Make This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken – So Easy & Good

I discovered this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe on a night when I was craving takeout but didn’t want to leave the house or feel guilty after eating. With some chicken in the fridge and a few sauces in the pantry, I decided to experiment.

I tossed the chicken in a quick coating, popped it in the air fryer, and mixed up a simple sauce with mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha. The result? Crispy, creamy, and just the right amount of heat. Honestly, it blew every takeout version I’ve ever had out of the water.

Since then, it’s become my go-to recipe for quick dinners and crowd-pleasing appetizers. Now, I’m sharing it with you so you can skip the takeout and still get all the flavor at home.

What Is Bang Bang Chicken Made Of?

If you’re new to the world of bang bang dishes, you’re in for a treat. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe gets its bold flavor and satisfying crunch from a few simple ingredients and the secret lies in the sauce.

A Quick Look at Bang Bang Sauce

At the heart of this recipe is the legendary Bang Bang sauce a creamy, spicy, and sweet blend that takes crispy chicken to the next level. Here’s what you’ll need to whip it up:

• Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist)
• Sweet chili sauce for that sweet-and-tangy base
• Sriracha or hot sauce to bring the heat
• Optional mix-ins: a touch of honey, garlic powder, or lime juice for depth

This signature sauce is what sets this air fryer bang bang chicken recipe apart rich, balanced, and absolutely addictive.

Chicken That Crisps Without Oil

Traditionally, bang bang chicken is deep-fried, but with this air fryer version, you skip the oil and still get an irresistible crunch. Here’s how it works:

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• A crispy coating made from cornstarch, flour, and panko breadcrumbs, seasoned to taste
• A light spray of oil or cooking spray for a golden, crisp finish

Using the air fryer means fewer calories, less mess, and way more convenience. That’s why this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe has quickly become a go-to for quick dinners and party-ready appetizers.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy air‑fried chicken bites tossed in a creamy, sweet‑spicy Bang Bang sauce guilt‑free takeout at home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main

Cuisine Asian‑inspired

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• 3‑bowl breading station

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1‑inch cubes
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all‑purpose flour
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 large egg beaten

Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (or hot sauce) adjust to taste

Optional Sauce Add‑Ins

• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp lime juice

Instructions

 

• Pat chicken dry, cut into 1″ cubes; season lightly with salt & pepper.
• Set up 3‑bowl station: cornstarch; beaten egg; flour + panko + garlic powder + paprika + salt + pepper.
• Dredge chicken in cornstarch → egg → flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
• Preheat air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) for 3–5 min; lightly spray basket.
• Arrange chicken in single layer; spray tops. Air‑fry 10–12 min, flipping halfway, until golden & 165 °F internal.
• Meanwhile, whisk sauce ingredients together in a bowl; adjust heat/sweetness.
• Toss cooked chicken in sauce or drizzle before serving. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Notes

For meal‑prep: store chicken and sauce separately. Reheat chicken in air fryer at 375 °F for 3–4 min to keep crispy.

Keyword Air Fryer, Quick, Spicy

Ingredients for Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

To make this flavorful and crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe, you’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients divided into two parts: one for the chicken and one for the creamy bang bang sauce.

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for a light, crispy coating)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (adds that signature crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten (helps bind the coating)
• Cooking spray or 1 tbsp olive oil (for crisping in the air fryer)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (adds sweetness and tang)
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Optional:
  • 1 tsp honey (for extra sweetness)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp lime juice (for a fresh zing)

This list keeps things simple yet flavorful perfect for a weeknight dinner or easy party snack. Using your air fryer ensures this air fryer bang bang chicken recipe stays crispy without all the oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This quick and easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe comes together in just a few steps no deep fryer needed. Follow along to get perfectly crispy chicken bites tossed in that irresistible bang bang sauce.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In three shallow bowls:

1. Bowl 1: Add cornstarch.
2. Bowl 2: Beat one large egg.
3. Bowl 3: Mix together flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

• Dredge each chicken piece in cornstarch, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat in the flour–panko mixture.
• Press lightly so the coating sticks well.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or nonstick cooking spray.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

• Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the basket—don’t overcrowd.
• Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F.

Tip: For extra crispiness, cook 1–2 minutes longer.

Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
• Optional: Add honey, garlic powder, or lime juice for added flavor

Step 7: Toss or Drizzle

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove from air fryer.
• Either toss the chicken in the sauce or drizzle it over the top right before serving.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

This step-by-step approach makes the Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe foolproof and fast. Whether you’re making it for dinner, game night, or a potluck, it’s bound to impress.

What Should I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

The versatility of this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe makes it easy to serve for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to party appetizers. Whether you’re going low-carb or going all out with comfort sides, there’s no shortage of perfect pairings.

Classic Combos That Never Miss

Pairing this crispy, creamy, spicy chicken with the right sides can take it from great to unforgettable. Here are some classic go-to options:

Looking to try something creative? Don’t miss our Air Fryer Chicken Bites they pair amazingly with slaw, wraps, or rice too.

Creative Serving Ideas

This air fryer bang bang chicken recipe also works great in more inventive ways. Try one of these:

• Loaded Bang Bang Bowls: Layer rice, veggies, and chicken in a bowl for a full, balanced meal.
• Bang Bang Tacos: Stuff in soft flour tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of lime.
• Party Skewers: Thread onto toothpicks or skewers, add a drizzle of sauce, and serve as finger food.
• Lettuce Wraps: Butter lettuce cups topped with chicken and a crunch of cucumber make a refreshing bite.

Pro Tip: Sauce on the Side = Meal Prep Gold

If you’re meal prepping this air fryer bang bang chicken recipe, keep the sauce separate and reheat the chicken in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 375°F. This keeps it crispy all week long.

Learn more about Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken if you enjoy saucy, crispy protein meals like this one.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Even the best recipes can flop without the right techniques. Here’s how to get the most out of your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe:

• Cut chicken evenly so it cooks consistently.
• Don’t crowd the basket cook in batches if needed.
• Use a light cooking spray for extra crisp without oiliness.
• Flip halfway to brown both sides evenly.
• Sauce last to keep the coating crunchy.

Learn more about Best Way to Make Chicken Wings in Air Fryer for similar air fryer tricks.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is everything you want crispy, creamy, a little spicy, and way healthier than takeout. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor.

Skip the deep fryer and let your air fryer do the magic. Once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat.

FAQs About Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

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