This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is crispy, juicy, and coated in a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Made with tender chicken bites, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and a homemade Bang Bang sauce, this easy air fryer recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with less oil. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or weeknight dinner, Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without deep frying
- Easy air fryer recipe
- Sweet, spicy, and creamy flavor
- Family-friendly and customizable
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect appetizer or main dish
- Great for game days and parties
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
For the Chicken
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth.
- Reserve ¾ cup of the sauce and set aside for serving.
- Place flour into a large resealable bag.
- Add the chicken pieces and shake until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated chicken to the remaining sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to another resealable bag.
- Working in batches, add the chicken pieces and shake until coated with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl.
- Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- Adjust the Sriracha to control the spice level.
- Use chicken thighs for extra juicy results.
- Garnish with sesame seeds for added texture.
- Serve over rice or salad for a complete meal.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha.
- Sweet chili sauce adds most of the signature Bang Bang flavor.
- Chicken can also be served in wraps, tacos, or rice bowls.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
FAQ
What is Bang Bang Chicken?
Bang Bang Chicken is crispy chicken coated in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
Can I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, but it tastes best freshly cooked and coated in sauce just before serving.
How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?
It has a mild-to-medium heat level. Adjust the Sriracha to suit your preference.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Add the sauce just before serving and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour, gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, and check your sauces for gluten-free labeling.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until crispy and warmed through.
Similar Recipes
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
For the Chicken
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth.
- Reserve ¾ cup of the sauce and set aside for serving.
- Place flour into a large resealable bag.
- Add the chicken pieces and shake until evenly coated.
- Transfer the coated chicken to the remaining sauce and stir until fully coated.
- Add panko breadcrumbs to another resealable bag.
- Working in batches, add the chicken pieces and shake until coated with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Cook for 10 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl.
- Drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha.
- Sweet chili sauce adds most of the signature Bang Bang flavor.
- Chicken can also be served in wraps, tacos, or rice bowls.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken combines crispy panko-coated chicken with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried favorites while still delivering that irresistible crunch everyone loves.