This Quick and Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and creamy all in one dish. The chicken gets a crunchy coating from the air fryer, while the bang bang sauce adds a tasty kick that balances heat and sweetness. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t take long but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
I love making this recipe when I want something satisfying but don’t want to fuss with frying or long prep times. The air fryer does most of the work, which means less mess and less waiting. Plus, the bang bang sauce is so flavorful and easy to whip up with just a few ingredients—I always double the sauce because it’s that good!
My favorite way to enjoy this chicken is served over a bed of steamed rice or alongside some fresh veggies. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers. If you like a little extra heat, I sometimes sprinkle on extra chili flakes or serve with a side of cool ranch dressing to balance the spice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean meat, but thighs work well too if you want juicier bites. Cut into small pieces for even cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a light, crispy texture that’s perfect in the air fryer. If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes are good alternatives.
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce make the creamy, sweet-spicy base. If you prefer less heat, reduce the sriracha or swap with a mild chili sauce. Honey adds a nice touch of sweetness, but you can skip it or use maple syrup.
Seasonings: Salt and pepper are simple but important for flavor. Rice vinegar or lime juice brighten the sauce but can be left out if needed.
How Can I Get My Air Fryer Chicken Crispy Without Drying It Out?
The key to crispy, juicy chicken in the air fryer is in prepping, coating, and cooking:
- Pat the chicken dry so the coating sticks well.
- Use a three-step breading process: flour, egg wash, then panko. This helps form a crunchy crust.
- Preheat the air fryer for even cooking and better crispiness.
- Place chicken pieces in a single layer with some space between to allow air circulation.
- Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil to help the crust brown nicely.
- Flip the chicken halfway to get an even crisp on both sides.
Keep an eye on cooking time and temp—too long or too high can dry the chicken, so aim for about 8-10 minutes at 400°F.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – I recommend it because it crisps the chicken evenly without oil splatters.
- Three shallow bowls or plates – perfect for setting up your breading station: flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Cooking spray or oil mister – helps turn the coated chicken crispy and golden in the air fryer.
- Tongs or a fork – makes handling the chicken easier and keeps your hands clean.
- Small mixing bowls – for whisking the sauce ingredients and serving the dipping sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try shredded cooked chicken or chicken tenders for a different shape that cooks quickly and stays moist.
- Mix in chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots into the sauce for added veggies.
- Swap sriracha for gochujang (Korean chili paste) if you want a different spicy kick with a smoky note.
- Top with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.
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
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to your desired spice level)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional, for brightness)
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Red pepper flakes or sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep, and cooking in the air fryer takes another 8-10 minutes. In total, you can have tasty Bang Bang Chicken ready to eat in around 25 minutes. It’s fast and perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and ensures crispy results.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
Use three shallow bowls: in the first bowl, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes breading quick and easy.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated pieces on a plate ready for cooking.
4. Preheat and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding. Spray the tops of the coated chicken with a little cooking spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. Your chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness if you like.
6. Combine and Serve
Toss the cooked chicken with some of the bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over it. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sesame seeds for extra flavor and color.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping. This dish is delicious over rice or alongside a fresh salad. Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and creamy air fryer bang bang chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely in the refrigerator before breading and cooking. Pat it dry well to ensure the coating sticks and gets crispy in the air fryer.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven to keep it crispy, and stir the sauce before serving.
Can I Substitute Sweet Chili Sauce?
Yes, if you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can mix honey or sugar with a bit of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a similar sweet and spicy flavor.