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Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Bites with Sesame Rice

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Crispy, juicy chicken bites cooked in the air fryer and tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, served over fluffy sesame rice. This easy, crowd-pleasing dinner is lighter than takeout and ready in under 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray or neutral oil (avocado or canola)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Kewpie or regular)
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha (or more to taste)
  • 1 tbsp honey (or agave for vegan)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes if not already done.
  2. Set up three breading stations: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Dip each chicken piece in flour, shake off excess, then dip in egg, then coat in seasoned panko. Lay on a plate while finishing the batch.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes and lightly spray the basket with oil.
  5. Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Cook in batches if needed.
  6. While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and a pinch of salt to make the bang bang sauce. Adjust spice or sweetness to taste.
  7. Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Combine with water and salt in a rice cooker or saucepan. Cook until fluffy, about 15-20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds.
  8. Once chicken is cooked, toss bites in bang bang sauce or drizzle sauce over the top. Reserve extra sauce for dipping if desired.
  9. Serve sesame rice in bowls, top with hot bang bang chicken bites, extra sauce, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and flour. For vegetarian, substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower. If panko isn’t browning, spritz chicken with oil halfway through. Make sauce just before serving for best texture. Store chicken and rice separately for leftovers; reheat chicken in air fryer for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, bang bang chicken, chicken bites, sesame rice, easy dinner, Asian fusion, spicy chicken, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, dairy-free

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/air-fryer-bang-bang-chicken-bites-recipe-easy-sesame-rice-dinner/