Bang Bang Chicken Air Fryer

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe, made effortlessly in your air fryer, delivers crispy, tender chicken coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. It's a healthier take on the classic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of crispy chicken and tangy sauce is simply irresistible.

Gathering the Ingredients

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs tend to be more moist, while breasts are leaner.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides the base for the crispy coating. You can use a gluten-free blend if needed.
• Cornmeal: Adds extra crispiness and a slightly nutty flavor to the chicken coating.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add depth of flavor to the chicken. Salt and pepper enhance all the other flavors.
• Buttermilk: Helps the flour mixture adhere to the chicken and creates a tender interior. You can substitute with regular milk if you don't have buttermilk.
• Egg: Acts as a binder and helps the coating stick to the chicken.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the creamy Bang Bang sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a touch of mild heat to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Provides the spicy kick to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice. It's optional, but I recommend it.
• Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: Adds a touch of tanginess to the sauce, balancing the sweetness and spice.
• Garnishes: Chopped green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh and flavorful finishing touch.

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Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it's evenly coated. Press the flour mixture gently onto the chicken to ensure it adheres.

Air Frying the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and promotes even browning. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's enough space between each piece for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it's golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Making the Bang Bang Sauce:

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice. Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sriracha or honey to your preference.

Tossing and Serving:

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

This Bang Bang Chicken has become a regular in my meal rotation. It's so easy to make, and the flavor is just incredible. My family loves it, and it's always a hit when I serve it to guests.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Bang Bang Chicken as a main course with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables. It's also fantastic as an appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, wrap the chicken in lettuce leaves or tortillas for a delicious and easy-to-eat meal.

Creative Variations

You can easily customize this recipe to your liking. Try using different types of sauces, such as teriyaki or peanut sauce. You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as ginger, garlic, or soy sauce. For a spicier version, use a hotter chili sauce.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Bang Bang Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.

This air fryer Bang Bang Chicken is a winner! It's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. I'm sure you'll love it just as much as I do.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, bake in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, or pan-fry in a skillet with a small amount of oil.

→ How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The spice level is moderate but adjustable. Reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder version, or add more for extra heat.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a gluten-free version.

→ What can I serve with this?

Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. It also makes great lettuce wraps or tacos.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.