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Crispy bang bang chicken pieces generously drizzled with a creamy peanut sauce, garnished with herbs and sesame seeds in a rustic bowl.
Reda

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Irresistibly crispy bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. This air-fried version offers all the flavor with less oil, making it a perfect weeknight meal or appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Fusion
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Coating
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs beaten
For the Bang Bang Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Japanese mayo preferred
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp Sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp green onions sliced
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • Cooking oil spray optional, for air frying

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Shallow Bowls (2-3)
  • Tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Prepare the Coating
  1. Set up a dredging station: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, and salt. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
  2. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated, then transfer to the flour mixture, pressing to coat completely. Shake off any excess. Place coated chicken on a clean plate or baking rack.
Air Fry the Chicken
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  2. Working in batches (do not overcrowd the basket), place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil spray for extra crispiness.
  3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Repeat with remaining chicken.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
  1. While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust Sriracha or sweetness if desired.
Combine and Serve
  1. Once all chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large clean bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Notes

For even extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking oil before air frying. If you prefer deep frying, fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Serve with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or as a standalone appetizer.