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

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

Ingredients

Scale

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/crispy-air-fried-bang-bang-chicken-the-ultimate-sweet-spicy-and-crunchy-chicken-recipe/