Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a fantastic dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce that packs a flavorful punch. The chicken pieces cook up fast in the air fryer, giving you that perfect golden crunch without the mess of frying in oil. It’s a great way to get dinner on the table when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and tasty.
I love making this recipe because it feels like a special treat, but it’s so simple to throw together. The sauce is the best part for me—the mix of mayo, a little sweetness, and just the right amount of heat makes every bite delicious. I usually whip up the sauce while the chicken cooks, which saves a step and means everything’s ready almost at the same time.
My favorite way to serve this bang bang chicken is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some crunchy veggies or a fresh salad. It’s a perfect combo of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, so I often make extra because it doesn’t last long at our house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, but thighs work great too if you prefer juicier chicken. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These are essential for that crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work but expect a less crispy finish.
Mayonnaise: This helps create the creamy bang bang sauce. You can swap for Greek yogurt or vegan mayo if you want a lighter or dairy-free sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce and Sriracha: These bring the sweet and spicy kick that define bang bang flavor. Adjust the Sriracha amount to match your heat tolerance, or use another hot sauce you like.
How Can I Get Crispy, Golden Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Achieving crispy chicken in the air fryer mainly depends on these steps:
- Coat chicken pieces carefully—first flour, then egg, then panko. Make sure sauce is well-adhered.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each piece space so the hot air can circulate and crisp the coating.
- Spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking and spray the chicken lightly before cooking for extra crispiness.
- Flip the pieces halfway through cooking to get even color and crunch on all sides.
Following these tips will give you perfectly crispy bang bang chicken every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it crisps up chicken quickly without deep frying, saving on oil and mess.
- Three shallow bowls or plates – perfect for setting up your breading stations: flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Mixing spoon or tongs – helpful for coating the chicken evenly in each step.
- Small bowl – to mix the bang bang sauce quickly and easily.
- Cooking spray or oil mister – to lightly spray the chicken and air fryer basket for crispiness and easy cleanup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful bites.
- Stir in chopped pineapple or mango into the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Add a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar to brighten the sauce flavor.
- Finish with chopped fresh cilantro or basil to add fresh, herbal notes.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil mist for air fryer
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes to air fry the chicken, for a total of roughly 20 minutes. It’s fast, easy, and perfect for a quick dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Breading Stations:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, set up three shallow bowls or plates: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and first coat it with the seasoned flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the panko breadcrumbs until well coated.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer so they don’t touch. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C).
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust spiciness to your taste.
5. Serve and Garnish:
When the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped red chili if you like a little extra heat and color.
Serve immediately, on its own, over steamed rice, or with fresh greens for a delicious and quick meal. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful air fryer bang bang chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before breading and air frying. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Pat the chicken dry for better coating adhesion.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness, or microwave gently if you’re in a hurry.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving to recombine the ingredients.
What Can I Serve With Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken?
This chicken pairs perfectly with steamed rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve it wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
