Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe (Crispy, Sweet, Spicy & Addictive)

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Air fryer bang bang chicken is crispy, breaded chicken bites tossed in sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. The chicken is crunchy on the outside. The sauce is creamy with a kick. Sweet meets spicy meets savory. Every bite is addictive.

This is the restaurant appetizer you can make at home. Tastes like takeout. Made healthier in the air fryer. Ready in thirty minutes.

Fifteen minutes to prep. Fifteen minutes to cook. A crowd-pleasing dish that disappears fast.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Air fryer bang bang chicken is party food perfection. Here is what makes this recipe worth making.

The flavor is incredible. Sweet and spicy sauce. Crispy chicken. The combination is addictive.

It is healthier than deep-fried. An air fryer uses way less oil. Still completely crispy.

Everyone loves it. Kids love the sweet sauce. Adults love the spice. Perfect for parties or game day.

It is ready fast. Thirty minutes from start to finish. Faster than delivery.

It is versatile. Serve as an appetizer. Serve over rice as a main. Both ways work.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1½ lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Salt and black pepper to taste,
• ½ cup (65g) cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) panko bread crumbs
• Cooking spray

For the Bang Bang sauce:

• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Three shallow bowls
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls.

Step 4: In the first bowl, add the cornstarch.

Step 5: In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs.

Step 6: In the third bowl, add the panko bread crumbs.

Step 7: Take each chicken cube. Coat it in cornstarch and shake off excess.

Step 8: Dip it in the beaten egg. Let excess drip off.

Step 9: Press it into the panko bread crumbs. Coat all sides well.

Step 10: Place the breaded chicken on a plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.

Step 11: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 12: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step 13: Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. Work in batches if needed.

Step 14: Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray.

Step 15: Air fry at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the pieces halfway through at the 6 to 7 minute mark.

Step 16: The chicken is done when golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 17: While the chicken cooks, make the bang bang sauce. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.

Step 18: Taste the sauce. Adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha.

Step 19: When the chicken is done, transfer the hot, crispy pieces to the bowl with the sauce.

Step 20: Toss gently to coat all the chicken pieces with sauce.

Step 21: Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if using.

Step 22: Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

@/kitchensanctuary

Substitutes & Swaps

Chicken breasts: Chicken thighs work for juicier meat. Shrimp works for the seafood version.

Cornstarch: All-purpose flour works. Cornstarch makes it crispier.

Panko bread crumbs: Regular bread crumbs work, but are less crispy.

Sweet chili sauce: Add extra honey and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Not quite the same, but it works.

Sriracha: Any hot sauce works. Adjust the amount for your heat preference.

Variations

Bang Bang Shrimp: Use large shrimp instead of chicken. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes.

Extra Spicy Bang Bang Chicken: Double the sriracha. Add cayenne pepper to the breading.

Mild Bang Bang Chicken: Use only 1 tablespoon sriracha. Skip the extra heat.

Coconut Bang Bang Chicken: Mix shredded coconut into the panko. Tropical twist.

Sesame Bang Bang Chicken: Add 2 tablespoons sesame seeds to the panko. Extra nutty crunch.

Tips & Tricks

Cut the chicken evenly. Same-sized pieces cook at the same rate. Uneven pieces mean some are overcooked, some undercooked.

Pat chicken dry. Wet chicken makes the breading slide off. Dry chicken holds breading.

Use cornstarch first. Cornstarch layer helps the breading stick and makes it extra crispy.

Do not skip the spray. Cooking spray helps the breading turn golden and crispy.

Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed. Crowding makes chicken steam instead of being crisp.

Toss while hot. The sauce sticks better to hot chicken. Cold chicken does not coat as well.

Serve immediately. The chicken is crispiest right after cooking. The sauce softens the coating over time.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380 kcal
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	3g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fibre	1g
Sugars	8g
Protein	32g
Sodium	580mg

Nutrition is based on one serving made with chicken, panko breading, and bang bang sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake this instead of air frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes. Flip halfway through. Spray with cooking spray for crispiness.

Why is my chicken not crispy?

You did not spray it with oil, or you overcrowded the basket. Air needs space to circulate.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes. Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead. Store in the fridge. Stir before using.

How spicy is this?

Medium spicy with the recipe amounts. Adjust sriracha to control heat. Start with less if you are sensitive to spice.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Thaw completely first. Pat dry thoroughly before breading. Frozen chicken will not bread properly.

What should I serve this with?

Rice, noodles, salad, or just by itself as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.

How do I store leftovers?

Store chicken and sauce separately. Chicken keeps for 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.

The Chicken That Disappears Before Dinner

Some appetizers sit on the table. Bang bang chicken does not. Sweet and spicy sauce. Crispy chicken bites. People cannot stop eating them. Make extra because the first batch will be gone before you finish cooking the second.

Make this for your next gathering. Watch it disappear. Accept the compliments.

Made air fryer bang bang chicken? Tell me in the comments how spicy you made it and if anyone could stop eating it. I want to hear your experience.