Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites are a fast, crispy, and flavorful appetizer or weeknight meal that’s easy to make at home. These bite-sized chicken pieces are breaded, air fried until golden, and tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that’s irresistibly good.
I discovered bang bang sauce about a year ago and now I find myself adding that creamy, tangy, slightly spicy sauce to all kinds of dishes. It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients, and it brings a lot of flavor to these crunchy chicken bites. Even skeptical kids tend to dive right in—mine asked for something else at first and ended up eating several before he realized it.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Set up a simple breading station: one bowl with a beaten egg, another bowl with flour seasoned with kosher salt and pepper, and a plate or basket to hold the coated chicken. Use about a pound of boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces.
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg, then dredge in the seasoned flour so each piece is well coated. Place the coated pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space so the hot air can circulate for an even crisp.
Lightly spray the chicken with nonstick cooking spray, or use an oil mister to give them an even sheen. Air fry at 400°F (about 200°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the pieces halfway through so they brown evenly and become crisp on all sides.
When the chicken is done you’ll have golden, crunchy bites that are tender inside—perfect for tossing in sauce or serving alongside a dipping bowl.
While the chicken cooks, make the bang bang sauce. It takes only a minute to combine and lifts the dish from great to memorable.
All you do is mix together mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, and Sriracha.
A basic ratio to start with is equal parts mayonnaise and sweet Thai chili sauce, then add Sriracha to taste—start with one tablespoon and increase if you prefer more heat. Stir until smooth and adjust to your desired balance of sweet, creamy, and spicy.
To coat the chicken evenly, place the cooked bites in a container with a tight-fitting lid, add most of the sauce, seal, and shake gently until every piece is coated. Reserve some sauce for dipping or garnish.
Serve the Air Fryer Chicken Bites with the remaining sauce for dipping!
Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or toasted sesame seeds for color and a touch of freshness. These bites are great as a party appetizer, a kid-friendly dinner, or a protein-packed snack. They pair nicely with simple sides like steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or fries.
If you have leftover chicken, store it separately from the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp before tossing with fresh sauce.
More air fryer recipe ideas
Air Fryer General Tso Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Loaded Tots
Air Fryer Chicken and Waffle Tacos
Garlic Toast Pizzas
Easy Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Golden, crispy air-fried chicken bites tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. Fast to prepare and kid-friendly, these are great as an appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3/4 cup flour
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1–3 Tbsp Sriracha, depending on spice preference
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces.
- Mix the flour with kosher salt and pepper in a bowl. Beat the egg in a separate bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat in the seasoned flour. Arrange in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spray lightly with cooking spray, and air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- While the chicken cooks, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and balanced to your taste.
- Place the cooked chicken bites into a container with a lid, add most of the sauce, seal, and shake to coat. Reserve some sauce for dipping.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives or green onions if desired.
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