Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re anything like me, you love a good culinary story…

Bang bang chicken, known traditionally as “bang-bang ji si” (棒棒鸡丝), is a delightful and nutritious dish that originates from the Sichuan province of China. This tantalizing dish derives its name from the sound made by the wooden stick traditionally used to tenderize and shred the chicken into delicate strips. Bang, bang!

Rooted in the heart of Chinese cuisine, renowned for its bold and spicy flavors, bang bang chicken offers a harmonious balance of taste and texture. Traditionally, the dish features tender, poached chicken, which is shredded and served cold, dressed in a vibrant sauce with a variety of wholesome ingredients like sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and garlic. This sauce creates a symphony of spicy, tangy, and savory notes, emblematic of the “numbing and spicy” sensations that define Sichuan cuisine.

Now, let’s give this classic dish a healthful, modern twist with our air fryer version! (Here’s a photo of my latest re-make… it will be a regular in your rotation!)

Imagine marinated chicken cubes, infused with a nutrient-rich blend of spices, sizzling away in your air fryer. The chicken achieves perfect exterior crispiness while remaining tender inside. Brushed with a zesty, spicy Bang Bang sauce, you’ll swoon over the contrast between the hot, crunchy chicken and the rich, tangy sauce.

This quick and easy riff on the traditional cold dish combines the best of both worlds: the bold, distinctive flavors of Bang Bang Chicken with the convenience and crispiness of the air fryer. Using clean, wholesome ingredients like coconut aminos, turmeric, and paleo mayonnaise, this version not only delights your taste buds but also nourishes your body. It’s an exciting and versatile dish, perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Sichuan cuisine or just discovering it, this air fryer Bang Bang Chicken will surely become a new favorite in your healthful culinary repertoire!

Low-Carb and Paleo Bang Bang Chicken Made in the Air Fryer

For those following a low-carb or Paleo lifestyle, bang bang chicken can be easily adapted to fit your dietary preferences without sacrificing its delicious and authentic flavors. Here’s how we transform this classic dish into a healthy, nutrient-dense meal:

• Chicken Breast: Free-range, organic chicken breast is ideal for its superior nutrient profile.
• Coconut Aminos: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free, soy-free alternative that adds a touch of sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar instead of traditional rice vinegar for its health benefits and Paleo-friendly profile.
• Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger will enhance the dish’s flavor while offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Paleo Mayonnaise: Optimize your healthy fats and your fatty acid profile with a mayo made from avocado oil
• Sichuan Peppercorns: These can be used for their unique numbing spice, but ensure they are additive-free and naturally sourced.

By incorporating these clean, nutrient-dense ingredients, you can enjoy bang bang chicken that aligns with your low-carb and Paleo dietary choices, and offers a healthy fat profile. This version retains the dish’s signature flavors and textures while promoting optimal health and well-being.

Low Carb Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

This Low Carb Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is coated in a zesty, spicy sauce that’s sure to please. A perfect low-carb and keto-friendly recipe for those who love flavorful, restaurant-style meals… without the unhealthy ingredients. Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, this dish is a weeknight game-changer.

Original

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Servings

2

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Ingredients

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili pepper flakes
• 1 clove minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ tablespoon Lakanto Brown
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup Primal Kitchen mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch cubes
• Optional: Skewers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Simmer Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, mix together the apple cider vinegar, chili pepper flakes, minced garlic, half the salt, sweetener, and ground ginger. Once combined, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Add in the Mayo: Allow the mixture to cool, then whisk in the paleo mayonnaise until smooth. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil. In a large bowl, combine the coconut aminos, black pepper, remaining salt, ground turmeric, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and chili powder to form a paste. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture. (Optional: Thread onto skewers)
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the coated chicken cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Or place the skewers side by side, leaving room between to allow air to circulate. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
5. Finish the Dish: Brush the partially cooked chicken on both sides with the prepared bang bang sauce. Return the chicken to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Serve the chicken with extra bang bang sauce on the side and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition & Macronutrient Ratio

715 calories, 52 g fat, 7 g saturated fat, 37 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 217 mg cholesterol, 11 g carbohydrate, 7 g NET carbs, 2 g sugar alcohols, 4 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 56 g protein, 802 mg potassium, 495 mg phosphorous, 1399 mg sodium, 81 mg magnesium

65% FAT | 31% PROTEIN | 4% CARBOHYDRATE