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Bang Bang Air Fryer Chicken: A Quick and Delicious Delight

Bang Bang Air Fryer Chicken is a delectable dish that brings together the convenience of cooking in an air fryer with a flavour explosion that will tantalise your taste buds. This recipe combines a crispy coating with a creamy, spicy sauce, making it a perfect option for a quick dinner or a fun get-together with friends. With its ease of preparation and the healthier cooking method of air frying, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delightful meal without the guilt.

What is Bang Bang Chicken?

Originally inspired by a popular dish known as Bang Bang Shrimp, which originates from the American South, Bang Bang Chicken has quickly become a favourite in many households. The dish typically features chicken pieces that are breaded and fried until crispy, then tossed in a creamy and slightly spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and sriracha. The air fryer version significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, resulting in a healthier yet equally satisfying dish.

Ingredients

To prepare Bang Bang Air Fryer Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 100g plain flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 150g panko breadcrumbs

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 100g mayonnaise
• 50g sweet chilli sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust according to your spice tolerance)
• A squeeze of lime juice (optional)
• Chopped spring onions and sesame seeds for garnishing (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Start by marinating the chicken pieces in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Allow the chicken to sit for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavours.

2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
   In three separate bowls, place the plain flour in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and the panko breadcrumbs in the third. This will help you create a nicely coated chicken piece.

3. Coat the Chicken:
   Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour first, ensuring it’s coated evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, before finally coating it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press down lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

4. Air Fry the Chicken:
   Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F). Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil to help achieve that golden-brown colour. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.

5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
   While the chicken is cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, and sriracha in a bowl. Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less sriracha. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lime juice can be added as well.

6. Combine and Serve:
   Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are well-coated. Garnish with chopped spring onions and sesame seeds if desired.

7. Enjoy:
   Serve your Bang Bang Air Fryer Chicken hot, either on its own as an appetiser or with a side of rice or salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Air Fryer Chicken is a simple yet satisfying dish that showcases the potential of your air fryer. Its crispy exterior and creamy, spicy sauce create a delightful contrast that’s sure to impress at any dining table. So, whether you’re looking for a quick meal after work or something to share at a gathering, this recipe delivers on both flavour and ease of preparation. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of taste without the extra calories!