Crispy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken with Creamy Sweet Chili Sriracha Glaze

🛒 Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized 1-inch chunks
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 large egg, whisked
• 1.5 cups Japanese panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
• Bang Bang Sauce: 1/2 cup Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, 1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1.5 tbsp Sriracha hot sauce, 1 tbsp raw honey, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• Sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for serving

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine chicken chunks, buttermilk, whisked egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
2. 2
   Step 2: Place panko breadcrumbs in a wide shallow dish. Dredge each marinated chicken piece thoroughly in the panko, pressing firmly so the breadcrumbs adhere evenly to all sides.
3. 3
   Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
4. 4
   Step 4: Arrange breaded chicken chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket with small gaps between pieces for hot air circulation. Generously spray all tops with cooking oil spray.
5. 5
   Step 5: Air fry at 390°F for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through and lightly misting with oil spray, until golden amber and an internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. 6
   Step 6: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth and glossy.
7. 7
   Step 7: Transfer the piping hot, crunchy chicken bites to a large bowl. Pour 3/4 of the bang bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat, reserving the rest for dipping.
8. 8
   Step 8: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over jasmine rice or crisp shredded cabbage!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)