Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken features tenderloins encased in a crunchy panko breadcrumb coating, cooked to golden perfection using an air-fryer or deep-frying method, and finished with a drizzle of homemade spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This dish promises to be a favorite for anyone who loves a crispy, flavorful chicken dish!

Ingredients & Alternatives

• Chicken: Choose boneless skinless chicken tenderloins for best results. Alternatively, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips, though they won’t be true tenderloins, which are the smaller cuts found under the chicken breast. Either option makes for a delicious preparation.
• Bang Bang Sauce: This easy-to-make sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, using homemade or store-bought mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce. Adjust the heat by adding more Sriracha according to your preference. This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.
• Buttermilk: Full-fat buttermilk is recommended for coating the chicken, ensuring it remains moist and tender during cooking. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a homemade version is an easy fix. For an extra spicy flavor, increase the amount of cayenne pepper and Sriracha in the mix.
• Panko: Opt for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture that stays crisp longer. These are usually found in the Asian food aisle of most grocery stores. You could substitute regular breadcrumbs or even cornflakes, but note that the texture and crunchiness will vary.
• Oil: If deep frying, canola or vegetable oil works best. Don’t discard used oil; instead, consider clarifying it for future use.

Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Instructions:

To prepare using an air fryer, follow the initial steps until frying. Spray each coated chicken tender with cooking spray and arrange them in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time. Once done, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and serve.

Oven Baking Option:

For oven baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baking offers a less crispy, but still delicious, alternative to frying.

Storage Tips

Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Allow the chicken to cool for about 30 minutes before wrapping in aluminum foil. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Whether air-fried, baked, or deep-fried, this Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken will be a succulent addition to your meal rotation!

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 g) boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 2 cups (216 g) plain panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil, for frying (if not using an air fryer)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

To Make Bang Bang Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
2. Mix well until homogeneous and set aside. This can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.

To Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly with the batter.
3. Place the panko breadcrumbs on a shallow plate.
4. One at a time, take the chicken pieces from the batter, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Dredge each piece in the panko, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Set the breaded chicken on a clean plate.
6. Repeat with all chicken pieces.

To Cook in an Air Fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
2. Spray each breaded chicken tender lightly with cooking spray.
3. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket.
4. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time.
5. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving plate.

To Cook in a Deep Fryer or Skillet:

1. Heat about an inch of canola oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 365°F (185°C).
2. In batches, fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Final Assembly:

1. Toss the cooked chicken with the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
2. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

This comprehensive guide ensures that your Crispy Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken turns out delicious and satisfying whether you choose to fry or air-fry the chicken.