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.

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.

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.