Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that’s crispy, spicy, and just a little sweet. The chicken gets a crunchy coating in the air fryer, then gets tossed in a creamy sauce that has a nice kick from some heat and a touch of sweetness. It’s one of those meals that feels special but takes very little time to make.
I love how this recipe comes together in just a few minutes, and the air fryer makes the chicken perfectly crispy without using a lot of oil. The bang bang sauce is my favorite part—it’s creamy and zippy, and you can adjust the spice to make it soft or bold. I always make a bit more sauce because I like to dip extra pieces or drizzle it over rice or veggies.
This chicken is great when you serve it over a bed of rice, with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad. It makes a quick weeknight dinner that everyone in the family can agree on, and leftovers reheat nicely without losing their crispness. I find myself making this dish again and again when I want something fast, flavorful, and just a little bit special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless skinless breasts or thighs cut into bite-size pieces. Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner. Both work great in the air fryer.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give the chicken a light, crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can work as a substitute.
Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth and a little smoky flavor. If you want a milder taste, skip the smoked paprika.
Bang Bang sauce: Mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce make the creamy base. You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Adjust sriracha to control heat—start with less if you prefer mild.
How Can I Get Crispy Chicken in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crispiness needs a few careful steps:
- Coat the chicken evenly: Flour, then egg, then panko help the breading stick well.
- Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between pieces so hot air can circulate and crisp the coating.
- Preheat the air fryer: This jumpstarts the cooking for an even crust.
- Lightly spray with oil: It helps turn the coating golden and crispy.
- Flip halfway: This ensures both sides brown nicely.
Following these tips will give you crunchy, juicy chicken that’s delicious with the creamy sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend this because it crisps the chicken evenly without much oil.
- Three shallow bowls or plates – one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs, making breading easier.
- Tongs or a fork – helps you dip and coat the chicken without getting messy.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for precise ingredient amounts.
- Cooking spray or oil mister – for lightly greasing the chicken and basket for extra crispiness.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version that still gets crispy and flavorful.
- Add a pinch of ginger or lime juice to the sauce for a fresh, tangy twist.
- Spice it up with more sriracha, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breading for extra heat.
- Mix in chopped green onions or cilantro into the sauce for a fresh herbal boost.
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
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp honey
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 8-10 minutes to cook the chicken in the air fryer. You’ll also need a few minutes to mix the sauce and toss the chicken. Overall, about 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Put the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This setup will help you easily coat the chicken pieces.
2. Bread the Chicken:
Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Set the coated pieces aside on a plate.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn your air fryer on to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or brush it with a bit of oil so the chicken doesn’t stick. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The chicken should be golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl. Taste it and add more sriracha if you like it spicier.
6. Toss and Serve:
When the chicken is done, place it in a large bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat all the pieces well. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro if you want, and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before breading and air frying. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing, then pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using as some ingredients may separate slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken 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 keep the chicken crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Many stores carry gluten-free breadcrumbs that work well for air frying.