Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet, Spicy, and Crunchy Comfort Food

If you are searching for a dish that perfectly balances crunch, juiciness, heat, and sweetness, look no further than Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken. This irresistible recipe has quickly become a household favorite for busy weeknights, game-day gatherings, and casual entertaining. With its golden, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior, all tossed in a creamy sweet-spicy Bang Bang sauce, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

What truly sets Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken apart is how it achieves deep-fried crispiness without the heaviness of traditional frying. Thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying crunch using significantly less oil—making it a lighter, cleaner, and more convenient option for modern home cooks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken: from its flavor profile and origins to step-by-step cooking techniques, variations, serving ideas, storage tips, and expert tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

Whether you’re new to air frying or already obsessed, this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

What Is Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken?

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful chicken dish made by coating tender chicken pieces in a seasoned batter, dredging them in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and air frying them until golden and crisp. Once cooked, the chicken is tossed in a rich Bang Bang sauce—a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha.

The result is a dish that hits every crave-worthy note:

• Crispy on the outside

• Juicy on the inside

• Sweet, spicy, and tangy in every bite

While Bang Bang sauce is often associated with shrimp, this chicken variation has become equally popular because it’s heartier, more filling, and incredibly versatile.

Why Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken Is So Popular

There are many reasons why Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken continues to trend across food blogs, social media, and home kitchens:

1. Healthier Than Traditional Fried Chicken

Air frying uses hot circulating air instead of submerging food in oil. This means you get the crunch you love with less grease and fewer calories.

2. Quick and Easy

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when time is limited but flavor expectations are high.

3. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

The Bang Bang sauce is universally loved. It’s creamy, sweet, slightly spicy, and completely addictive.

4. Highly Customizable

You can adjust the heat level, swap cooking methods, or serve it in different ways—bowls, wraps, sliders, or salads.

5. Restaurant-Quality at Home

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken tastes like something you’d order at a trendy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients Breakdown for Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Using the right ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Creates a rich, creamy base

• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and mild heat

• Sriracha: Brings spice and depth

• Honey: Balances heat with natural sweetness

This sauce is the heart of Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken. Adjust the ratios to suit your taste preferences.

Chicken Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenderloins: Naturally tender and cook quickly

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it juicy

• All-Purpose Flour & Cornstarch: Creates a light but crispy coating

• Egg: Helps bind the batter

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Essential for extra crunch

• Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne, and Sriracha add bold flavor

Each component plays a role in making Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken irresistibly crunchy and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne until smooth.

Add the chicken tenderloins and toss until fully coated.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Remove each piece of chicken from the batter, letting excess drip off, then press into the panko until fully coated.

Set the breaded chicken on a clean plate.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.

Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Transfer the hot, crispy chicken to a large bowl and toss with Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While the air fryer is the star of this recipe, Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken can also be made using other methods.

Oven-Baked Bang Bang Chicken

Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a wire rack for maximum crispiness.

Deep-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Fry at 365°F (185°C) for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels before tossing in sauce.

Each method delivers delicious results, but the air fryer remains the healthiest and most convenient option.

Tips for the Best Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches for even crisping

• Use panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs won’t give the same crunch

• Spray lightly with oil: Helps achieve a fried-like texture

• Serve immediately: The chicken is crispiest when fresh

• Adjust spice to taste: Add more or less Sriracha as desired

Serving Ideas for Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular ways to serve Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken:

• Over steamed jasmine rice

• In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

• Inside slider buns for party appetizers

• On top of salads for a spicy crunch

• Wrapped in tortillas for Bang Bang chicken tacos

No matter how you serve it, Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken always steals the show.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes until warmed and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken: The Ultimate Sweet, Spicy, and Crunchy Comfort Food

Print Recipe

This Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that’s completely addictive. Whether you air-fry, bake, or deep-fry it, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an easy way to spice up your weekly meal rotation.

• Author: salah

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise

• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (more to taste)

• 2 tablespoons honey

Chicken

• 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins

• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk

• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 1 tablespoon Sriracha

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• 2 cups (216 g) plain panko breadcrumbs

• Cooking spray (for air fryer) or canola oil (for frying)

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.

2. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

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Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne until smooth.

2. Add chicken tenders and toss until fully coated.

3. Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.

4. Remove chicken from batter, let excess drip off, then coat in panko, pressing gently.

5. Set breaded chicken aside on a clean plate.

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Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C).

2. Lightly spray chicken with cooking spray.

3. Place chicken in the basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

4. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

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Deep Fryer / Skillet Method

1. Heat about 1 inch of canola oil to 365°F (185°C).

2. Fry chicken in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy.

3. Drain on paper towels.

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Final Assembly

1. Toss cooked chicken with Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.

2. Garnish with chopped parsley.

3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—this ensures maximum crispiness.

• Spray lightly with oil for a fried-like texture without excess grease.

• Adjust heat by increasing or reducing Sriracha.

• Serve with rice, lettuce wraps, or as a slider filling.

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving:

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 32 g

• Fat: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 30 g

Air frying significantly reduces oil usage, making Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken lighter than traditional fried versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, cook the chicken fresh and toss with sauce just before serving.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and bold flavor. It delivers everything you love about fried chicken—crunch, juiciness, and indulgence—without the excess oil or hassle of deep frying. The creamy Bang Bang sauce takes it to the next level, transforming a simple chicken dish into something truly unforgettable.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Once you try Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken, it won’t just be a one-time meal—it will become a go-to favorite you’ll crave again and again.