture using just the air fryer.
• Bold, flavorful sauce: Sweet, spicy, and tangy firecracker sauce packs a punch in every bite.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.
• Kid- and adult-friendly: Balanced heat makes it enjoyable for the whole family.
• Minimal cleanup: Air fryer cooking keeps things simple, fast, and mess-free.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken: Use either boneless skinless chicken breast, or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

• Cornstarch: This will help your chicken get crispy!
• Egg: Use large, room temperature eggs
• Hot Sauce: Use your favorite hot sauce, today I used Buffalo Hot Sauce
• Brown Sugar: This will Add some sweetness to your dish.
• Seasonings: Salt and Black Pepper

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken

Step One: Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Cut your chicken into 1 piece cubes, and coat them with cornstarch. Then dip the chicken into the egg.

Step Two: Place the chicken into the air fryer basket.  Set the air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F, and set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. 

Step Three: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the buffalo hot sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar, mix well. Dip your chicken into the sauce. Return the chicken to the air fryer, and cook for another couple of minutes. Serve with either sesame seeds, or sliced green onions (or both)

Easy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Recipe Tips

• Pat chicken dry first: Removing excess moisture ensures a crispy coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each piece space for even cooking and maximum crunch.
• Adjust the heat: Add more chili sauce or red pepper flakes for extra spice, or reduce for a milder version.
• Use a light oil spray: A quick mist helps the sauce stick and enhances crispiness.
• Marinate for flavor: Let the chicken sit in the firecracker sauce for 20–30 minutes before cooking for more depth.
• Flip halfway through: Shake the basket or turn the chicken to ensure golden, even cooking.
• Serve immediately: For the crispiest texture, serve right out of the air fryer; leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to retain crunch.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover firecracker chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. You can also use the oven, but avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.
• Freeze: Place cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer directly from frozen for best results.
• Sauce tip: Store any extra firecracker sauce separately and toss the chicken in it when serving to prevent sogginess.

Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes! Cook frozen chicken bites in the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy? Pat the chicken dry before tossing in sauce, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and flip halfway through cooking.

Can I adjust the spice level? Absolutely! Reduce or increase the chili sauce or add red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time? Yes! Marinate in the firecracker sauce for 20–30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but cook in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even crispiness.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Ensure any chili sauce or seasonings you use are certified gluten-free.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER PANDA EXPRESS SWEET FIRE CHICKEN COPYCAT
• EASY AIR FRYER PEANUT BUTTER CHICKEN LEGS WITH SPICY JELLY AIOLI
• AIR FRYER CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
• Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

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