Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor and crunch to your dining table. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy sauce that has its roots in Asian cuisine, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. The term “Bang Bang” is often associated with the bold flavors and exciting textures that this dish offers, and it’s no wonder that it has gained popularity in homes and restaurants alike.

People love this dish not only for its incredible taste but also for its convenience. The air-frying method allows you to enjoy that satisfying crispiness without the guilt of deep frying. The combination of the succulent chicken and the zesty sauce creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches in size. This will help them cook evenly and become crispy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This marinating process will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Preparing the Breading

1. While the chicken is marinating, set up your breading station. In one shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour. In a second shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk mixture briefly before rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum crispiness.

Cooking Process

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
2. Once preheated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and place it on a wire rack to keep it crispy while you cook the remaining batches.

Preparing the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or heat according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey; for more heat, add extra sriracha.

Assembling the Dish

1. Once all the chicken is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble your dish. You can either toss the chicken in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
2. If you choose to toss the chicken, place the cooked chicken pieces in a large bowl and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over them. Gently toss until all the chicken is well coated.
3. For a beautiful presentation, transfer the coated chicken to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the crispy Bang Bang chicken with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Pair it with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy texture with a burst of flavor, then this Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is an absolute must-try! The air-frying technique not only gives the chicken a delightful crunch but also keeps it juicy and tender on the inside. The creamy, spicy sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.

  For serving suggestions, I highly recommend pairing this dish with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the Bang Bang sauce. You can also serve it as an appetizer at your next party, alongside some crunchy vegetable sticks and a dipping sauce for a fun and interactive experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a twist by incorporating different spices or herbs into the coating, or even experimenting with the sauce by adding a hint of lime or a dash of sriracha for an extra kick.

  I encourage you to give this Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken a try! It’s not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying to eat. Once you take that first bite, I’m sure you’ll be hooked! Don’t forget to share your experience with me; I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own variations, I’m confident that this dish will become a favorite in your household. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you!

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  Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken: A Deliciously Easy Recipe

  This crispy Bang Bang Chicken features tender, marinated chicken coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. It's an ideal choice for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer, delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

  Prep Time60 minutes

  Cook Time15 minutes

  Total Time75 minutes

  Category: Quick Meals

  Yield: 4 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

  Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches in size.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
  4. Set up your breading station with all-purpose flour in one shallow dish and panko breadcrumbs in another.
  5. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Take each piece out of the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  6. Coat each piece in flour, shaking off excess, then dip back into the buttermilk briefly before rolling in panko breadcrumbs.
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  8. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  9. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
  10. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  11. Remove cooked chicken and place on a wire rack to keep crispy while cooking remaining batches.
  12. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth.
  13. Adjust sweetness or heat to your preference.
  14. Toss the cooked chicken in the Bang Bang sauce or serve the sauce on the side.
  15. If tossing, place chicken in a large bowl, drizzle with sauce, and gently toss until coated.
  16. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

  Notes

  • Adjust the level of sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice preference.
  • For extra crunch, consider double-breading the chicken by repeating the flour and panko steps.
  • Serve with lime wedges and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.