Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken | Crispy Sweet Spicy Chicken Recipe
No deep-fryer needed! Get perfectly crispy, sweet, and spicy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken. Juicy, cornstarch-coated bites turn golden. Full instructions and nutrition breakdown included.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Sweet chili sauce: 1/4 cup
- Sriracha: 1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Air fry the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. You may need to work in batches. Air fry for 12-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Step 3: Prepare the Bang Bang sauce. While the chicken is cooking, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sriracha for desired spiciness.
- Step 4: Combine and serve. Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Serve immediately. Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot as an appetizer or over rice for a main meal.
Notes
- For best crispness, store leftover air-fried chicken separately from the Bang Bang sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To bring back that satisfying crunch, reheat leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, then re-toss with any stored sauce or a fresh batch if you kept it separate.
- While fantastic over steamed rice, elevate your meal by serving this crispy chicken alongside a refreshing cucumber salad, some quick-pickled carrots, or even tucked into soft lettuce wraps for a lighter, flavor-packed bite.
- For maximum crispiness and even cooking, always resist the urge to overcrowd your air fryer basket; working in batches ensures each piece gets golden and perfectly crunchy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 oz (140g) cooked chicken with sauce
- Calories: 625
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 18g