Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my latest obsession: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken! This delicious dish has become a household favorite and a go-to for when I’m craving something crunchy, spicy, and unbelievably satisfying. I just love how easy it is to whip up in my air fryer, and the flavors are out of this world. The combination of tender chicken, crispy coating, and that creamy, spicy sauce hits all the right notes for me!
You know, I first stumbled upon Bang Bang Chicken during a dinner party where it was served as an appetizer. I was immediately hooked! I spent the next few weeks experimenting with different cooking methods, and eventually decided that the air fryer was my favorite way to make it. Not only does it produce a crispy exterior without all the grease of traditional frying, but it also makes the cleanup a breeze! Seriously, what’s not to love about that?
What’s in Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken?
Let’s break down this scrumptious dish, shall we? Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that wonderfully crispy exterior and creamy sauce that makes this dish irresistible!
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! Using fresh chicken breast keeps the dish light and tender. Make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and is easy to pop in your mouth.
Buttermilk: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk is a game-changer. It not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the coating stick better. If you’re in a pinch, you can easily substitute plain yogurt mixed with a tad of milk!
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the first layer of your coating. It helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, creating that delicious crunch we all crave.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These spices give depth and flavor to your chicken. I have a slight obsession with garlic, so I always add a touch more!
Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken. You can use smoked paprika if you’re feeling adventurous!
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that ultimate crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, giving a lovely crispy texture to each piece of chicken.
Mayonnaise: A key ingredient in the Bang Bang sauce! It gives a creamy texture that perfectly balances the spiciness.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings a touch of sweetness to the party, marrying beautifully with the spiciness of the sriracha.
Sriracha: The cherry on top for those who like a little heat in their life. Adjust it to your spice tolerance – I definitely won’t judge if you want to crank it up!
Chopped Green Onions: These are for garnish and add a fresh punch to the final dish!
Is Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Good for You?
Well, that depends on how you look at it! This dish can be a delightful treat, especially when you’re in the mood for something scrumptious. The use of air frying keeps the chicken crispy without the extra oil, which is a win in my book.
Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
Buttermilk: Rich in calcium and probiotics, this ingredient not only makes your chicken tender but also adds health benefits.
Panko Breadcrumbs: While they do add carbs, using panko means you can achieve that crunch with less oil than traditional frying.
BUT – as with any dish, moderation is key. This definitely isn’t a daily meal, but it’s perfect for a fun dinner or a weekend treat!
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
– Chopped green onions for garnish
This recipe serves about 4 people (or 2 if we’re being real about my serving size!).
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken?
1. **Marinate the Chicken**: In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator to tenderize the meat.
2. **Prepare the Coating**: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. **Coat the Chicken**: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess, then dip in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
4. **Preheat the Air Fryer**: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. **Air Fry the Chicken**: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
6. **Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce**: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
7. **Combine**: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken, and toss to coat well.
8. **Serve**: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken!
Little Extras for Your Bang Bang Chicken Adventure
– If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve with a side of rice or on top of a fresh salad for a complete meal!
– You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
– Make a double batch of the Bang Bang sauce – it’s fantastic as a dip for veggies or chips!
I cannot wait for you to try this recipe. Trust me, you’re going to love it as much as I do! Give it a shot and let me know how your batch turns out – I’m always up for swapping kitchen stories! Happy cooking!
