1. Preparing the Chicken
- Marinate: Cut the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
2. Preparing the Breading
- Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
3. Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook: Cook the chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
4. Making the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha or honey to balance the heat and sweetness according to your preference.
5. Coating the Chicken
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, place it in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss to coat each piece evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize it and adds flavor. Don’t skip this step for the best results.
- Even Coating: Ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the flour mixture for a consistent crunch.
- Serve Fresh: For the best texture, serve the Bang Bang Chicken immediately after coating with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of steamed rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
- Dipping Sauce: If you love extra sauce, reserve some of the Bang Bang sauce for dipping.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Breast recipe offers a perfect combination of crispy chicken and a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s a healthier take on a favorite dish, delivering all the flavor with less oil. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer!