Simple Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken – Healthier Version

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It was a chilly winter evening when I first stumbled upon Simple Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken, and let me tell you, it was a moment I’ll never forget. The aroma wafting through the kitchen had my heart racing as the tender pieces of chicken crisped beautifully in golden panko, mingling with the sweet and spicy scent of the sauce I was about to prepare. I remember taking the first bite and feeling the crunch dissolve into a spicy, creamy explosion that sent my taste buds on a wild adventure! It was crispy, it was spicy, and it was delectably sweet—just the kind of cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with a snuggly blanket on the couch. This dish quickly became a family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you today because I know it will bring the same joy to your home. Trust me; you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Simple Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This dish can be ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy chicken and creamy, spicy sauce makes every bite utterly addictive.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a fun game night, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
• Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, a party dish, or even a main course with a side of veggies.
• Customizable: You can adjust the heat level and ingredients to suit your taste and preferences.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise – Adds creaminess to our sauce. Choose a good quality mayo for the best flavor!
• ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce – This brings that sweet heat we adore! It’s the star of our Bang Bang Sauce!
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce – A touch of heat that can be adjusted to your liking. Start with a little; you can always add more!
• 2 tablespoons honey – Sweetens the sauce, balancing out the spiciness. Use local honey for a unique flavor!
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins – Tender and juicy, perfect for frying. Cut them into strips if you prefer!
• 1 cup buttermilk – Makes the chicken incredibly moist and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, just add a splash of vinegar to regular milk!
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour – Helps with the battering process. A key step for that crunch!
• ½ cup cornstarch – Our secret to extra crispiness! It works wonders with the frying process.
• 1 large egg – Binds the marinade together. Use a fresh egg for the best results!
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce – An extra kick in the marinade for those who love the heat!
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a lovely aromatic flavor. I always keep it on hand!
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors. Don’t skip this step!
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – A touch of warmth to the marinade.
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) – If you like it hot, go for it!
• 2 cups plain panko breadcrumbs – The crunch that makes this dish so irresistible!
• Canola oil for frying – It has a high smoke point, perfect for crispy frying.
• Chopped parsley for garnish – A splash of color and freshness to brighten up the dish!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Feel free to adjust the seasoning as you like! Once it’s all blended, cover it with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge—this sauce will be the ultimate finishing touch for our chicken.

2. Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, mix together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne until it’s nice and smooth. Add those lovely chicken tenderloins, making sure they’re coated completely! Let them marinate for about 10 minutes while you sip on a cup of tea and enjoy the cozy smell wafting through your kitchen.

3. Coat the Chicken

Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a plate like a cozy blanket. Take each piece of marinated chicken out, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure they stick—this is where that lovely crunch will come from!

4. Fry Until Golden

Heat canola oil in a deep skillet to 365°F (185°C). When it’s sizzling just right, carefully add in the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crisp. Don’t forget to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)! The smell will be heavenly.

5. Toss and Serve

Once fried, place the chicken on paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Now comes the fun part—toss the crispy chicken gently in your prepared Bang Bang Sauce! Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while it’s all warm and inviting. Your kitchen will be the new neighborhood hot spot!

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the marinating step! This is where the chicken gets its juicy flavor.
• Control the spice level! You can adjust the amount of Sriracha and cayenne to suit your heat preferences.
• Use a thermometer to measure the oil temperature for perfectly fried chicken.
• Be patient while frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken may not achieve that delightful crispiness!

Flavor Variations

• Coconut twist: Add a bit of coconut milk to the marinade for a tropical flair.
• Herb infused: Mix in your favorite herbs into the breadcrumbs to enhance flavor.
• Switch up the sauce: Try a peanut sauce or a tangy BBQ for a unique twist!

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Chicken is fantastic served over a bed of crunchy salad greens or with a side of jasmine rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or some crispy spring rolls for a full feast. And let’s not forget a cold glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine to elevate your meal!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The marinated chicken can also sit for a few hours in the fridge before frying, making this even easier for weeknight dinners. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Leftovers

Transform leftover Bang Bang Chicken by adding it to tacos or a colorful grain bowl with quinoa and veggies. Or chop it up and toss it in a salad with a zesty avocado dressing!

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s in a well-sealed bag, and when you’re ready to fry, thaw it overnight in the fridge before coating with breadcrumbs.

Reheating

For the best reheating, pop leftover chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crisp and hot. If you’re in a rush, the microwave does work, but you might lose that lovely crunch!

FAQs

What can I substitute for chicken tenderloins?

You can easily use chicken breasts or thighs that have been cut into strips.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 3 days!

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. It may not be as crunchy, but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to dive right into this delightful, crispy, spicy, sweet sensation that is Bang Bang Chicken! It’s a celebration of flavors that’s sure to bring everyone around the table with smiles and satisfied bellies. Remember, cooking is all about having fun, so embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to make it your own! Grab your aprons, let’s fill the kitchen with happiness, and enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering dish together. Happy cooking!

With warmth and joy,

Chef Ellie 🍽️