Description

Crispy, Crunchy, Sweet Heat: Firecracker Chicken & Rice Bowls

Hey friend — if you’re craving something crispy, sticky, sweet, and just spicy enough to wake up your taste buds, this is your bowl.

These Crispy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken & Rice Bowls bring major takeout vibes without the deep fryer or delivery wait. Golden, ultra-crunchy chicken bites get tossed in a glossy sweet-heat glaze, then piled over fluffy rice with fresh veggies for balance. It’s bold, satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Let’s make your Tuesday night a lot more exciting.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Chicken

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray

For the Firecracker Sauce

¼ cup buffalo sauce
3 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Bowls

3 cups cooked jasmine rice
2 cups steamed broccoli
1 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, sliced
Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Set Up the Breading Station

Bowl 1: Flour + garlic powder + paprika + salt + pepper
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs

Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into panko.
Tip: Really press the crumbs on for maximum crunch.

2️⃣ Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange chicken in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
Lightly spray with olive oil.

Cook 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.

Cook in batches if needed — crispiness is worth it.

3️⃣ Make the Firecracker Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine:

Buffalo sauce
Honey
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Red pepper flakes

Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

4️⃣ Toss It Together

Transfer hot chicken to a bowl.
Pour warm sauce over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.

5️⃣ Build Your Bowls

Start with rice.
Top with saucy crispy chicken.
Add broccoli and carrots.
Finish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Serve immediately while the chicken is at peak crunch.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer — airflow = crunch.
Use panko, not regular breadcrumbs.
Simmering the sauce makes it stick better.
If reheating, pop chicken back in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to revive crispiness.
Want extra sauce? Double it. No regrets.