Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a combination of crispy chicken and a zesty sauce right to your table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The dish is easy to make and offers a satisfying crunch while staying healthier with the use of an air fryer.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken. First and foremost, it’s delicious! The flavors come together beautifully, thanks to the bang bang sauce that adds a sweet and spicy kick. Additionally, cooking with an air fryer allows you to enjoy crispy chicken without deep frying, making it a healthier option. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to create your own mouthwatering dish:

Ingredients:

1-1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking oil spray
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/8 cup sweet chili sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon honey

Directions:

Cube 1-1 1/2 pounds of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In a shallow dish or pie plate, add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. In a separate dish, beat together 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons of milk. In a third dish, combine 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Working one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the plain flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumb/flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 minutes.
Place the chicken cubes into the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Spritz the chicken with cooking oil spray to coat the dry flour coating.
Cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes. Then, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Toss the cooked chicken in the bang bang sauce and serve hot with a garnish of green onions or chives.

Bang Bang Sauce:

In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/8 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (or to taste), and 1 teaspoon honey. Stir until smooth and well combined.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. It pairs perfectly with a side of rice or a fresh salad. For extra flavor, drizzle with more bang bang sauce before serving. Garnishing with chopped green onions or chives adds a nice touch and enhances the presentation.

How to Store Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

To store leftover Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to regain its crispiness.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture for maximum crunch.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce by adding more or less sriracha, based on your preference.

Variation

You can switch up the recipe by using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood variation. The cooking time may be shorter, so keep an eye on your shrimp to ensure they are cooked perfectly.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.

3. How can I make the recipe spicier?
You can add additional sriracha sauce to the bang bang sauce or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.

Enjoy your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.