Description
At its core, Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a modern, health-conscious spin on a classic takeout and appetizer favorite. The dish consists of bite-sized pieces of tender chicken breast that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in egg wash, and rolled in crisp breadcrumbs. They are then air-fried until they achieve a gorgeous golden hue. Once the hot chicken emerges from the air fryer basket, it is immediately tossed in a signature sauce that is creamy, slightly sweet, and kickstarted with a pleasant touch of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 15–30 minutes (optional but recommended).
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- In one bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the egg.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat with panko.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (do not overcrowd).
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Toss hot chicken in the bang bang sauce or drizzle on top before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Airfried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410 kcal
Keywords: Air fried bang bang chicken, crispy bang bang chicken air fryer, healthy bang bang chicken recipe