Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a tasty dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. It combines crunchy chicken bites with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that gives just the right kick without taking forever to make.
I love making this when I want something satisfying and fast—there’s no deep frying or long prep here, just a few simple ingredients and the air fryer doing its thing. The sauce is the best part for me; it’s creamy but a little spicy, perfect for dunking or drizzling over the chicken. You can make it milder or hotter depending on what you’re in the mood for!
For serving, I often pile the bang bang chicken over steamed rice or slap it between two slices of a soft bun for a quick sandwich. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or whenever you want a dish that feels special but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen forever. I always look forward to leftovers too because they taste just as good the next day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner. Both work well! If you want, turkey breast chunks can be a good swap.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives crispiness without heaviness. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but the crunch won’t be quite the same.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and mild heat. You can substitute with a mix of honey and a tiny bit of hot sauce if needed.
Sriracha Sauce: Adjust how much you add for spiciness. Use any hot sauce you like, or skip if you want it mild.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy sauce base. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo.
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Without Deep Frying?
The secret to crispy chicken in the air fryer is the coating and not overcrowding the basket.
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help the breading stick better.
- Coat with egg first, then press the flour and panko mixture firmly so it stays on during cooking.
- A light spray of oil helps crisp the coating without deep frying.
- Arrange pieces in a single layer with space in between so hot air circulates evenly.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
Follow these tips, and you’ll get golden, crunchy chicken that’s juicy inside—all without the mess or extra oil of frying!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I love mine because it crisps the chicken quickly without oil.
- Mixing bowls – one for the eggs and another for the flour and panko coating, making prep easier.
- Whisk or fork – helps beat the eggs smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate sauce and ingredient measurements.
- Spatula or tongs – useful for tossing the chicken with sauce and serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Add a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the coating for a smoky twist.
- Mix chopped pineapple or shredded coconut into the sauce for a tropical flavor.
- Include sliced jalapeños or Sriracha in the sauce if you like it extra spicy.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or a little oil for spraying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for tang)
To Garnish:
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Crushed red pepper flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer, and a few minutes to mix the sauce. In total, you’ll be enjoying your bang bang chicken in about 20-25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken piece into the eggs, then press them into the flour and panko mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken get crispy quickly.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust for spiciness or sweetness.
7. Combine & Serve:
Once the chicken is ready, toss it in the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped chives and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a little heat.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your bang bang chicken hot over steamed rice, in a sandwich, or with your favorite side veggies. It’s quick, crispy, and packed with delicious flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cutting and coating it. Pat the pieces dry well to ensure the coating sticks nicely.
How Do I Store Leftover Bang Bang Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to keep the chicken crispy, or gently warm in the microwave if you don’t mind it softer.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge in a sealed container. Give it a good stir before serving.
What Can I Serve with Bang Bang Chicken?
This chicken pairs well with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light meal. It also works great in sandwiches or salads!