Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Bites are a delicious and easy way to enjoy chicken. This recipe is so much better than take out, toss in my homemade firecracker sauce, for an amazing chicken dish!
This air fryer firecracker chicken recipe is amazing, with chunks of chicken tossed in a sweet, but spicy sauce. It is one of my favorite dinner options that my whole family absolutely loves!
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.
What Is Firecracker Chicken?
I love my air fryer, and this Chicken Recipe is another one of my Asian inspired dishes. It is a simple chicken dish and it is fabulous While, traditional Firecracker chicken is deep-fried, this air fryer version still gives you all of the same flavors, but without all of the calories and fat.
So, if you love the Firecracker Chicken at Pei Wei, you will love this copycat version!
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken
The recipe calls for some ingredients that you might not have on hand, so we’ve put together a list of what you’ll need to get started. Let’s get cooking!
- 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 Cook Firecracker Chicken In The Air Fryer
Here are the simple steps for making firecracker chicken in air fryer:
Bread The Chicken: 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.
Air Fry The Chicken: Place the chicken into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 370 degrees F, and set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.
Make The Sauce: 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)
Pro Tips For The Best Air Fried Firecracker Chicken
If you want to enjoy the best air-fried firecracker chicken, then you need to follow these pro tips.
- Pound chicken to even ½-inch thickness for faster, more even cooking.
- Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper before adding the sauce to help the spices adhere.
- Use a baking brush or your fingers to evenly coat the chicken in sauce. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
- No Preheating is needed for this recipe.
- Cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket and ensure crispy skin.
- Let the chicken sit for a few minutes, before serving.
Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Recipe Faqs
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast when making chicken bites. Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and juicy compared to chicken breast, which can sometimes be drier.
What can I use instead of sriracha sauce? Instead of sriracha sauce, you can use several alternatives depending on your preference and what you have on hand: hot sauce, chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or sambal oelek, are all great options.
What temperature and time settings should I use for cooking chicken in the air fryer? To make firecracker chicken bites in the air fryer, set the air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F, and set the cook time for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.
How can I make this recipe less spicy? Gradually reduce the amount of sriracha or other spicy sauces called for in the recipe. Start with less than the recipe specifies and adjust to taste.
How should I store leftover firecracker chicken? Can I reheat it in the air fryer? Allow the leftover firecracker chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or sealed storage bag. Reheat firecracker chicken in the air fryer for a quick and crispy reheating. Preheat your air fryer to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Place the leftover chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for about 5-8 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
What are some side dishes that pair well with firecracker chicken? How can I garnish it for serving?
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Steamed Rice: Serve firecracker chicken over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the spicy sauce.
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Vegetable Stir-Fry: A mix of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots complements the spicy chicken.
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Asian Slaw: A light and crunchy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame ginger dressing can provide a refreshing contrast.
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Fried Rice: Whip up a quick batch of fried rice with vegetables, egg, and soy sauce for a classic pairing.
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Garlic Noodles: Simple garlic-infused noodles, tossed with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil, make for a tasty accompaniment.
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
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Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/3 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- 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.
- Then place it on the air fryer pan, coat with olive oil.
- Air Fry 370 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Meanwhile in a bowl, mix together the buffalo hot sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar, mix well.
- Soak your chicken into the sauce, and put it back on the air fry tray or basket.
- Set back into the air fryer, and cook for anotehr few minutes.
- Pour over the rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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