🔥 Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken (Better Than Takeout) 🍗✨
1. Introduction
If you’re a fan of the spicy, crunchy, and irresistibly creamy Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken, you’re in for a treat. This Bang Bang Chicken Recipe turns your favorite takeout-style dish into a healthier, homemade version that’s quick and easy to prepare in your air fryer. Whether you’re craving a flavorful appetizer or a satisfying main course, this crispy chicken hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy over rice, in tacos, or as a snack.
2. Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This adds flavor and ensures your chicken is tasty from the inside out.
Bread the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken strip into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs for that crispy texture.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 to 375°F (190°C). This helps achieve an even crispy coating on the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the breaded chicken strips in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with more cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy sauce perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
Assemble and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce or drizzle the sauce over the chicken for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To re-crisp, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until hot and crispy again.
5. Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
This crispy chicken pairs well with:
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- Fresh vegetable salads
- Crunchy spring rolls
- As a filling for lettuce wraps or tacos
Discover more exciting crispy breakfast potatoes for a hearty breakfast or our healthy roasted peach BBQ chicken bake for a fruity twist on dinner.
6. FAQs About Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions available at most stores.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a snack.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just cut the thighs into strips and follow the same procedure for a juicier, more flavorful version.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
Using the right tools makes cooking easier and improves the overall result. Consider investing in the following:
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — This completes your kitchen arsenal by providing fast, crispy results without the extra oil.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Perfect for slicing and preparing your chicken strips efficiently.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Helps with all-around cooking, especially if you want to prepare sides simultaneously.
8. Final tips for the best Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket—this ensures maximum crispiness. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper in the sauce, tailoring the dish to your heat preference.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy the irresistible crunch and spicy-sweet flavor of this Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken — a healthier twist on your favorite takeout. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or an appetizer, this recipe guarantees a satisfying, flavor-packed experience every time. For more amazing recipes and kitchen tips, explore our website.
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Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken (Better Than Takeout)
Experience the irresistible crunch and spicy-sweet flavor of Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken, a healthier and quick homemade takeout-style dish. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this recipe features crispy chicken strips coated in a creamy bang bang sauce, all cooked effortlessly in your air fryer. Ideal for those craving flavorful, crunchy chicken with a kick of heat, served over rice or in tacos.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken strip into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small bowl to prepare the sauce.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the sauce or drizzle the sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for crispy reheating.
- Adjust spice levels in the sauce by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Healthy, Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free substitutes)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 pieces of chicken)
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg