Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Breast Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1–1.5 lbs each)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
• ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest

Optional Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil.
   • Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Let the seasoned breasts sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature to help the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, lime juice, and lime zest until smooth.
   • Divide the sauce into two portions: one half for brushing on the chicken during cooking, and the other half to drizzle over the finished dish.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
   • Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for about 3–5 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
   • Generously brush the top of each breast with half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
   • Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. When you flip, brush the other side with more sauce.
   • Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F before removing it from the air fryer.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving plate.
   • Drizzle with the remaining Bang Bang sauce and, if you like, garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice from a lime wedge.
   • Serve alongside your favorite sides—steamed rice or a crisp salad work wonderfully.

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Tips & Variations

Enhance your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Breast experience with these practical tips and creative variations. Whether you’re fine-tuning the flavors or seeking ways to simplify your cooking process, these suggestions can help you perfect the dish every time.

Adjusting the Heat

• Customize Your Spice: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce or swap it for a gentler hot sauce. For those who enjoy more heat, feel free to add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to intensify the flavor.
• Layered Flavors: For an extra burst of complexity, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of chili powder when seasoning the chicken.

Marinating Ideas

• Extra Tender Chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of lime juice, minced garlic, and a touch of soy sauce for about 30 minutes before applying the Bang Bang seasoning. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
• Herbal Twist: Experiment by adding fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil into your marinade for a refreshing herbal note that complements the tangy sauce.

Air Fryer Best Practices

• Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer with ample space between them. Proper spacing allows hot air to circulate freely, ensuring the meat cooks evenly.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step is key for both safety and flavor.

Sauce Customizations

• Experiment with Citrus: Try substituting lime juice with lemon juice for a slightly different tang, or add a splash of orange juice for a hint of sweetness.
• Add a Zing: Incorporate a bit of grated ginger into the sauce for a zesty twist that pairs well with the creamy base.

Serving Suggestions

• Complementary Sides: Pair your Bang Bang Chicken Breast with steamed jasmine rice, a crisp garden salad, or even a bowl of quinoa for a balanced meal.
• Garnish Creatively: Enhance the presentation by topping the dish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

This recipe brings you the joy of homemade wings paired with an elegant garlic parmesan sauce, a combination that promises to elevate your meal into a memorable dining experience.

The secret to these wings lies in the harmony of simple yet impactful ingredients. Seasoned to perfection and crisped in the air fryer, each wing becomes the perfect canvas for our star – the homemade garlic parmesan sauce.

This sauce, rich with the aromatic allure of garlic, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the freshness of herbs, isn’t just a condiment; it’s the essence of this dish, bringing with it a depth of flavor that complements the chicken wings beautifully.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 4 pounds chicken wings
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp honey

For the Herby Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
• Zest of one lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Wings: Clean the chicken wings thoroughly. Optionally, soak them in a vinegar-water solution for 1-2 hours in the fridge, then rinse and dry them completely.
2. Season the Wings: In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated.
3. Coating: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and baking powder. Sprinkle this dry mixture over the wings, tossing to ensure an even coat.
4. Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to its highest broil setting. Broil the wings for 4 minutes. Then, switch to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden.
5. Honey Glaze (Optional): In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the wings with honey for a sweet glaze, or mix the honey into the sauce in the next step.
6. Prepare the Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare the garlic parmesan sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the minced garlic and cook gently. Then, remove from heat and mix in the hot sauce, red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan, minced parsley, chopped basil, and lemon zest. If you didn’t glaze the wings with honey, you can add the honey to the sauce here.
7. Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them into a large bowl. Pour the herby garlic parmesan sauce over the wings and toss well to ensure each wing is generously coated.
8. Serve: Serve the wings immediately, garnished with extra parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Oven Preparation for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a good crispiness on the wings.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you have one, place a wire rack on the sheet to help heat circulation for evenly cooked wings.
3. Arrange Wings: Lay out the seasoned chicken wings on the baking sheet or rack. Spread them out in a single layer, allowing some space between each wing for better heat distribution.
4. Bake the Wings: Put the wings in the preheated oven. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 7-minute mark. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.
5. Broil for Extra Crispiness: After baking, switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil the wings for an additional 2 minutes to get a golden brown and crispy exterior. Watch them closely during this stage to prevent burning.
6. Final Basting and Garnish: Once out of the oven, baste the wings one last time with the garlic parmesan sauce. Then, sprinkle with leftover Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
7. Serve Hot: Present the wings while they’re fresh and hot for the best taste, garnished with additional herbs or cheese if desired.

Enjoyed the garlic parmesan wings? Feel free to pin the image below to your Pinterest board. It’s a great way to let your friends discover this fantastic recipe too. Let’s see who becomes the wing master in your group! 🙂

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Wings with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. Dry Wings are Key: For the crispiest results, ensure your chicken wings are as dry as possible before seasoning. Pat them down with paper towels after cleaning. If time allows, let them air-dry in the refrigerator for a few hours.
2. Even Coating: When seasoning and coating the wings, do it in a large bowl and toss them well. This ensures each wing is evenly coated with the seasoning and cornstarch mixture, leading to an even cook and consistent flavor.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook the wings in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy wings. The air needs to circulate freely around each wing for that perfect crunch.
4. Sauce at the Right Time: Toss the wings in the garlic parmesan sauce right after they come out of the air fryer. The heat helps the wings absorb the sauce better, enhancing the flavor.
5. Freshness Matters in the Sauce: Use fresh garlic, parsley, and basil for the sauce. Fresh herbs and garlic have a more vibrant flavor compared to their dried or pre-minced counterparts.
6. Temperature Check: If unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken wings are safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Lemon Zest Tip: When adding lemon zest to the sauce, ensure you only grate the outer yellow layer. The white pith underneath is bitter and can alter the taste of your sauce.
8. Customize Your Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce in the sauce to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more as needed.
9. Serving Suggestions: Serve these wings with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic wing experience.
10. Make Ahead: You can season and coat the wings ahead of time, then keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. This can save time and also allows the flavors to penetrate the meat better.