Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken! This easy recipe transforms juicy chicken thighs into crispy bites coated in a zesty homemade sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or fun gatherings, it takes just 50 minutes from prep to plate. Craving a delicious twist? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this irresistible dish!
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk (or a vegan alternative)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to your heat preference)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
![- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup buttermilk or vegan alternative - 1 cup all-purpose flour - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Paprika - Cayenne pepper - Mayonnaise - Sweet chili sauce - Sriracha - Lime juice When I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken, I love using chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. But you can also use chicken breasts if you prefer. The buttermilk is key for marinating. It adds flavor and helps the chicken stay moist. For the coating, I mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This blend gives a nice kick. You can adjust the cayenne pepper based on how spicy you want the chicken. The Bang Bang sauce is what makes this dish special. I mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. This sauce is creamy and tangy. You can change the amount of sriracha to suit your taste. Follow the [Full Recipe] to pull this dish together. The balance of flavors will impress everyone at your table. To start, take one pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with one cup of buttermilk. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial. The buttermilk helps make the chicken tender and juicy. Next, we need to prepare the dredge. In another bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour with spices. Add one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Then, add half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk it all together until well combined. This mixture will give your chicken a lovely flavor. An even coating is key for that perfect crunch. Now, let’s get to the air frying. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about five minutes. While it heats, spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. Leave space between them. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with more cooking spray. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly. For the full recipe, check out the complete details to make this dish pop! To get your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken nice and crispy, use cooking spray. Lightly spray both the chicken and the air fryer basket. This helps create a golden crust. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking. If you crowd the basket, the chicken may steam instead of fry. You can adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. If you want more heat, add a bit more cayenne or sriracha. Always taste the sauce as you mix. This way, you can tweak it to make it just right for you. For a colorful dish, serve the chicken over shredded lettuce. This adds a nice crunch and bright color. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. This gives a fresh look and extra flavor. For a fun touch, add a lime wedge on the side for a zesty kick! {{image_4}} You can make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken healthier by switching some ingredients. Instead of all-purpose flour, try almond flour. Almond flour adds a nutty taste and fewer carbs. You can also use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. This keeps the dish crisp and tasty. When using a vegan alternative for buttermilk, consider almond or oat milk. They work well for marinating the chicken pieces. The classic Bang Bang sauce is delicious, but you can get creative! For a twist, mix in some honey for a sweeter flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce. If you love heat, add more sriracha or even chili garlic sauce. Other dipping sauces work great, too! Sweet and sour sauce or even a simple ranch dressing can elevate your dish. If you're looking for different proteins, you have options! Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Just make sure to press and drain it well before marinating. Shrimp also works beautifully in this recipe. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. You can even use pork or beef if you want something heartier. Each option brings its own unique flavor to the dish. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for inspiration! To keep your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken fresh, store it properly. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in. Refrigerate the chicken right after it cools down. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken. When frozen, it can last for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing. This way, you maintain its taste and texture. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. A great way to reheat the chicken is to use the air fryer again. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. To avoid sogginess, don’t cover the chicken while reheating. This allows the moisture to escape. Meal prepping makes busy days easier. You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk. Then, coat it in the flour mix and store it in the fridge. You can also make the bang bang sauce in advance. Just keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, air fry the chicken and toss it in the sauce. This way, you enjoy a fresh meal with minimal effort. For quick meals, consider making a big batch. You can easily pull it out and have a tasty dish ready in minutes. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps. Bang Bang Chicken is a fun dish that brings flavor and crunch. This dish features crispy chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. The sauce usually combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha. You can serve it as an appetizer or a main dish. Yes, you can make Bang Bang Chicken in an oven. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). After marinating the chicken and coating it, place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking. You will not get the same crispiness, but it still tastes great. To adjust the heat, you can modify the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture. For less spice, use just a pinch. If you want more heat, add extra cayenne or sriracha to the sauce. Taste the sauce after mixing to find the right balance for you. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it is best to thaw it first. This ensures even cooking and proper marination. If you are short on time, you can cook the chicken from frozen. Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Jasmine rice for a filling meal - Shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch - Steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch - Dipping sauces like extra sweet chili or soy sauce for added flavor For the full recipe, check out the Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken. This blog covered all you need for Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken. We explored main ingredients like chicken and buttermilk. You learned marinating and dredging techniques for crispiness. We reviewed tips to enhance flavor and ideas for serving. Variations provide choices for health and protein type. Storing leftovers and reheating methods help keep your meal fresh. Now, you’re ready to create this tasty dish. Enjoy the crunch and the zing of the Bang Bang sauce!](https://tossedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/68f8025d-b25a-4930-81a1-f9b848c6faf1-300x300.webp)