Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that has just the right amount of kick. Using the air fryer makes this recipe super simple and fast, perfect for nights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss. The bang bang sauce, made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of spice, is what really brings this chicken to life.
I love making this chicken when I’m short on time but still want something special on the table. The air fryer gives the chicken a great crunch without drowning it in oil, so it feels lighter but still really satisfying. My little secret is to toss the chicken in the sauce right after it’s cooked so every bite gets coated evenly and stays nice and saucy. I also like to make a little extra sauce on the side for dipping.
One of my favorite ways to serve this Bang Bang Chicken is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a crisp salad to balance out the heat and creaminess. It always feels like a restaurant-style meal but comes together in less than 30 minutes. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, and I bet once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for quick weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean option, but chicken thighs work great too if you want juicier pieces. Just cut into evenly sized bites for even cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs & Flour: Panko gives the chicken a crispier crunch than regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work well too. The flour helps the coating stick better!
Bang Bang Sauce: The mayo and sweet chili sauce combo is classic here. For spice, I adjust sriracha depending on how hot you want it. If you want it dairy-free, try using vegan mayo.
How Do You Get the Crispiest Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Air fryers are great for making crispy chicken without frying in lots of oil. To get that perfect crunch:
- Spray the chicken pieces lightly with oil before cooking to help them brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; leave space between pieces so the hot air can circulate.
- Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even crisping.
- If your pieces are uneven in size, cut bigger ones a bit smaller to cook at the same rate.
Following these steps gives you tender, juicy chicken inside with a golden, crispy outside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it cooks the chicken quickly and gives it a crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Three shallow bowls – one for flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumb mixture makes coating easy.
- Cooking spray or oil mister – helps the chicken get extra crispy and golden when cooking.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for precise measurement of ingredients and sauce ingredients.
- Serving bowls – for tossing the chicken in sauce and for serving over rice.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for different textures and flavors.
- Sauce twist: Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the Bang Bang sauce for extra depth.
- Herbs & spices: Mix chopped green onions, cilantro, or a dash of curry powder into the sauce or chicken coating for a flavor boost.
- Vegetable side: Toss in some steamed broccoli or snap peas with the chicken for added veggies and color on your plate.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or oil spray
- 1 cup cooked white rice (for serving)
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to air fry the chicken. Overall, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice (if using) until smooth. Taste and adjust the spiciness or sweetness as you like. Set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well.
3. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off, then coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure all sides are covered lightly but thoroughly.
4. Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Spray the tops lightly with oil spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
5. Toss Chicken in the Bang Bang Sauce:
Once cooked, transfer the hot chicken pieces to a large bowl. Immediately drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat every piece evenly with the creamy, spicy sauce.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Place cooked white rice in serving bowls. Top with the sauced chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.
7. Enjoy!
Serve right away while the chicken is still crispy and the sauce is fresh. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal any day of the week!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before cutting and coating it. Pat the pieces dry to remove excess moisture for crispier results in the air fryer.
Can I Bake Instead of Air Fry?
Absolutely! Bake the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven to keep it crispy, then toss with warmed sauce before serving.
Is There a Dairy-Free Version of the Bang Bang Sauce?
Yes! Simply substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free or vegan mayo alternative to keep the creamy texture without dairy.