Have you ever craved a dish that’s both crispy and bursting with flavor? Bang bang chicken air fryer is the answer. This delightful recipe combines succulent chicken with a spicy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken coated in a zesty glaze that leaves you wanting more.

Growing up, I remember family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, excited to share delicious food. Bang bang chicken always stole the show with its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Prepare to elevate your meals with this simple yet extraordinary recipe!

Why You’ll Love This bang bang chicken air fryer

Quick Preparation: With an air fryer, you can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed while still achieving that satisfying crispiness.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and sauces creates a mouthwatering experience that is both spicy and sweet.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for bang bang chicken air fryer

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1 pound of chicken breasts works best; ensure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the chicken before cooking.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick to your dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs provide extra crunch when cooked in the air fryer.

For the Sauce:

Mayonnaise: Use mayonnaise as a base for the sauce; it creates creaminess that complements the spices.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust to your heat preference; this sauce gives the dish its signature spicy flavor.
Honey: A touch of honey balances out the spiciness with sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make bang bang chicken air fryer

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut each boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Coat with Panko

In one bowl, place panko breadcrumbs. In another bowl, create a light egg wash using one beaten egg. Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the egg wash first then coat them thoroughly with panko.

Step 4: Cook in Air Fryer

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. Cook for approximately ten minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust spiciness if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, transfer your crispy bang bang chicken to plates or a serving platter. Drizzle generously with sauce for that irresistible finishing touch!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat in your air fryer for best results.

Mistakes to avoid

Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: One common mistake when making bang bang chicken in an air fryer is overcrowding the basket. When you pile too many pieces of chicken together, they don’t cook evenly. The hot air needs space to circulate around each piece to achieve that perfect crispy texture. To avoid this, cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures that each piece gets adequate exposure to the heat, resulting in a deliciously crispy exterior.
Skipping the Marinade: Another mistake is skipping the marinade step. Marinating your chicken adds depth of flavor and moisture, which is crucial for achieving that signature bang bang taste. Without marination, your chicken may end up bland and dry. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but longer times yield even better results. Use ingredients like chili sauce, garlic, and lime juice to enhance the flavor profile effectively.
Using the Wrong Chicken Cut: Choosing the wrong cut of chicken can significantly affect your dish’s outcome. For bang bang chicken, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work best due to their tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. Avoid using bone-in cuts or skin-on pieces as they tend to take longer to cook and may result in a less desirable texture. Stick with boneless options for a quick and easy cooking experience.

Serving Suggestions

This bang bang chicken air fryer is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Steamed Rice: Serve your bang bang chicken over fluffy steamed rice. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, enhancing each bite.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad adds freshness to the meal. Consider adding avocado or nuts for additional texture and flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a mix of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. This combination is colorful and nutritious.

FAQs

How do you make bang bang chicken air fryer?

To make bang bang chicken air fryer, start by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of garlic. Then coat the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. Preheat your air fryer to around 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer ensures the chicken remains juicy while achieving that crispy exterior without excess oil.

What can I serve with bang bang chicken air fryer?

You can serve your bang bang chicken air fryer with various sides. Consider pairing it with jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of stir-fried vegetables can add color and nutrients to your meal. Additionally, fresh cucumber slices or a tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Is bang bang chicken air fryer healthy?

Bang bang chicken made in an air fryer is generally healthier than traditional frying methods. By using less oil, you reduce calories and fat content significantly. The dish provides protein from the chicken while allowing you to control the ingredients in your sauce. Opting for whole grain breadcrumbs or incorporating veggies can further enhance its nutritional profile.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for making bang bang chicken air fryer. However, ensure that you thaw it properly before marinating to allow better absorption of flavors. If using frozen pieces directly, increase cooking time slightly to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

Conclusion for bang bang chicken air fryer

In summary, making bang bang chicken in an air fryer is simple and rewarding. This recipe allows you to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without excess oil while providing ample opportunities for customization with sides like rice or vegetables. The combination of sweet chili sauce and creamy mayonnaise delivers a unique flavor profile that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal, this dish truly shines as a delicious option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken in the Air Fryer

Save Recipe

Bang Bang Chicken in the Air Fryer is an irresistible dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce, making it a standout option for any meal. This quick and easy recipe allows you to prepare this crowd-pleaser in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. The air fryer ensures each piece achieves a satisfying crunch while using minimal oil, resulting in a healthier version of this beloved favorite. Tossed in a creamy Sriracha sauce, every bite bursts with flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside fresh vegetables for a delightful and complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Author: Mason Recipes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg (for egg wash)
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
Create an egg wash by beating one egg in a bowl. Dip chicken pieces into the egg wash then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
While cooking, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth.
Serve the crispy chicken drizzled with the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (about 75g)
Calories: 210
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; work in batches if needed for even cooking. For extra tenderness, consider using boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.