Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken: 7 Irresistible Tips to Love

Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken: 7 Irresistible Tips to Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 3, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Let me tell you, there’s something absolutely magical about air fryer bang bang chicken! This dish is a delightful combination of crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. I remember the first time I tried bang bang chicken at a trendy little restaurant downtown. It was love at first bite! The crunch of the chicken, paired with that creamy, spicy sauce, was something I couldn’t forget. I knew I had to recreate it at home, and with the magic of my air fryer, it became a regular favorite in my kitchen.

What I adore most about this air fryer bang bang chicken is how quick and easy it is to whip up. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a plateful of crispy chicken that’s perfect for dinner or even game day snacking. Plus, the air fryer gives it that golden-brown crunch without needing too much oil, making it a bit healthier but still indulgent. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll be on repeat in your household!

Ingredients List

1 lb chicken fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s easier than you think. Follow these steps, and soon you’ll have the most delicious air fryer bang bang chicken that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key for that perfect crispy texture!
Season the chicken: Grab your chicken pieces and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t skimp on this step – it adds so much flavor!
Coat the chicken: First, roll each piece in the flour until it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the extra drip off. Finally, coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. You want every bite to have that crunchy goodness!
Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded, or they won’t get that nice golden-brown finish.
Cook to perfection: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and that all-important crunch! Keep an eye on them – they should be golden and cooked through.
Whip up the sauce: While the chicken cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. Adjust the sriracha to your liking if you want more heat!
Toss and serve: Once the chicken is done, carefully toss it in the sauce until every piece is coated. Serve it up hot and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness!

And there you have it! With these steps, you’ll have the most mouthwatering air fryer bang bang chicken ready in no time. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share the love with your family and friends!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things. It’s important to remember that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a typical breakdown for one serving of air fryer bang bang chicken:

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

This dish is not just packed with flavor but also provides a satisfying amount of protein to keep you feeling full. Enjoy this crispy treat guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and relatively balanced!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Easy Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means less mess! Most of the cooking happens in one basket, so cleaning up is a breeze.
Bold Flavors: The combination of sweet chili sauce and sriracha gives this dish a delightful kick that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Healthier Option: Enjoy that crispy fried chicken texture without the guilt! The air fryer uses significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, making it a great option for everyone in the family!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is great for batch cooking; make extra to enjoy throughout the week or for quick lunches!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer bang bang chicken turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips that I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) to help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish to the next level:

Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is a game changer! It ensures that your chicken starts cooking evenly and helps achieve that crispy exterior right from the get-go. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and wait for a few minutes before adding your chicken.
Mind the Batches: If you have a lot of chicken to cook, don’t overcrowd the basket. It’s tempting to fit everything in at once, but giving each piece space allows for better air circulation, leading to that perfect golden crunch!
Shake It Up: Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking! This little step ensures that all sides of your chicken get that beautiful crispiness, preventing any soggy spots from forming.
Adjust the Spice to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Feel free to tweak the amount of sriracha in the sauce to match your heat preference. If you’re serving kids or anyone sensitive to spice, dial it back a little.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken fillets and new ingredients make a noticeable difference in flavor. If you can, avoid using frozen chicken for this recipe, as it may release excess moisture and affect the crispiness.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let your chicken sit for a minute or two before tossing it in the sauce. This helps the coating set a bit, giving you that satisfying crunch when you bite into it!
Experiment with Sauces: While the classic bang bang sauce is amazing, don’t be afraid to try different sauces or dips! Honey mustard, ranch, or even a tangy yogurt sauce can add a fun twist that keeps things interesting.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to making the most mouthwatering air fryer bang bang chicken. Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy bite!

