You are currently viewing Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

If you’re craving restaurant-style flavor with a lighter, homemade twist, Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This dish delivers everything people love about classic Bang Bang Chicken: irresistibly crunchy chicken, juicy on the inside, coated in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. The best part? You can make it at home with simple ingredients and your air fryer—no deep fryer required.

In this comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide, you’ll learn everything about making the best Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken, from ingredient breakdowns and step-by-step instructions to cooking variations, storage tips, nutrition notes, and serving ideas. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day appetizer, or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe delivers consistent, crave-worthy results.

YMore breakfast ideas you’ll love

Related posts:

  1. The Ultimate Snickerdoodle Cheesecake: A Love Letter to Two Classic Desserts
  2. Unveiling Culinary Magic: Your Guide to Irresistible Tasty Angel Cake Churro Bites
  3. The Ultimate Guide to Unbelievably Easy 3-Ingredient No Bake Brownie Bites
  4. Chocolate Sugar Cookies Recipe

Why Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken Is So Popular

The rise of air fryers has completely transformed home cooking, and Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is one of the best examples of why. Traditionally, Bang Bang Chicken is deep-fried, which gives it that signature crunch—but also adds extra oil and calories. Air frying achieves that same golden crispiness using significantly less oil, making it a lighter but equally satisfying alternative.

Here’s why people can’t stop searching for Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken:

  • ✅ Crispy texture without deep frying

  • ✅ Juicy chicken tenderloins every time

  • ✅ Sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce

  • ✅ Quick and easy preparation

  • ✅ Versatile cooking methods (air fryer, oven, or skillet)

This recipe is especially ideal for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without complicated steps or specialty equipment.

What Is Bang Bang Chicken?

Before diving into the recipe, it’s helpful to understand what makes Bang Bang Chicken so special.

Bang Bang Chicken is known for its bold contrast of flavors and textures:

  • Crispy breaded chicken as the base

  • Creamy Bang Bang sauce, typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and heat from Sriracha

  • A balance of sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory

In this Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken version, we preserve everything people love about the dish while making it more accessible and healthier for everyday cooking.

Ingredients for Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Using the right ingredients is key to achieving maximum crunch and flavor. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
    Creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce.

  • ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
    Adds sweetness, tang, and mild heat.

  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
    Provides customizable spice.

  • 2 tablespoons honey
    Enhances sweetness and balances heat.

This sauce is the heart of Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken—luxurious, bold, and addictive.

For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
    Naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking.

  • 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
    Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.

  • ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
    Forms the base of the batter.

  • ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
    The secret to extra crispiness.

  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
    Binds the batter together.

  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha
    Adds flavor inside the coating.

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
    For extra heat.

  • 2 cups (216 g) plain panko breadcrumbs
    Delivers that signature crunch.

  • Canola oil, for frying (if not air frying)

  • Chopped parsley, for garnish

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

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl:

  1. Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.

  2. Mix until completely smooth.

  3. Taste and adjust spice if needed.

  4. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

💡 Tip: Making the sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even better.

2. Prepare the Chicken Batter

In a medium bowl:

  1. Whisk together buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

  2. Mix until smooth and lump-free.

  3. Add chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly.

This batter ensures that every piece of Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is flavorful from the inside out.

3. Bread the Chicken

  1. Spread panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.

  2. Remove chicken pieces from the batter, letting excess drip off.

  3. Dredge in panko, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.

  4. Place breaded chicken on a clean plate.

At this stage, you’ll already see how crunchy this Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is going to be.

How to Cook Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Air Fryer Method (Recommended)

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

  2. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray.

  3. Arrange chicken in a single layer—do not overcrowd.

  4. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

  5. Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

🔥 This method gives you perfectly Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken with minimal oil.

Skillet or Deep Fryer 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. Remove when golden and fully cooked.

  4. Drain on paper towels.

While this method is delicious, air frying keeps Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken lighter and less greasy.

Oven-Baked Option

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).

  2. Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

  3. Lightly spray with oil.

  4. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping once.

Final Assembly

  1. Place cooked chicken in a large bowl.

  2. Drizzle Bang Bang sauce over the chicken.

  3. Toss gently until evenly coated.

  4. Garnish with chopped parsley.

  5. Serve immediately.

Your Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is now ready to impress.

Serving Ideas for Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some popular ways to serve it:

  • 🍚 Over steamed jasmine rice

  • 🥗 On top of a crisp Asian-style salad

  • 🌮 Inside tacos with shredded cabbage

  • 🥪 In a sandwich or slider

  • 🍟 As an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping

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

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

  • Let chicken cool for 30 minutes.

  • Store in an airtight container.

  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

  • Freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating

  • Air fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes

  • Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes

  • Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crisp coating.

Print

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken (Better Than Takeout!)
Print Recipe

This Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is golden, crunchy on the outside, and juicy on the inside, coated in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s easy to make at home and works just as well in an air fryer, oven, or deep fryer—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

  • Author: salah saloh

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise

  • ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)

  • 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken

  • 1 ½ 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, at 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

  • Canola oil, for frying (if not air 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 well blended.

  3. 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 pepper until smooth.

  2. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.

  3. Place panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.

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

  5. Set breaded chicken aside on a clean plate.

To Cook in an Air Fryer

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

  2. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray.

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

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

To Cook in a Skillet or Deep Fryer

  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 the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  3. Drain on paper towels.

Final Assembly

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

  2. Garnish with chopped parsley.

  3. Serve warm and enjoy.

Storage Tips

  • Let cooked chicken cool for about 30 minutes before storing.

  • Wrap in foil and place in an airtight container.

  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze in a freezer bag for up to 6 months.

  • Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.

  • Adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha.

  • Serve with rice, salad, or in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Nutrition Notes (Approximate per Serving)

  • Protein: High, thanks to lean chicken tenderloins

  • Calories: Moderate; air frying reduces oil

  • Carbohydrates: Mainly from breadcrumbs and sauce

  • Fat: Mostly from mayonnaise—use light mayo if desired

This balance makes Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken indulgent yet reasonable.

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

  • Use cornstarch for extra crunch

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket

  • Spray lightly with oil for even browning

  • Toss with sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken ahead and toss with sauce just before serving.

Is Bang Bang Chicken very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust Sriracha to control heat.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely—just cut into even strips.

Final Thoughts on Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken is the perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and convenience. It delivers all the bold, indulgent taste of a restaurant favorite while being easy enough for home cooks of any skill level. Thanks to the air fryer, you get golden, crispy chicken without excess oil—making this dish both satisfying and practical.