Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken: Crispy, Spicy, and Ready in Minutes!

Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish known for its crispy texture and flavorful, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce. Traditionally, it involves deep-frying chicken, which can be time-consuming and not the healthiest option. This recipe reimagines Bang Bang Chicken using the air fryer, achieving the same delicious crispiness with significantly less oil and effort. Get ready to enjoy a quick, easy, and healthier version of this beloved dish!

## Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken?

The air fryer is a fantastic appliance for making foods crispy without the need for excessive oil. It works by circulating hot air around the food, cooking it evenly and creating a beautifully browned and crispy exterior. This method is perfect for Bang Bang Chicken, as it replicates the texture of deep-fried chicken but with fewer calories and less mess.

Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this air fryer recipe:

* **Healthier:** Uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods.
* **Faster:** Air frying is generally quicker than baking or deep-frying.
* **Crispier:** Achieve that satisfying crunch without the added grease.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Air fryers are generally easy to clean, especially compared to dealing with a deep fryer.
* **Delicious:** The classic Bang Bang sauce elevates the chicken to a whole new level of flavor.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is divided into two parts: the chicken and the sauce. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for each:

**For the Chicken:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
* Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

**For the Bang Bang Sauce:**

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
* 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon honey
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

**Optional Garnishes:**

* Chopped green onions
* Sesame seeds

## Equipment

* Air fryer
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Tongs

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make perfect Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken every time:

**Step 1: Marinate the Chicken**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken cubes, buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the chicken pieces are submerged in the buttermilk mixture. This helps to tenderize the chicken and ensure it stays moist during air frying.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

**Step 2: Prepare the Breading**

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). The cornstarch helps to create a lighter and crispier coating.
2. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined to evenly distribute the spices.

**Step 3: Bread the Chicken**

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. You can use a slotted spoon or tongs for this.
2. One piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Press the flour mixture gently onto the chicken to help it adhere.
3. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or tray in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the plate to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

**Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer**

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and helps it to brown evenly.

**Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken**

1. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. Working in batches is essential to ensure even cooking and crisping. Overcrowding the basket will result in steamed chicken rather than crispy chicken.
2. Spray the chicken pieces lightly with cooking spray. This helps the breading to brown and crisp up nicely.
3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. If it’s not quite done, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
5. Remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken, working in batches as needed.

**Step 6: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce**

1. While the chicken is air frying, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more sriracha for extra spice, more honey for sweetness, or more rice vinegar for tanginess.

**Step 7: Combine and Serve**

1. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked chicken with the Bang Bang sauce until it’s evenly coated.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
* **Spray with Oil:** A light spray of cooking oil helps the breading to brown and crisp up.
* **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheating the air fryer is crucial for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize it and add flavor.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Customize the Bang Bang sauce to your spice preference by adjusting the amount of sriracha.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
* **Let it Rest:** Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after air frying to allow the juices to redistribute.
* **Freshness is Key:** Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
* **Experiment with Garnishes:** Get creative with your garnishes! Try crushed peanuts, cilantro, or a drizzle of sesame oil.
* **Proper Storage:** If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Thighs:** You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
* **Vegan:** Substitute tofu for chicken and use vegan mayonnaise for a vegan version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Different Sauces:** Experiment with different sauces, such as teriyaki sauce or a spicy peanut sauce.
* **Vegetables:** Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the air fryer along with the chicken for a complete meal.
* **Spice it Up:** Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

## Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve the chicken on its own as a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
* **Over Rice:** Serve the chicken over a bed of white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing option.
* **In Tacos:** Use the chicken as a filling for tacos, adding your favorite toppings.
* **With Noodles:** Toss the chicken with noodles and vegetables for a flavorful stir-fry.
* **On a Salad:** Top a salad with the chicken for a protein-packed meal.
* **In a Sandwich or Wrap:** Add the chicken to a sandwich or wrap with your favorite fillings.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per Serving, estimated):

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang sauce is so amazing that it works well with shrimp as well. Here’s a simple method of replacing the chicken with shrimp. Follow the same instructions. When air frying the shrimp, the internal temperature must read 120 degrees F.

## Common Questions About Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

**Q: Can I use frozen chicken?**

A: While it’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal results, you can use frozen chicken if you thaw it completely before marinating and breading.

**Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?**

A: Make sure to preheat the air fryer and spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the chicken.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to bread and air fry the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

**Q: How do I store leftovers?**

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best results.

**Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?**

A: Freezing cooked chicken can affect the texture, making it less crispy. It’s best to enjoy the chicken fresh.

**Q: What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?**

A: You can substitute it with a mixture of honey and red pepper flakes or a similar chili-based sauce.

## Conclusion

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken but wants a healthier and easier option. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home in just minutes. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to experience the deliciousness of Bang Bang Chicken without the guilt! This recipe is not only easy and healthy, but it’s also incredibly customizable. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and spices to suit your personal preferences. Whether you like it extra spicy, sweeter, or more tangy, this recipe can be adapted to create the perfect Bang Bang Chicken that you and your family will love. Enjoy!