Description
Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken delivers all the crunch and flavor of the classic dish with a healthier twist! Crispy chicken tenderloins, coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang Sauce, are air-fried to perfection. This dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or when you’re craving a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons honey
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil (for spraying)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
- Set aside to use as a dipping sauce or to coat the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken tenderloins and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
- Bread the Chicken
- Place Panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all pieces.
- Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with canola oil.
- Arrange breaded chicken in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not touch.
- Spray the tops of the chicken with a light coating of oil for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Coat with Bang Bang Sauce
- Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl.
- Drizzle Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve
- Arrange chicken on a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
- Customize Spice: Adjust Sriracha and cayenne to your spice preference.
- Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air-Frying
- Cuisine: American