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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

A craveable, crispy weeknight dish with tender chicken breast, seasoned coating, and a sweet-spicy bang bang sauce.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and lemon juice if unavailable.
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For extra crunch, pulse in a food processor briefly.
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted for gluten-free flour.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper

For the bang bang sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise Use halal-certified if preferred.
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce Adjust for sweetness preference.
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for heat) Adjust for heat preference.

Instructions
 

Marinating Chicken

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

Preparing Coatings

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • In another bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.

Coating Chicken

  • Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, dip back into buttermilk, then press into panko.

Cooking Chicken

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, lightly spraying with oil.
  • Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Making Bang Bang Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving

  • Serve chicken drizzled with sauce or with sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For variations, consider using chicken thighs, different spices, or gluten-free options. Store chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Keyword Air Fryer, Bang Bang Chicken, Comfort Food, Crispy Chicken, Easy Dinner
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