Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a fun, crispy, and flavorful dish that comes together in no time. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy sauce that has just the right kick to keep things exciting. The air fryer gives the chicken a perfect crunchy outside without a mess of frying oil, making it light and quick.
I love making this Bang Bang Chicken when I want something simple but still full of taste. The sauce is the real star—it’s creamy with a nice zip from a little bit of spice, and it’s so easy to whip up while the chicken cooks. Plus, I don’t have to spend ages in the kitchen, which means I get to enjoy this tasty meal faster and still have plenty of time to relax.
My favorite way to serve this dish is over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a fresh green salad. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or even a casual get-together because everyone seems to love that crispy chicken with the bold sauce. If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, tasty, and mess-free, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is definitely one I keep coming back to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner. Both work great here.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a nice crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are okay too.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is the creamy base. You can swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and mild heat; try chili garlic sauce for a spicier twist.
Sriracha Sauce: It brings heat and flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice comfort level or substitute with hot sauce you like.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder add depth, but fresh minced garlic or shallots can work if you prefer.
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken in the Air Fryer Without It Getting Dry?
Keep these tips in mind for perfect crispy chicken:
- Pat chicken pieces dry before breading; moisture stops crispiness.
- Use a light spray of oil on coated chicken to help browning and crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—give pieces room for hot air to circulate.
- Flip chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Check doneness with a thermometer: 165°F (74°C) ensures juicy, safe chicken.
I like to preheat the air fryer to get a nice sizzle right away. It helps the coating set and stay crunchy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love how it makes crispy chicken without oil splatters and less mess.
- Shallow bowls – for your egg wash and breadcrumb mixture; makes breading easier and neater.
- Tongs – handy for flipping chicken pieces without breaking the coating or getting your hands messy.
- Meat thermometer – helps you check that the chicken is cooked perfectly without overdoing it.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy, especially in the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Mix in chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots into the sauce for a veggie boost.
- Add a splash of lime juice or rice vinegar to the sauce for extra tang.
- Swap out the spicy sriracha for sweet chili sauce or honey for a milder version.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil spray
For Serving and Garnish:
- 1 cup cooked white rice (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional for slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional for tang)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll also spend a few minutes making the bang bang sauce. Overall, you can have a delicious, crispy meal ready in around 20 minutes — perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs along with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another bowl, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture first, then coat well in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to make sure the crumbs stick.
2. Cook the Chicken in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket so they don’t touch. Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray to help it crisp up. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce and Serve:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice in a bowl until smooth. When the chicken is done, arrange it over a bed of hot rice, drizzle generously with the sauce, and sprinkle the chopped chives and red pepper flakes on top if you like a little extra heat. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before breading and cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then pat dry to avoid sogginess.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Give it a quick stir before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain crispiness, or warm gently in the microwave.
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
This dish is great over steamed rice or alongside a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with roasted veggies or even noodles for a heartier meal.
