Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is truly amazing. I love a great crispy chicken dish. Drizzled on top is a sweet chili sauce, a great and fast meal.

Last month I shared my favorite Copycat Recipe for Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill. It’s one of my favorite recipes and so easy to crisp up in the air fryer.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER HEALTHY BUFFALO CHICKEN, AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE, AIR FRYER WENDY’S SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH, and AIR FRYER SHAKE N’ BAKE STYLE FRIED CHICKEN.

What Is Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Breast?

Air Fryer Bang Bang Bang Chicken is a yummy and healthy chicken breast recipe, it is perfectly cooked in the air fryer, and is then covered in a Bang Bang Sauce, made from mayonnaise, sweet chili, and sriracha sauce.

The air fryer does an amazing job of crisping up the chicken while keeping it moist and tender. Once you try it, it will be on your menu weekly! It is that good! This is a chicken version of the popular Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp. 

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need for this recipe:

For the full recipe and directions, scroll to the end of this page, and print out the printable recipe card, as well as the nutritional information.

• Buttermilk: Use homemade or store-bought buttermilk. This dredging of the buttermilk will tenderize your chicken.
• Chicken tenderloins: You can also use chicken tenders, chicken thighs, or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• All-purpose flour: Or use all-purpose gluten-free flour for the best way to make this recipe gluten-free
• Panko bread crumbs: Or Use seasoned breadcrumbs
• Seasonings and Spices: Kosher Salt and Ground black pepper. You can also include onion powder, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Sriracha
• Mayonnaise: Use regular or low-fat mayo. You can also use Greek yogurt.
• Blue Dragon sweet chili sauce
• Green onions

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How To Cook Bang Bang Chicken Air Fryer

Today, let’s learn how to make the best air fryer bang bang chicken:

Step One: Prepare Your Chicken: Dice chicken into bite size pieces in sections

Step Two: Prepare Your Dredging Stations Create an assembly line for breading the pieces of chicken. Place flour and black pepper in a large bowl, buttermilk in another, and then place panko bread crumbs and salt in a medium mixing bowl.   Dip chicken pieces in flour. Then, dip in buttermilk batter, then panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

Step Three: Prepare Chicken Pieces For Air Frying Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or non-stick cooking spray. Place the coated chicken in a basket in a single layer, and spray the top of the chicken with olive oil spray. Set to 390 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 5 minutes. Flip, spray with olive oil spray, and cook for five more minutes. Remember, you will probably need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step Four: Prepare Creamy Spicy Sauce Create bang bang sauce by mixing sriracha, mayonnaise, and sweet chili sauce, in a small bowl. Whisk mayonnaise mixture until smooth. Gently toss the chicken in the mayonnaise mixture. Garnish with green onions, serve with your favorite hot sauce or dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Bang Bang Chicken Air Fryer Recipe Tips

• Spray your chicken with cooking spray. If you want any breading to crisp up in the air fryer, you need to ensure it’s well covered with cooking spray.
• Shake the basket throughout the cooking process so each piece of chicken gets crisped up.
• To prevent your chicken from drying out, I suggest using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked throughout but not overcooked, which will tend to dry out the chicken.

Bang Bang Air Fryer Chicken Recipe Faqs

What is Bang Bang Chicken? Bang Bang Chicken is a dish known for its crispy chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. It’s popular in both Asian and American fusion cuisines.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook slightly faster than thighs.

How long should I cook the chicken in the air fryer? Cook the chicken in the air fryer at 390F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken pieces, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it first before proceeding with the recipe.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce? To maintain crispiness, serve the chicken immediately after tossing it in the Bang Bang sauce. If you prefer extra crispy chicken, serve the sauce on the side for dipping instead of coating the chicken.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce? If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mayo alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce spicier? Yes, to add more heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust the spice level to your taste.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? You can prep the chicken by breading it ahead of time and storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. However, it’s best to air fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce just before serving for the best texture.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and a gluten-free baking mix or flour for breading the chicken.

What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken? Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice, a side of steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. It’s also great served in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.

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