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Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites - Crispy, Saucy, Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the chicken bites:
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice, rested 5 minutes)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil spray (avocado, canola, or olive oil spray)
  • For the Bang Bang sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons sriracha, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnishes: Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick and improves crisping.
  2. Mix the wet dip: In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
  3. Season the dry mix: In a shallow dish, stir together panko, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Then press into the panko-flour mix until fully coated. Place coated pieces on a plate or tray.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps crisping from the start.
  6. Arrange and spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket. Arrange chicken in a single layer with space between pieces. Lightly mist the tops with oil spray.
  7. Air fry, flip, and finish: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again lightly. The bites are done when golden and the internal temperature reads 165°F.
  8. Work in batches: If needed, cook in two or more rounds to avoid overcrowding. Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
  9. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust heat and sweetness to taste.
  10. Toss and serve: For super-crispy bites, toss lightly or drizzle the sauce right before serving. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.