Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Reasons to love

• Perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and sweet.
• Dinner’s on the table in under 30 minutes.
• No breading and deep-frying—just a simple marinade and air fry for healthier and easier cleanup.
• Chicken thighs stay supremely tender and juicy.
• Use it to make a plethora of dishes.

Ingredients you'll need

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Chicken thighs - They cook up juicy and tender. Refer notes to use boneless breasts.
• Garlic powder -  Garlic powder adds convenience and ease, eliminating the need to chop fresh garlic. It also helps the ban sauce adhere to the chicken.
• Paprika - Use regular or smoked paprika.
• Mayonnaise: It makes a creamy base for a classic restaurant-style banging bang bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Also referred to as Thai or Asian sweet chili sauce, it’s a sweet, savory, tangy and spicy sauce made using red chilies, garlic, ginger, sugar and vinegar. I prefer to use Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce which can be easily found in most major super markets and Amazon.
• Sriracha: For the bang in bang bang! Feel free to use according to your heat tolerance.
• Honey: Elevates the sweetness and also makes the sauce little sticky.
  

How to make bang bang chicken in air fryer?

You can find the full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

Ways to serve bang bang chicken

• Main course - They make an outstanding main course, drizzled with ban ban sauce or served alongside for dipping. Top with chopped scallions or cilantro. Pair with a bed of rice or cooked noodles.
• Lettuce wraps -Similar to chickpea lettuce wraps, chop the chicken and serve it in crisp lettuce leaves. Top with the sauce, diced cucumber, scallions, shredded carrots, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
• Tacos: Fill soft or crispy tortillas with the meat and the sauce, adding toppings like avocado, cilantro, and slaw.
• Rice bowls: Layer it over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa, along with fresh green vegetables and a drizzle of sauce for a hearty bowl.
• Sandwich: Inspired by tandoori chicken sandwiches, serve it on toasted buns topped with crunchy coleslaw and a generous spread of sauce.

Recipe tips

• Adjust sriracha based on your spice tolerance
• To use boneless chicken breasts, lightly pound the breasts to flatten it and even out the thickness. Marinate, then cook it smooth side down at 375°F for 4 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
• To make bang bang chicken skewers, cut the thighs or breasts into 1-inch chunks, marinate them, then thread onto skewers and air fry until cooked through.

More Good Chicken Thigh Recipes

• Peruvian Chicken Thighs are made with simple supermarket ingredients, yet deliver bold, irresistible flavor.
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken is juicy, tender, and so tasty! Perfect for sandwiches, nachos, quesadillas, bowls or meal prep for the week.
• Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Thighs are authentic and mega flavorful with a two-step marination. 
• Air fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs is made with an easy homemade teriyaki sauce, it so much better than takeout!
• Mexican Chicken Thighs is your ultimate go-to for tacos, salads, wraps, nachos, or chicken burrito bowls!