Hey y'all! If you’re looking for a seriously crave-worthy dish that’s quick, spicy, and oh-so crispy, this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is going straight to the top of your favorites list. Covered in a creamy, zesty bang bang sauce and ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or even casual gatherings. Everyone will be begging for seconds—so let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Packed with crispy texture and spicy, creamy flavor in every bite.
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients for a fuss-free cooking experience.
- Made in the air fryer for a healthier, mess-free approach with less oil.
- Versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, entree, or party snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Cooking spray (for air fryer)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Taste and adjust the heat as desired. Set aside.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge it in the cornstarch until evenly coated.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops with a little extra cooking spray.
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 5: Toss with Bang Bang Sauce
Transfer the crispy chicken to a large bowl. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Notes
- Spray the chicken well with oil for the crispiest result.
- Marinating for a full 30 minutes brings extra juiciness, but 10 minutes works in a pinch.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for even crisping.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute cornstarch with potato starch or a certified gluten-free flour blend.
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Swap chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp and air fry for 6-8 minutes.
- Extra Spicy: Add up to 2 extra teaspoons of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
Required Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dish (for coating)
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cooking spray
Storage Instructions
Store leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid freezing once sauced, as the coating may become soggy.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve over jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a crisp slaw or fresh cucumber salad to balance the spice.
- Skewer on toothpicks for a party appetizer or tuck into wraps or tacos for easy lunches.
Pro Tips
- Chill the sauce for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Dredge chicken pieces right before air frying for the best crispy texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep chicken juicy.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Follow the same recipe, but increase cook time by 1-2 minutes as needed.
Is there a healthier sauce substitute?
Yes! Swap regular mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten up the bang bang sauce while keeping it creamy and tangy.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries! Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a bowl, marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
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2In a separate bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
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3Dredge each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture and place on a plate.
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4Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
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5Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, then cook for another 8 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
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6While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey for the bang bang sauce. Toss cooked chicken in sauce and garnish with green onions. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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