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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken: Easy Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of crispy, golden brown Bang Bang Chicken pieces piled on a plate and drizzled with creamy orange sauce.
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Make restaurant-quality Bang Bang Chicken at home. This recipe delivers crispy chicken coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
  • For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • For Serving (Optional Bowl):
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. In a second shallow dish, place the beaten egg. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Dredge the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  3. Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This is your best bang bang sauce.
  5. Toss and Serve: Once the chicken is crispy, place the hot pieces in a large bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are coated in the creamy sweet-spicy sauce.
  6. Assemble Bowls (Optional): Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Top with the sauced chicken and steamed broccoli. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with sliced green onions for a flavorful chicken meal.

Notes

  • For an even crispier texture without an air fryer, pan-fry the chicken in 1/2 inch of hot oil until golden brown.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, substitute regular mayonnaise with Kewpie mayonnaise.
  • To make this a gluten free bang bang chicken, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep chicken; store the sauce separately and toss just before eating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/crispy-air-fryer-bang-bang-chicken-easy-dinner/