Get ready to fall in love with these Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites! Each golden, saucy bite is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely loaded with bold, zippy flavor. Whether you’re feeding the crew for game night or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, this is a dish guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection, No Deep Frying: Enjoy extra-crispy chicken bites straight from your air fryer, with no messy oil, fuss, or guilt!
- Unbeatable Bang Bang Sauce: That zingy, creamy, customizable sauce takes these bites totally over the top—spicy, sweet, and so satisfying.
- Ready in a Flash: From start to finish, Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Perfect for parties, family meals, or snacking—everyone comes back for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites is how they require such a short, fuss-free ingredients list. Every single item in this recipe pulls its weight, giving you the ideal balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch that makes each bite memorable.
- Chicken Breasts (1-2 pounds): The star of the show! Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy, bite-sized perfection.
- Garlic Salt: Infuses the chicken with craveable savory flavor—skip plain salt, this is worth it!
- Onion Powder: Adds a mellow, sweet depth to the seasoned chicken.
- Paprika: For beautiful color and that subtle smoky hint that makes the bites addictive.
- Cayenne: Brings the heat—feel free to use a little or a lot based on your spice preference.
- Black Pepper: Wakes up all the other seasonings and adds gentle warmth.
- Mayo (for the sauce): The creamy base that’s both soothing and a perfect backdrop for all the fiery, tangy flavors.
- Asian Sweet Chili Sauce: Delivers the sweet, sticky kick that makes Bang Bang sauce irresistible.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A vibrant burst of acidity that keeps the sauce from being too heavy.
- Sriracha: Adjust to taste—just a dash for mild, or go wild if you crave real heat!
- Hot Honey: A drizzle adds a warm, sweet-spicy finish at the end (trust me, don’t skip it!).
- Fresh Cilantro: The perfect herbal touch to brighten up every bite!
Variations
What makes Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites even more fun? They’re a breeze to adapt! Switch up the sauce, swap the protein, or dial the heat up or down for a dish that always fits your mood or guest list.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure your sweet chili sauce and hot honey are gluten-free, and you’re good to go—no other changes needed.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Try boneless, skinless thighs for extra-juicy, even more flavorful bites if that’s your style.
- Swap the Protein: This bang bang method works wonders with shrimp, extra-firm tofu, or even cauliflower florets for a vegetarian twist.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based mayo and check your sauces for sneaky dairy ingredients.
- Mild or Fiery Heat: Add more or less sriracha and cayenne to the sauce and seasoning blend—totally up to you!
How to Make Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized, one-inch cubes—they’ll cook quickly and get ultra crispy in the air fryer! Sprinkle them evenly with garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle toss to coat, then cover and let it sit while you whip up that dreamy Bang Bang sauce. If you want to get ahead, you can refrigerate the seasoned chicken for up to 6 hours for even more flavor.
Step 2: Whisk Together Bang Bang Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayo, sweet chili sauce, fresh lemon juice, and sriracha (start with less if you’re spice-shy, add more if you like a spicy kick!). Stir until perfectly smooth—taste and adjust with a splash more lemon juice or sriracha until it’s exactly how you love it.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken in Sauce
Pour half of your freshly made Bang Bang sauce over the seasoned chicken cubes. Toss well so each piece is lovingly coated. This quick marinade is where the chicken soaks in all that craveable flavor—plus, it helps keep the bites juicy as they air fry!
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Bites
Line the basket of your air fryer with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Arrange the saucy chicken in a single layer (work in batches if you need to) and air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Flip each piece, then air fry for another 6–8 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and an instant read thermometer hits 165°F. Get ready for the most savory aroma ever!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once your Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites are golden and sizzling, lift them out onto a serving tray. Drizzle with hot honey for an unforgettable sweet-and-heat experience, then scatter over plenty of chopped fresh cilantro for freshness! Serve immediately with the reserved Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping—and don’t be surprised if these disappear before you even sit down!
Pro Tips for Making Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites
- Parade of the Parchment: Lining your air fryer with parchment paper not only stops sticking, but also makes cleanup a total breeze—don’t skip this tiny touch!
- Sauce as a Marinade: Letting the chicken cubes soak in Bang Bang sauce before cooking locks in flavor and helps keep every bite ultra juicy inside.
- Batch Don’t Crowd: Lay the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer—overlapping will steam the chicken instead of giving you that signature crispy edge.
- Check for Doneness: Air fryers vary—always use a thermometer to ensure chicken hits 165°F right in the center for the perfect, safe result every time.
How to Serve Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites
Garnishes
Finish your platter with a generous drizzle of hot honey, then toss on a handful of freshly chopped cilantro just before serving—these bright, fresh touches highlight all the punchy flavors in your Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites and make them look irresistible!
Side Dishes
These chicken bites are fantastic solo, but I love serving them with fluffy rice, a crunchy Asian-style slaw, or even stuffed in lettuce wraps. If you’re making them for a crowd, add a side of sweet potato fries or a big, leafy salad to turn them into a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites onto skewers for fun party appetizers, or serve them taco-style in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage! For game day, arrange them in a big bowl with the sauce in the center for easy dipping—just watch everyone fight for the last piece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover chicken bites completely before moving them to an airtight container—they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the reserved Bang Bang sauce separately for the freshest taste when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites! Freeze cooled, cooked bites in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’re good for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to crispy life, pop your chicken bites into a 350°F air fryer for 4–5 minutes, watching closely. Microwave works if you’re in a rush, but the air fryer is best for that fresh-from-the-fryer crunch!
FAQs
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Can I prepare Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season and marinate the chicken in the Bang Bang sauce up to 6 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them straight into the air fryer and finish as instructed for the freshest, crispiest bites.
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Which air fryer model is best for this recipe?
Any air fryer with a basket works beautifully for Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites! If yours is small, just cook the bites in batches. Models like the Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Vortex all give reliable, crispy results.
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Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce in the Bang Bang sauce?
If you’re out of sweet chili sauce, you can mix together honey and a splash of sriracha or another hot sauce in a pinch, but the classic flavor depends on the distinct sweet-heat of Asian sweet chili sauce.
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How do I make Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites extra spicy?
For the spice lovers, crank up the sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce, add a touch more cayenne to your chicken seasoning, or drizzle with extra hot honey. Taste as you go—it’s easy to start mild and build up the heat from there!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new favorite party snack, weeknight meal, or just a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, you honestly can’t go wrong with Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites. They’re crispy, saucy, and downright addictive—so what are you waiting for? Try them tonight and let the flavor fireworks begin!
PrintAirfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Airfryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites are a delicious and spicy twist on traditional chicken bites. Coated in a flavorful mix of spices and a creamy Bang Bang sauce, these crispy chicken bites are perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1–2 pounds Chicken Breasts, cut into one-inch cubes
- Garlic Salt
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne
- Black Pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup Mayo
- 3/4 cup Asian Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 TBS fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/4–1/2 cup Sriracha (depending on spice level desired)
Instructions
- Lightly season your chicken cubes with each of the spices. Cover with Saran Wrap and set aside.
- Mix all ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce together well. Adjust spice and tang levels to taste.
- Dump half of the Bang Bang sauce on top of the chicken. Ensure all pieces are well coated.
- Cook the chicken in batches in the air fryer.
- Place chicken into air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for another 6-8 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Remove from basket and place on serving tray.
- Drizzle with Hot Honey and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve with the remaining Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg