Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is delightfully crispy on the outside, coated in a spicy sauce, and loaded with flavor! It’s a healthier take on the classic Bang Bang Chicken recipe.
If you are looking for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried dishes, then an air fryer is the perfect kitchen appliance for you. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, giving it that crispy texture without the need for excessive oil or deep frying.
Table of contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe delivers the same savory punch as the traditional dish but with far fewer calories.
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something delicious without the hassle.
- By air frying the chicken, you not only cut down on fat and oil but also achieve that irresistible crunch.
- The Bang Bang sauce is a homemade marvel—tangy and just the right level of spice to tantalize your taste buds.
🛒Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this recipe. Gather these ingredients on your next trip to the grocery store and you will have a tasty recipe to share with your family and friends in no time at all.
- chicken breasts
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- seasoned salt
- mayonnaise
- sweet chili sauce
- chili garlic sauce or Sriracha
See the recipe card below for quantities.
🔪 How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Step 1: Season the chicken
Score the chicken breasts with 1-inch deep cuts spaced 1/2-inch apart, creating a cross-hatch pattern. Combine all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt) and use this mixture to season both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 2: Make the sauce
Make the bang bang sauce – Combine and mix the Mayo, sweet chili sauce chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Pour this sauce over the raw chicken equally. Optional: set aside about ½ of the sauce to drizzle over the dish when serving or to use as additional sauce for the rice.
Step 3: Air fry the chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket then air fry at 390° for about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees.
Step 4: Serve the chicken
Allow chicken to rest for approximately 10 minutes after cooking. I served this dish with white rice, cilantro, and extra sauce.
📝Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe and make it your own? Here are some ways that you can do that!
- Less spice: For those wanting a little less heat, substitute the chili garlic sauce with a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount used.
- More spice: If you’re a heat enthusiast and want an extra kick, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce or toss in a diced hot pepper like jalapeño or habanero.
- Kid-friendly: or a milder version that’s still flavorful, you can skip the hot sauces altogether and use ketchup mixed with a bit of honey.
If you are looking for another delicious air fryer chicken recipe try this Air Fryer Apricot Glazed Chicken recipe.
🥄 Equipment
You will need a couple of kitchen tools to help you make this easy recipe. Gather these tools and get ready to enjoy this savory meal with your family.
- sharp knife and cutting board
- small bowl
- air fryer
🥫 Storage
Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezing – This recipe also freezes well. Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating – To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Serve With Air Fryer Chicken
Looking for the perfect pairing for your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken? Here are some suggestions to complete your meal:
- White rice or cauliflower rice
- Stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
💭 Tips
- If you don’t have an air fryer, this recipe can also be made in the oven. Simply bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between each chicken breast for proper air circulation.
- Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your food. This ensures that your chicken starts cooking immediately and gets that desirable crispy texture.
- Remember to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even crispness and browning.
⁉️ FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
The spice level depends on the amount of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha you use. You can adjust it to your liking, adding more for heat or less for a milder flavor.
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the size and thickness of the thighs.
Cook the chicken in batches. It’s important not to overcrowd the air fryer to allow for proper air circulation, which gives you that even, crispy finish.
🍽 More Air Fryer Recipes
Do you enjoy air fryer recipes? If so, give these recipes a try:
This is a delicious vegetarian option to make in your air fryer! Eggplant Parmesan is one of our most favorite recipe. Making the eggplant cutlets in the air fryer is the best choice ever and it is so convenient. This eggplant parmigiana recipe is very straight forward and it is easier than ever to enjoy our Italian favorite at home. EGGPLANT PARMESAN | AIR FRYER RECIPE
🧾Recipe Card
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Equipment
- small bowl
- sharp knife and cutting board
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Bang Bang sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or Sriracha
Instructions
- Score the chicken breasts with 1-inch deep cuts spaced 1/2-inch apart, creating a cross-hatch pattern. Combine all the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt) and use this mixture to season both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Make the bang bang sauce – Combine and mix together the Mayo, sweet chili sauce and chili garlic sauce or sriracha. Pour this sauce over the raw chicken equally. Optional: set aside about ½ of the sauce to drizzle over the dish when serving or to use as additional sauce for the rice.
- Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer basket then air fry at 390° for about 20-30 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees.
- Allow chicken to rest for approximately 10 minutes after cooking. I served this dish with white rice, cilantro, extra sauce.
