🧄 Air-Fried Bang Bang Chicken Bites

These bite-sized chicken pieces are seasoned, air-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a flavorful Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a satisfying meal.

🧄 Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each.
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
   • In one shallow bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
   • In a second bowl, beat the egg.
   • In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
   • Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
   • Set the air fryer to 390°F (199°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
   • Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket.
   • Air fry for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
6. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
   • While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and soy sauce in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
7. Toss the Chicken:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl.
   • Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
8. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
   • Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

💡 Tips:

• Adjusting Spice Level: Modify the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely.
• Alternative Coatings: For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Serving Suggestions: These chicken bites pair well with a side of steamed vegetables, over a bed of rice, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
•