Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish that’s crispy, spicy, and sweet all at once. The chicken gets coated in a crunchy, golden crust thanks to the air fryer, and then it’s tossed in a creamy sauce that has just the right kick of heat and a little touch of sweetness. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, perfect for nights when you want something fast but still super flavorful.
I love making this recipe because it doesn’t take long at all, and the air fryer does most of the work for you. I find that the chicken turns out perfectly crispy without all the extra oil, which makes it feel like a lighter treat. Plus, the bang bang sauce is my favorite part to tweak—I sometimes add a bit more chili sauce if I want it spicier or a little honey for extra sweetness. It always comes together so quickly that it’s become my go-to dinner when I’m short on time.
My favorite way to serve this chicken is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some fresh veggies for a complete meal. It also works great wrapped in lettuce leaves if you want something a bit lighter or gluten-free. Every time I make it, people ask for seconds, and honestly, I don’t blame them—it’s just that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs because they stay juicy, but breasts work great if you want leaner meat. Just cut them into even pieces so they cook evenly.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give the chicken a light, crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work too.
Sweet chili sauce: This adds a perfect balance of sweet and spice to the sauce. If you can’t find it, try a mix of honey and a bit of hot sauce instead.
Sriracha sauce: Use this for heat—but adjust the amount to your taste. You can swap in any hot sauce or chili paste you like.
Mayonnaise: It makes the bang bang sauce creamy. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt.
How Do I Get Crispy, Golden Chicken in the Air Fryer?
The air fryer makes it easy to get crunchy chicken without deep frying, but a few tricks help:
- Pat the chicken dry before coating—it helps the breading stick better.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch over regular breadcrumbs.
- Spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil before cooking. This encourages browning and crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; leave space for hot air to circulate.
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even crisping on both sides.
- Check temperature with a meat thermometer to be sure it’s cooked through but still juicy (165°F/74°C).
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend a 3.7-quart or larger size so the chicken has enough space to crisp up evenly.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the coatings and sauce; use small ones for easy handling.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the right amount of ingredients for the sauce and coatings.
- Cooking spray or oil mister – helps the breaded chicken get crispy without sticking.
- Tongs or a fork – for handling the chicken pieces without messing up the coating.
- Small whisk or spoon – to mix the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken tenders or even tofu for a vegetarian version that gets just as crispy.
- Add chopped peanuts or cashews on top for a crunchy, nutty twist.
- Mix in diced pineapple or chopped bell peppers into the sauce for a fruity and colorful touch.
- Use sriracha and honey for a sweeter or spicier sauce, or try garlic and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor boost.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or a little oil for spraying
- 1 cup cooked white rice (optional, for serving)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional for brightness)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer, and just a few minutes to mix the sauce and assemble. Around 25 minutes total, perfect for a fast and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Bread the Chicken:
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken piece first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally press into the panko crumbs to coat well.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with oil. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as you like.
5. Toss and Serve:
After cooking, toss the crispy chicken gently in the bang bang sauce until evenly coated. Serve the chicken over cooked white rice if using. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro or green onions, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Enjoy your quick and flavorful Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before breading and air frying to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before tossing with the chicken.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work well as alternatives. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly different.