Why You’ll Love Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

I keep this recipe on repeat because it’s quick, simple, and packed with bold flavor. I like that I can go from freezer to table in minutes, and the air fryer keeps the chicken crispy without deep frying. The sauce is easy to mix together and adds the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

• 24 ounce bag frozen chicken bites or frozen popcorn chicken

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sriracha or chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• ½ teaspoon rice vinegar

Directions

I begin by preheating my air fryer to 350°F. I place the frozen chicken bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them so they cook evenly. I air fry the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to help everything crisp up evenly. I repeat this process in batches until all the chicken is cooked and golden.

While the chicken is cooking, I prepare the Bang Bang sauce. I mix the mayonnaise, sriracha or chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.

Once all the chicken is cooked, I either drizzle the sauce over the chicken or gently toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. I serve it right away while the chicken is still hot and crispy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Prep time is around 5 minutes, cooking time is about 15 minutes depending on batch size, and total time is roughly 20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes increase the sriracha when I want more heat or add extra honey for a sweeter version. When I don’t have frozen chicken, I use fresh boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces and air fry them the same way. I also enjoy serving this chicken over rice, in wraps, or on top of salads.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and keep the chicken crispy, I place it back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. I usually store extra sauce separately and drizzle it on after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Yes, I cut fresh chicken into bite-sized pieces and air fry until fully cooked and crispy.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

It has a mild to medium heat, but I easily adjust it by adding more or less sriracha.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like serving it with rice, noodles, salads, or even tucked into tacos or wraps.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, I bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F until crispy, then add the sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I make the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding sauce?

I toss the chicken lightly in the sauce instead of drenching it, or drizzle the sauce on just before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I double it often and simply cook the chicken in batches.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, I reduce the chili sauce to make it milder for kids.

Can I use the sauce for other foods?

Absolutely, I use it as a dip for fries, shrimp, or vegetables.

Does this recipe freeze well?

The cooked chicken freezes well without the sauce, and I add fresh sauce after reheating.

Conclusion

I love how this Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The crispy chicken paired with the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce makes it a go-to recipe when I want something quick, fun, and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.