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

If you are searching for a recipe that delivers maximum crunch, bold flavor, and irresistible sauce, then Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, a perfectly crisp coating, and a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce that coats every bite with pure indulgence.

Whether you are preparing a quick weeknight dinner, planning a game-day appetizer, or looking for a crowd-pleasing party snack, Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken fits the bill every single time. Best of all, it is made in the air fryer, giving you that deep-fried crunch with significantly less oil—without sacrificing flavor.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything about making the perfect Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken: from ingredient selection and preparation tips to cooking methods, serving ideas, storage advice, and customization options. This article is designed to help you master the dish from start to finish, even if you are new to air frying.

What Is Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken?

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is inspired by the famous Bang Bang shrimp that originated in Asian-inspired American cuisine. The concept is simple but powerful: crispy fried protein tossed in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, honey, and Sriracha.

By swapping shrimp for chicken tenderloins and using an air fryer instead of deep frying, this recipe transforms into a lighter, more accessible dish that still delivers restaurant-quality results.

What makes Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken so popular is its perfect balance of textures and flavors:

• Juicy chicken interior

• Ultra-crispy panko coating

• Sweet, tangy, creamy, and spicy sauce

• Quick cook time

• Versatile serving options

It is bold, comforting, and incredibly addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

There are countless chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons.

Healthier Than Deep Frying

Air frying allows you to achieve that deep-fried crunch using a fraction of the oil. You still get golden, crispy chicken without the heaviness or excess grease.

Fast and Easy

From prep to plate, Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is ready in about 30 minutes. It is perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive but manageable.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

The Bang Bang sauce is universally loved. Sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors appeal to adults and kids alike, and the spice level is easily adjustable.

Versatile Serving Options

Serve it as an appetizer, stuff it into tacos, layer it on salads, or pair it with rice for a complete meal.

Meal Prep Friendly

This recipe stores well and reheats beautifully in the air fryer, making it ideal for leftovers and meal planning.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Asian-inspired
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Breakdown

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise

• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons honey

This sauce is the heart of Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken. It is creamy, slightly tangy, gently sweet, and perfectly spicy.

Chicken Ingredients

• 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 or canola oil (if frying)

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Each ingredient plays a role in creating the signature crispiness and flavor of Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as desired.

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, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.

Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter and toss until fully coated. This wet batter ensures juicy chicken and helps the panko adhere properly.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate. Remove chicken from the batter, letting excess drip off, then dredge in panko. Press gently so the crumbs stick well.

Set the breaded chicken on a clean plate while you finish the rest.

Air Fryer Method (Recommended)

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

2. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray.

3. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

4. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Chicken is done when golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This method delivers the crispiest and healthiest version of Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken.

Deep Fryer or Skillet Method

If you prefer traditional frying:

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

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

3. Drain on paper towels.

Deep frying produces a slightly richer crunch but with more oil.

Final Assembly

Once the chicken is cooked, toss it gently with the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

For extra crispiness, you can drizzle the sauce instead of tossing.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows proper air circulation.

• Use panko breadcrumbs. They create superior crunch.

• Adjust spice level. Add more Sriracha or cayenne if you like heat.

• Sauce control matters. Toss lightly or serve sauce on the side.

• Rest before serving. Let chicken sit for 2 minutes to set the coating.

Serving Ideas

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is incredibly versatile:

• Serve over jasmine rice or fried rice

• Add to tacos with slaw

• Top a fresh salad

• Use in sliders or wraps

• Serve as a party appetizer with extra sauce

Storage and Reheating

Storage

Allow chicken to cool for 30 minutes.

• Refrigerator: Airtight container for up to 5 days

• Freezer: Freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months

Reheating

Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible.

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

Print Recipe

This Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is juicy on the inside, irresistibly crunchy on the outside, and coated in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce. Whether you air fry, bake, or deep fry it, this dish is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite in your meal rotation. It’s perfect as an appetizer, weeknight dinner, or party snack.

• Author: salah

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise

• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or 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 or canola oil (if frying)

• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.

2. Mix until smooth and creamy. 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 the chicken tenders and toss until fully coated.

3. Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.

4. Remove chicken from the batter, letting excess drip off, then dredge in panko, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Set breaded chicken aside on a clean plate.

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Air Fryer Method

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

2. Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray.

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

4. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

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Deep Fryer or 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 and cooked through.

3. Drain on paper towels.

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Final Assembly

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

2. Garnish with chopped parsley.

3. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Extra crispy: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

• Adjust heat: Add more Sriracha or cayenne for extra spice.

• Sauce control: Toss lightly or serve sauce on the side for dipping.

• Meal ideas: Serve with rice, tacos, salads, or sliders.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 480–520 kcal

• Protein: ~28 g

• Fat: ~34 g

• Carbohydrates: ~22 g

Common Questions About Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, simply cut them into even strips for consistent cooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The Bang Bang sauce keeps well for up to 7 days refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is more than just another chicken recipe—it is a perfect harmony of crunch, flavor, and convenience. With its juicy interior, crispy exterior, and bold Bang Bang sauce, this dish satisfies cravings while remaining simple enough for everyday cooking.

The air fryer makes this recipe healthier without compromising texture, and the versatility ensures it works for appetizers, dinners, meal prep, and entertaining. Whether you serve it fresh, reheat leftovers, or customize the spice level, Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken consistently delivers mouthwatering results.