Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken
- What Makes Air Fryer Recipes So Convenient?
- The Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution
- The Bang Bang Sauce Secret
- Serving Suggestions and Variations
- Why This Recipe Became a Family Favorite
- Recipe Card
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
- This crispy air fryer Bang Bang Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and cleanup.
- It’s a perfect example of air fryer easy recipes that are both quick and delicious, ready in under 30 minutes.
- The creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is incredibly simple to make and elevates basic chicken into something special.
- This versatile dish can be served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as an appetizer.
- Using an air fryer creates that perfect golden-brown crisp without deep frying.
- It’s a family-friendly recipe that can be easily adjusted for spice preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken
Hi, I’m Betty from Betty Cooks, and if you’re looking for air fryer easy recipes that actually deliver on flavor and texture, you’ve come to the right place. This crispy Bang Bang chicken is one of those quick and easy recipes that became an instant hit in my household. The magic happens when simple chicken pieces get that irresistible crunch from the air fryer, then get tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that’s absolutely addictive. This recipe proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal.
What Makes Air Fryer Recipes So Convenient?
As someone who’s always short on time but still wants delicious homemade food, I’ve fallen in love with my air fryer. What I appreciate most about easy recipes with chicken like this one is the minimal cleanup. There’s no messy deep-frying oil to deal with, and the air fryer basket is usually dishwasher safe. The cooking process is mostly hands-off once you’ve coated the chicken, giving you time to prepare sides or simply relax. This convenience factor is why air fryer easy recipes have become my go-to for busy weeknights when I still want something special.
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner Solution
We’ve all had those evenings when dinner needs to be on the table fast, but takeout isn’t in the budget or doesn’t sound appealing. This is where easy recipes for dinner truly shine. From prep to plate, this crispy chicken takes about 25 minutes—faster than most delivery services! The ingredient list is straightforward, with items you likely already have in your pantry. When you’re searching for reliable quick and easy recipes that won’t disappoint, this air fryer method delivers consistent, crispy results every time, making it a trustworthy solution for those hectic nights.
The Bang Bang Sauce Secret
The star of this dish isn’t just the crispy air fryer chicken—it’s that incredible sauce. The beauty of Bang Bang sauce lies in its perfect balance: creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce for that fruity heat, a touch of honey, and a kick of sriracha. The combination creates a complex flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. What makes this sauce work so well with air fryer easy recipes is how it clings to every nook and cranny of the crispy chicken, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. It’s so good you’ll want to put it on everything!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While this chicken is fantastic on its own, here at Betty Cooks, we love suggesting ways to make recipes your own. For a complete meal, serve it over fluffy jasmine rice with steamed broccoli on the side. For a lighter option, lettuce wraps make a refreshing and crunchy vessel. You can also turn this into appetizers by serving the saucy chicken pieces with toothpicks—perfect for game day or parties. If you want to experiment, try adding different spices to the flour coating or adjusting the sauce’s heat level to match your family’s preferences.
Why This Recipe Became a Family Favorite
This particular recipe earned its permanent spot in our dinner rotation because it checks all the boxes: it’s fast, uses simple ingredients, satisfies both kids and adults, and feels like a treat. The crispy air fryer chicken texture is something everyone loves, and the sauce has just enough sweetness to appeal to younger palates while providing enough kick for spice lovers. When you find easy recipes with chicken that get this kind of universal approval, you know you’ve found a keeper. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with minimal effort—and that’s what good air fryer easy recipes are all about.
Crispy Air Fried Bang Bang Chicken Recipe – Quick & Easy Dinner
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For Serving (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
- Cooked rice or lettuce cups
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the egg, then into the flour mixture, pressing to coat evenly. Place on a plate.
Cook in the Air Fryer
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch (cook in batches if needed).
- Lightly spray the top of the chicken with oil.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust spice level to your liking.
Assemble & Serve
- Transfer crispy chicken to a large bowl.
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges and over rice or in lettuce cups if desired.
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