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–+ servings
Melany

Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken – A Healthier Twist!

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
  3. Set aside to use as a dipping sauce or to coat the chicken.
  4. Marinate the Chicken
  5. In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add chicken tenderloins and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
  7. Bread the Chicken
  8. Place Panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.
  9. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
  10. Dredge the chicken in Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all pieces.
  11. Air Fry the Chicken
  12. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  13. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with canola oil.
  14. Arrange breaded chicken in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not touch.
  15. Spray the tops of the chicken with a light coating of oil for extra crispiness.
  16. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  17. Coat with Bang Bang Sauce
  18. Transfer cooked chicken to a large bowl.
  19. Drizzle Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat.
  20. Garnish and Serve
  21. 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.

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