Name: Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (cut into 1 inch pieces); 1 cup blanched almond flour; 1/2 cup crushed plantain chips or tortilla chips; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey

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If you're craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, crispy perfection, and a little kick of heat, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe. This dish takes tender chicken pieces, coats them in a crunchy mix of almond flour and crushed plantain chips, and cooks them to golden perfection in the air fryer. Then, it gets drizzled with a luscious, tangy, and spicy bang bang sauce that’s creamy and addictive. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll want to make again and again because it’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion — from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your dinner routine will never be the same!

Ingredients You'll Need

A white speckled plate holds a pile of golden-brown crispy cauliflower pieces, each coated with a crunchy texture. The cauliflower is drizzled with a light orange creamy sauce that adds a smooth contrast to the rough coating. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered both on the cauliflower and around the plate, giving a pop of color. To the top right of the plate, a small wooden bowl filled with the same orange sauce sits with a spoon inside, on a white marbled surface. A few loose cilantro leaves are also scattered around the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Keeping this recipe simple with just a handful of essential ingredients ensures every bite is packed with incredible taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it adds crunch, creaminess, zing, or sweetness to balance out the flavors.

Chicken breast, 1 lb (cut into 1 inch pieces): The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender protein.
Blanched almond flour, 1 cup: Creates a light, nutty crust that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
Crushed plantain chips or tortilla chips, ½ cup: Adds irresistible crunch and a touch of saltiness.
Sea salt, ½ tsp: Enhances all the other flavors in the coating and the chicken.
Large egg, 1: Acts as the perfect binding agent for the coating.
Lime juice, 1 tbsp: Brightens the coating and adds freshness to the chicken.
Mayonnaise, ½ cup: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce that complements the crispy chicken.
Chili garlic sauce, 1 tbsp: Brings heat and depth to the sauce — adjust to taste if you like it spicier.
Rice vinegar, 1 tbsp: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the mayo.
Honey, 1 tbsp: Provides a touch of sweetness to round out the sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Coating

Start by mixing the almond flour, sea salt, and crushed plantain chips or tortilla chips in a shallow bowl. This combination will give your chicken that perfect crunchy texture and nutty flavor that makes every bite so satisfying.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg and Lime Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and lime juice until fully combined. This mixture adds a subtle tang to the chicken and ensures the coating sticks all over the pieces.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Pieces

Take each chicken piece and first dip it into the egg and lime mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then immediately dip it into the almond flour and chip mixture, pressing gently so it’s well coated. Set aside the coated pieces on a plate, getting ready for the air fryer.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. Then flip each piece over and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the exterior is golden and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through. This method makes the coating crunchy without the need for deep frying.

Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This sauce should be creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and with a good kick of heat. Adjust the chili garlic sauce amount if you want it spicier or milder.

Step 6: Finish with Sauce

Once the chicken is out of the air fryer, plate it up and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping – either way, it’s a game changer!

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

A white speckled plate filled with one layer of golden brown fried cauliflower pieces that have a crispy texture. The cauliflower is drizzled with light brown creamy sauce in soft dollops and sprinkled with small bright green cilantro leaves. In the background, there is a wooden bowl with a creamy orange sauce, all placed on a white marbled surface with a few scattered cilantro leaves around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the chicken to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving can brighten all the flavors and add a refreshing zing.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple side of steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a crunchy contrast, consider a crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed crunchy vegetables like snap peas and broccoli.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these bang bang chicken pieces on top of crisp lettuce leaves with extra sauce for a hands-on wrap experience. You could even turn it into a bang bang chicken taco by adding slaw and avocado. The possibilities are as exciting as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bang bang chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to preserve that fresh creamy flavor and crisp texture of the chicken.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces by arranging them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transferring to a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To get the crispiest results when reheating, place the chicken in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. You want to warm it through without sogginess. Drizzle with fresh bang bang sauce or use leftover sauce to keep it saucy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe and tend to be juicier. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

What can I substitute for plantain chips if I can't find them?

Tortilla chips are a great substitute and offer a similar crunch and saltiness. Cornflakes or crushed pretzels could also work well as crunchy coatings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chips or plantain chips and check your chili garlic sauce for gluten-containing ingredients, this recipe is gluten-free thanks to almond flour.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The bang bang sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake the chicken?

You can bake the chicken at 450 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased sheet pan for about 12 minutes, flip, then bake for another 10-12 minutes. It won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer method but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe is a wonderful way to turn simple chicken into a spectacular meal full of crunch, bold flavors, and a little spicy excitement. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, warm up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious chicken dishes you’ll ever make at home!

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need