Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken: A Must-Try Dinner Recipe

Air fryer bang bang chicken brings a crispy, spicy kick to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Just coat the chicken, air fry for 20 minutes at 400°F, and drizzle with the tangy bang bang sauce. It’s honestly a quick way to whip up a flavorful meal that’s sure to please.

Have you ever tried making bang bang chicken? It’s honestly my favorite quick dinner idea that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for easy air fryer recipes that are both satisfying and simple to make.

Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken?

Choosing to make bang bang chicken in an air fryer is a smart move for several reasons.

First, it’s a healthier frying option. We use significantly less oil compared to traditional frying methods, which is better for our health without compromising on taste.

Then there’s the crispy chicken in air fryer; the air fryer ensures every bite is perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

And let’s not forget about the air fryer benefits for those with busy schedules. This method is quick and convenient, making it possible to enjoy a delicious, crispy chicken meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

See more: Air Fryer Baked Oats

Essential Kitchen Tools for Air Fryer Cooking

Air Fryer

A quality air fryer is key to making fantastic dishes like bang bang chicken. When choosing an air fryer, look for one with adjustable temperature controls, a timer for precise cooking, and a capacity that suits your needs. A non-stick basket is also a plus, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, investing in a good air fryer can really improve your cooking experience.

Additional Tools

To make the most out of your air frying, a few additional tools can help. Consider these:

• Parchment liners: They keep your food from sticking and make cleanup even easier.
• Tongs: Essential for flipping and removing food safely.
• A spray bottle for oil: This helps you lightly coat your food for that perfect crispy finish.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for the bang bang chicken ingredients and the sauce. Remember, using the right ingredients and quantities is crucial for that perfect taste and texture.

Chicken and Marinade:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Gather these ingredients to ensure your air fryer chicken recipe turns out just right.

From the marinade that tenderizes the chicken to the crispy coating and the signature sauce, each component plays a crucial role in creating this delicious dish.

How to Cook Bang Bang Chicken in Air Fryer

Preparing the Chicken

1. Trim and cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Why? Smaller pieces cook faster and absorb the marinade better.

2. Marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor) in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of pepper. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and tenderizes it.

3. Coat the marinated chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and paprika. Ensure each piece is well-covered. This coating will give our chicken that irresistible crispy texture.

Air Frying the Chicken

4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. A preheated air fryer helps the chicken cook evenly.

5. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching; space allows for that crispy outcome we’re aiming for.

6. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. The exact time can vary based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

7. Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and a splash of hot sauce in a bowl. This is your bang bang sauce – it’s creamy, sweet, with a kick of heat.

8. Taste and adjust the sauce according to your preference. More honey for sweetness, or more hot sauce for heat. Honestly, this sauce is my favorite part; it really brings the dish together.

9. Toss the cooked chicken in the bang bang sauce until well-coated. The sauce should cling to the crispy coating, making every bite a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

10. Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and crispy for the best experience. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Trust me, once you try this air fryer cooking instructions, you’ll be very happy with how simple and delicious air fryer cooking can be.

See more like this: Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to bang bang chicken serving ideas, you’ve got plenty of options. My favorite way to serve this dish is over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice; it absorbs the sauce beautifully and makes for a hearty meal.

For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables. Honestly, it’s also fantastic as a standalone dish, perfect for appetizers or party snacks.

Trust me, no matter how you serve it, what to serve with bang bang chicken is all about complementing the dish’s bold flavors.

Variations of Bang Bang Chicken

Protein Variations

Looking for bang bang chicken variations? Why not try using shrimp or tofu for a delightful twist? Shrimp cooks just as quickly and gets beautifully crispy in the air fryer.

Tofu, especially when pressed and marinated, offers a fantastic vegan alternative that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Chicken thighs or wings can also be used for those who prefer juicier, richer meat.

Sauce Variations

Adjusting the heat level in the sauce can tailor this dish to everyone’s taste.

Add more hot sauce or chili flakes if you love a fiery kick, or dial it back and add a bit more honey for those who prefer it milder.

Experimenting with ingredients like lime juice, peanut butter, or even soy sauce can introduce new flavor profiles, making alternative bang bang chicken recipes exciting every time.

Remember, these variations are all about making the recipe work for you and your loved ones, ensuring everyone is happy and satisfied.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to bang bang chicken nutrition, this dish is a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken recipes.

Thanks to the air fryer, we use significantly less oil, which means fewer calories and less fat.

Plus, by controlling the ingredients in the sauce, you can adjust the sugar and sodium content to suit your dietary needs.

This dish is a fantastic option for anyone looking for healthy air fryer recipes that don’t skimp on flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Bang Bang Chicken

Ensuring your crispy air fryer chicken comes out perfectly every time is all about the preparation and cooking process. Here’s how:

1. Pat the chicken dry before marinating and coating. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Air circulation is key to getting that evenly crispy exterior. Cook in batches if necessary.

Achieving the perfect bang bang sauce consistency is equally important:

1. Start with the right mayonnaise base; a thicker mayonnaise results in a creamier sauce.
2. Adjust the sauce thickness with a little water or vinegar if it’s too thick. For a thicker sauce, add more mayonnaise.

Honestly, following these steps will ensure your bang bang chicken is not only delicious but also has that restaurant-quality look and feel every time.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Words

In wrapping up our journey through making bang bang chicken, I hope you’re inspired to try this recipe at home. It’s a perfect blend of ease, flavor, and healthiness. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or want to impress your guests, this dish checks all the boxes.

Why try this recipe? It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a favorite without the guilt. Plus, the versatility allows you to tweak the sauce or protein to your liking.

I’m very happy to share this with you and would love to hear how it turns out. Feel free to share your experiences, tweaks, or ask any questions. Let’s make cooking at home an adventure worth sharing.

Huge Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Recipes Here

• Air Fryer Turkey Legs
• Trader Joe’s Chicken Shu Mai
• Aldi Green Bag Chicken
• Tyson Honey Battered Chicken Tenders
• TGI Fridays Boneless Chicken Bites
• Member’s Mark Chicken Sandwich

See all in at KitGiz for Air Fryer recipes.

Print