Ah… air fryer bang bang chicken! The first time I tried this recipe, I wanted something fun and different for a busy weeknight dinner. I had a couple of chicken breasts ready, a craving for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy chicken, and my air fryer set to work its magic. With a quick coating and a drizzle of creamy spicy mayo sauce, dinner instantly turned into something truly exciting.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can serve bang bang chicken skewers air fryer style for a party platter, cook juicy bang bang chicken thighs air fryer for extra flavor, or go with lean air fryer bang bang chicken breast for a lighter option. On game nights, nothing beats bang bang chicken wings air fryer, and for family snacking, bang bang chicken bites air fryer are always a hit.
This recipe also belongs to my Air Fryer Favorites: The All-Time US Classics, a collection where I revisit beloved comfort foods and make them lighter, faster, and crispier with the help of the air fryer.
👉 See my full Air Fryer Favorites Collection here for more iconic recipes with a modern twist.
Why air fryer bang bang chicken Is Irresistible
Here’s why this dish has become one of my go-to dinners:
- A healthier choice – Less oil than deep frying, but still crispy.
- Perfect texture – Thanks to the air fryer, you get crunchy breading without heaviness.
- Sweet & spicy balance – The famous spicy mayo sauce delivers creamy, tangy, and fiery flavors.
- Quick weeknight dinner – From start to finish, you’re only 20 minutes away from a crowd-pleasing meal.
If you enjoy the combination of crispy coating and bold flavors, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Orange Chicken—another sweet and savory favorite that comes together in no time.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook air fryer bang bang chicken
Making this dish is easy, but there are a few tricks to getting it just right. Let me walk you through it.
H3 – Prep the Chicken
Choose your cut: cubes for skewers or bites, wings for game day, or thighs/breasts for a full meal.
H3 – Bread & Season
- Coat chicken lightly in flour.
- Dip in egg wash.
- Roll in panko breadcrumbs.
- Spray with olive oil for that signature crunch.
H3 – Air Frying Instructions
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange chicken in a single layer.
- Cook 12–15 minutes, depending on size.
- Flip or shake halfway.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) (per USDA Food Safety).
H3 – Toss in Sauce
Right after cooking, toss the hot chicken in your sweet and spicy mayo sauce—just enough to coat evenly without losing crispiness.
👉 If you want a kid-approved version, try my Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets—they’re made with the same breading technique and pair beautifully with bang bang sauce.
Creative Variations
This dish shines because you can adapt it to fit almost any occasion:
- Skewers – Perfect as a fun party appetizer.
- Wings – Finger-licking and ideal for sports nights.
- Thighs – Juicy and rich in flavor.
- Breasts – Lean, high-protein, and great for meal prep.
- Bites – Kid-friendly and perfect for snacking.
👉 Looking for another crispy, sweet appetizer? Don’t miss my Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp—it has the same irresistible crunch and goes great with dipping sauces.
Chef André’s Pro Tips for Crispy Results
After testing many batches, here are my golden rules for success:
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Air needs to circulate for that crispy coating. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Always preheat your air fryer – A few minutes of preheating makes a big difference in texture.
- Flip or shake halfway – Ensures even browning on all sides.
- Use a light oil spray – It gives you the crunch of fried chicken with far less fat.
- Balance your sauce – Add more sriracha for heat, or a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
👉 Want more crispy inspiration? Try my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings—another crunchy, flavorful bite that’s perfect for sharing.
What to Serve With This Dish
This sweet-and-spicy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Jasmine rice or noodles – Classic and comforting.
- Fresh salad – Balances the richness of the sauce.
- Roasted potatoes – A hearty option for a family meal.
- Wraps or tacos – Turn leftovers into a fun weeknight dinner idea.
👉 My go-to pairing? Crispy Air Fryer French Fries—the crunch-on-crunch combo is always a hit.
Storage & Reheating
The beauty of this recipe is that you can make it ahead and still enjoy that crispiness later.
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze cooked or uncooked portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
👉 For a detailed guide, check out my How to Reheat Fried Chicken in Air Fryer—it works like a charm for bang bang chicken too.
FAQ – People Also Ask
1. Can I make this recipe without breading?
Yes! Skip the breadcrumbs and simply season the chicken before cooking. Toss with sauce for a lighter option.
2. How long should I cook chicken breasts?
Thicker cuts like breasts take 15–18 minutes at 375°F. Always check for a safe internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
3. Is this a healthy recipe?
Definitely. With less oil than deep frying and the option to swap in Greek yogurt for mayo, it’s a great healthy weeknight dinner.
4. Can I make skewers for a party?
Absolutely. Bang bang chicken skewers are easy to prepare, fun to eat, and always impress guests.
5. What’s in the sauce?
The signature spicy mayo sauce is made with mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and a squeeze of lime.
Nutrition Facts (per serving: 1 chicken breast + sauce)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Conclusion by Chef André
And there you have it—crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed bang bang chicken in air fryer style. Whether you choose skewers for a party, wings for game night, thighs for a juicy option, breast for a healthy choice, or fun little bites, this dish always delivers the perfect balance of sweet heat and crunch.
For me, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something special. That’s why it has earned a proud spot in my Air Fryer Favorites: The All-Time US Classics.
👉 Now it’s your turn: which version will you try first—bang bang chicken air fryer skewers, wings, thighs, breast, or bites? Leave me a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with your fellow food lovers!
For more info on safe cooking temps, check out the official guide from USDA Food Safety.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs) cut into bite-sized pieces or strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- as needed olive oil spray for air frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise for bang bang sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha adjust for heat preference
- 1 tablespoon honey for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon lime juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces, strips, or leave as wings/thighs depending on preference.
- Prepare a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces in flour, then egg wash, then coat with panko. Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway. Cook until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Meanwhile, make bang bang sauce: whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Toss cooked chicken with sauce or drizzle just before serving to keep the breading crispy.