Variations

The beauty of air fryer bang bang chicken is that it’s wonderfully adaptable! Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with various tweaks and twists. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you:

Different Dipping Sauces: While the classic bang bang sauce is a crowd-pleaser, you can switch it up! Try a honey mustard for a sweet and tangy twist, or a garlic aioli for a creamy garlic flavor. A spicy buffalo sauce could also make a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for something with a kick!
Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, why not add more sriracha to your sauce or even toss in some diced jalapeños before cooking? For a milder version, you can substitute the sriracha with mild salsa or just use sweet chili sauce alone.
Herb & Spice Infusions: Give your chicken a flavor boost by adding different spices to the breading. Try mixing in some garlic powder, paprika, or even Italian seasoning for a unique twist. The flavor possibilities are endless!
Vegetarian Option: No chicken? No problem! Replace the chicken fillets with firm tofu or cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian version. Just remember to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before coating it!
Sweet & Spicy Combo: For a fun flavor explosion, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup into your sauce mix. This will create a sweet and spicy balance that’s absolutely addictive!

With these variations, you can keep your air fryer bang bang chicken exciting and fresh every time you make it! So don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite combination. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious air fryer bang bang chicken ready to go, let’s talk about the perfect accompaniments to create a complete meal that’ll have everyone raving! Trust me, the right sides can elevate your dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice is a classic pairing. It soaks up the spicy sauce beautifully and provides a lovely balance to the dish. Just imagine that fluffy rice next to crispy chicken – pure bliss!
Crispy Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing adds a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate. The coolness of the slaw perfectly contrasts the spicy chicken, making each bite a delight!
Garlic Noodles: Tossed in a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, these noodles are a flavorful and satisfying side that complements the bang bang chicken perfectly. Plus, they’re super quick to whip up!
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of colorful roasted veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas adds nutrition and a vibrant touch to your meal. The slight char from roasting enhances their natural sweetness and makes them irresistible!
Fresh Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can lighten the meal and add freshness. You can throw in some avocado or nuts for added texture and flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun twist, serve your bang bang chicken with crispy sweet potato fries. They’re slightly sweet, perfectly crispy, and oh-so-addictive – a great match for that spicy chicken!

Feel free to mix and match these sides depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Each option brings something special to the table and makes your air fryer bang bang chicken shine even brighter. Enjoy your meal, and let those flavors come together in a delicious dance!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got some leftover air fryer bang bang chicken? Lucky you! This dish makes for fantastic leftovers, and I’ve got some tips to help you store and reheat it so it stays just as delicious as the first time around.

First things first, let’s talk storage. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your crispy chicken soggy. If you’re planning to eat it within a couple of days, it’s perfectly fine to store it in the fridge. Just be sure to enjoy it within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

If you want to keep your bang bang chicken for a longer period, consider freezing it! Just make sure it’s fully cooled, then place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Don’t forget to label it with the date – trust me, you’ll thank me later! Frozen chicken can last up to 2-3 months without losing too much quality.

Now, when it’s time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. If you want to maintain that crispy texture, the air fryer is your best friend! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and pop the chicken in for about 5-7 minutes. This will help revive that glorious crunch you love.

If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out.

Microwaving is an option too, but be careful! It can make the chicken a bit rubbery. If you must use the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed, but you might lose that crispy goodness.

Follow these easy storage and reheating tips, and you’ll be able to enjoy your air fryer bang bang chicken just as much the next day (or week!). Happy munching!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this air fryer bang bang chicken recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken pieces, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Start by cooking them for about 12-15 minutes, and check for doneness. Just keep in mind that fresh chicken tends to yield a better texture and flavor.

Q2: How do I ensure my bang bang chicken stays crispy?
To keep your chicken crispy, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Each piece needs space for the hot air to circulate, which helps achieve that perfect crunch. Also, avoid using too much sauce before serving; toss the chicken in the sauce right before you’re ready to eat!

Q3: What can I serve with air fryer bang bang chicken?
There are so many delicious options! You can serve it with steamed jasmine rice, a crispy Asian slaw, or even garlic noodles. Fresh salads or roasted vegetables also make fantastic sides, balancing the dish perfectly.

Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! To make air fryer bang bang chicken gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. There are plenty of great options available in stores that work just as well, allowing you to enjoy this dish without worry!

Q5: How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
If you prefer a milder sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a milder sauce like sweet chili sauce alone. You can also add a bit of honey to balance out the heat if you like a sweet and spicy combo!