Description
Make crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken with a bold, sweet, and spicy sauce. This healthier take on a deep-fried favorite is quick, easy, and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for about 15 minutes to tenderize.
- Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set to 400°F and allow to preheat for a few minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Air Fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss cooked chicken in the sauce or drizzle over the top before serving.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Notes
- Spicier Version: Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour alternatives.
- Dairy-Free: Swap buttermilk for dairy-free milk mixed with lemon juice.
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Honey Bang Bang Sauce: Replace sweet chili sauce with honey for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: air fryer
- Cuisine: asian-american
Keywords: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bang Bang Chicken Recipe Crispy Chicken in Air Fryer Spicy Chicken Air Fryer Recipe Healthier Fried Chicken Alternative