Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

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This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is crispy, spicy and delicious. You can make this in less than 20 minutes!

You may have already seen this delicious Bang Bang Chicken recipe on the blog. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken will give you all the irresistible flavour without having to fry in hot oil. How quick and easy is that?

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken is a popular dish in Chinese/American cuisine. It offers a satisfying contrast between the crispy exterior and tender interior of the chicken, along with the spicy and tangy flavours of the sauce. Make this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken in as little as 20 minutes and it will undoubtedly become a family favourite.

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken with a spicy mayonnaise, delicious!

How can you make this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken extra crispy?

The thick batter that you dunk your chicken into will create an already irresistible crunch to your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken. However, if you are after an extra crunch to your chicken, you can coat your chicken pieces in the batter and bread crumbs and then repeat the process. Then, air fry your chicken pieces for an extra 5 minutes to ensure the batter and chicken cook through.  

Is the mayonnaise really spicy?

The amount of hot sauce and chilli flakes I recommend is purely a guide that you can add to or take away from. It all depends on your own personal preference!

Make this recipe your own by using as much or as little of your own personal favourite hot sauce as you like. My favourite is Franks as I love the tangy, spicy flavour it gives but it is completely up to you which hot sauce you use. Make this Air Fryer Bang Bang chicken recipe your own!

Also, you could even swap out the spice and try this peanut sauce from the Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce recipe. The options are endless!  

How long can I store this in the fridge?

You can store your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Ensure you store it properly in an airtight container. Also, it’s important to allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in the fridge to prevent condensation and sogginess.

When storing your Air Fryer Bang Bang chicken, make sure to spread the pieces out to prevent them from sticking together. This helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken. 

You can reheat it in the air fryer to help restore its crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.

What other sauces could you try with this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken?

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken already has a flavourful sauce coating it, typically a spicy and tangy Bang Bang sauce. However, if you’re looking for an alternative sauce for dipping or drizzling, here are a few options:

1. Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a sweet and slightly spicy flavour that pairs well with the crispy chicken.
2. Sriracha Mayo: Mixing homemade sriracha sauce with mayonnaise creates a creamy and spicy dip that adds another layer of deliciousness.
3. Honey Mustard Raita: The sweetness of honey combined with the tanginess of mustard creates a balanced and flavourful sauce that complements the crispy chicken.
4. Barbecue Sauce: The perfect combination of sweet, sour, spice and savoury flavours to give your chicken a sticky, flavourful coating.
5. Habanero Hot Sauce: This recipe is too easy not to make if you like a good hot sauce. It’s good to know that you can make it at home in minutes. You only need the habanero chilies and 6 other easy to find ingredients. 

Can you make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can definitely make a vegetarian version of Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken by using plant-based alternatives instead of chicken. Here’s how you can do it: add plant-based meat alternatives such as tofu, seitan or tempeh to the batter. 

Similarly, cauliflower is an extremely versatile vegetable that would work great as a chicken substitute. Air fry the cauliflower at 375°F (190°C) for about 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. (However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the florets.)

Step by step photographs…

Gather your ingredients before you start. This will save you time.

Add your mayonnaise ingredients to a bowl and whisk them together. Add salt and pepper to your taste preferences.

Your spicy mayonnaise should look like this. Store in the fridge to chill until ready to serve.

Next, add your batter ingredients into a bowl, along with a table spoon of your hot sauce. Add more or less depending on your taste. 

After that, whisk your ingredients until a thick batter is formed.

Add your bite sized pieces of chicken to your batter.

Mix your chicken into the batter ensuring that it is evenly coated.

Then, with one hand, take your battered chicken out of the bowl and place in the panko bread crumbs and with your other dry hand roll the chicken in the crumbs to ensure an even coating.

Your bite size chicken pieces should be evenly coated and look like this. Preheat your air fryer (200C/400F).

Place your chicken pieces in the air fryer and make sure they are evenly spread out. Cook them in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10 minutes at 200C/400C.

After 10 minutes in the air fryer, turn them around and air fry for a further 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Finally, garnish with spicy mayonnaise and some freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) for a bite of freshness.