Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup buttermilk (or vegan option) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper - Salt and pepper to taste - Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice - Garnish options: chopped scallions, sesame seeds When I make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken thighs are my favorite because they stay juicy and tender. Using buttermilk helps to make the chicken extra soft. If you're vegan, you can swap buttermilk for a plant-based option. For seasoning, I stick to garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of cayenne pepper. This combination gives the chicken a rich taste. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. The sauce is what makes this dish shine. I mix mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce, a bit of sriracha, and lime juice. This mix gives a creamy, sweet, and spicy kick. I love to garnish the finished dish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. They add color and crunch. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Each ingredient plays a part in making this dish a crispy and flavorful delight. To start, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk in a large bowl. This step helps make the chicken juicy and tender. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can, let it marinate longer for even better flavor. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. This mix will give the chicken a nice, flavorful crust. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it is well-coated. After coating, shake off the excess flour. This step helps avoid clumps and ensures a nice crisp when cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the chicken in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces, then air fry for 12-15 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Adjust the sauce to fit your taste. Add more sriracha for heat or more sweet chili for sweetness. When the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the chicken and toss until every piece is evenly coated. For a nice presentation, plate the chicken and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy this crispy and flavorful delight! You can find the full recipe in the article. To get that nice crunch on your Bang Bang Chicken, use cooking spray. It helps the chicken brown evenly and become crispy. Spray the air fryer basket before adding chicken. After laying in the chicken, give the tops a light spray too. This tiny step makes a big difference! For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps each piece get golden and crispy. Want less heat? Simply reduce the cayenne pepper in the dredge. You can also skip the sriracha in the sauce. For more heat, add extra cayenne or sriracha. Taste the sauce as you mix it. Adjust until it fits your spice level. Marinating makes the chicken tender and tasty. Use buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate longer—up to 2 hours is great. You can also add spices to the buttermilk for more flavor. Try garlic powder or paprika to enhance the taste. This small change can make your Bang Bang Chicken even better. For the full recipe, check the main article. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this recipe to make it vegan. Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the chicken. For the buttermilk, use a plant-based version made from almond or soy milk with a splash of vinegar. This keeps the flavor and texture similar to the original dish. Want to change the flavor profile? Add spices like cumin or curry powder to your dredge mix. You can also try using different sauces in the Bang Bang sauce. For a twist, swap out the mayonnaise for a creamy avocado or use yogurt for a tangy flavor. This can really change the taste while keeping it delicious. Pair your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken with sides like steamed rice or a fresh salad. The crunchiness of the chicken goes great with cool, crisp veggies. For drinks, a sweet iced tea or a light beer complements the flavors well. You can also serve it with a tangy dipping sauce on the side for extra zing. To keep your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work best. Make sure to let the chicken cool before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Reheating is key to keeping that crispiness. Use your air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This way, your chicken stays crunchy. If you don’t have an air fryer, a regular oven works, too. Just place the chicken on a baking sheet. To freeze Bang Bang Chicken, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make this dish gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. You can use almond flour or a store-bought gluten-free mix. Ensure the sauces are also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Always check labels for hidden gluten. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken thighs stay juicier and more tender. Chicken breast cooks faster and can dry out if overcooked. If using breasts, check them after 10 minutes of cooking. Adjust cooking time to ensure they stay moist and flavorful. Bang Bang Chicken pairs well with rice or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with steamed veggies. For a complete meal, add some crispy fries or garlic bread. These sides balance the spicy and creamy notes of the chicken nicely. To adjust for fewer servings, halve the ingredient amounts. If you want to serve two instead of four, cut the chicken to ½ lb. You can also scale the sauce. Keep the ratios the same for a balanced flavor. This way, you’ll still enjoy that tasty Bang Bang experience! We explored how to make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken, starting from the ingredients to the final dish. I walked you through marinating the chicken, creating the perfect dredge, and making a tasty sauce. I also shared tips for crispy results and variations to suit your taste. Remember to store any leftovers properly and enjoy the many ways to use this recipe. With these steps, you can impress anyone at your next meal. Your kitchen skills will shine, and everyone will love this dish!$

Savor the flavors of Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken with this delicious recipe that will spice up your dinner! With tender, crispy chicken coated in a creamy, tangy sauce, it's perfect for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions for a quick prep and cooking time. Get ready to impress your friends and family—click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe today!

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Ingredients

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 for spice tolerance)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for heat preference)

1 tablespoon lime juice

Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.

Prepare the Dredge: In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's well-coated. Shake off excess flour and place on a plate.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Air Fry the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken pieces in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste (more sriracha for heat, more sweet chili for sweetness).

Toss in Sauce: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the bang bang sauce over. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

Serve: Plate on a serving dish and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4