Crispy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken and Rice Bowls | Easy Meal Prep Recipe
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These are FIRE and I am definitely going to be having this chicken on repeat! The sweet and spicy sauce is to die for and you can make it as sweet or spicy as you want to!
Growing up, our mom would make cornflake crusted chicken all the time. When I made this it put me in my kitchen growing up and my mom beside me. It was such an amazing time making these!
As you all know, I don’t like to spend much time in the kitchen but for these it was definitely worth it!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Bowls
Crispy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken and Rice Bowls are the ultimate meal prep recipe if you’re craving bold flavor without the extra fuss. Juicy chicken bites are cooked until perfectly crispy in the air fryer, then coated in a sweet, spicy firecracker sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. Served with fluffy rice and fresh vegetables, these bowls are a complete, satisfying meal that’s easy to prep ahead for lunches or dinners all week long.
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Made Easy
Cooking the chicken in the air fryer makes this recipe both lighter and faster compared to deep frying. You still get that addictive crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. Plus, using the air fryer means less oil, less mess, and a healthier way to enjoy crispy chicken any time. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and meal prep.
The Bold Flavor of Firecracker Sauce
The star of the dish is the firecracker sauce—a sticky, flavorful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory. It clings to the crispy chicken pieces, creating that irresistible bite that keeps you coming back for more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot but is healthier and homemade.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Weeknights
Together, the crispy chicken, fluffy rice, and bold firecracker sauce create a balanced, meal prep–friendly bowl that’s as delicious as it is convenient. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the air fryer or pack it up for the week ahead, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your meal prep rotation.
Firecracker Chicken and Rice Bowls
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Rice Cooker/Pressure Cooker
- 3 Mixing bowls
- 2 Cooling Racks (optional)
- 2 Sauce Pans
- 2 Large Ziploc type bag for cornflakes & flour
- 4 Glass Lunch Containers (see my Amazon Storefront in Instagram Bio)
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- 4 cups White Rice
- 4 cups Broccoli Florets
- 2 Green Onions (diced) for topping
- Sesame seeds & Red Pepper Flakes for topping
Cornflake Breading
- 60 grams Cornflakes (crushed slightly)
- 100 grams All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 cup Egg Beaters (or 4 whole whisked eggs)
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 serving Papa's Pepper Extreme (optional)
Firecracker Sauce
- 3 tbsp Wholesome Yum Honey Substitute
- 1-1/4 cup Swerve Brown Sugar Alternative
- 3 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Buffalo Sauce (I use Franks)
- 1 tbsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cut up your chicken breasts into bite size pieces
- Put your cornflakes in a Ziploc and crush using your hands. I like the flakes still on the larger size but you could crush to your liking. Pour into a small bowl you will use for coating the chicken
- Pour your flour and seasoning into another Ziploc and mix
- In another small bowl, pour your eggs for dipping the chicken in to
- Set a bowl or plate aside for the coated chicken before it goes into your air fryer
- Set air fryer to 370
- Dump your chicken bites into the bag of flour and coat every piece best you can.
- Take each chicken bite and dip into the egg then in to your cornflakes. When coated, put into another bowl or on a plate
- Once air fryer is heated, you should have enough coated chicken for to cook your first layer. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping/shaking half way
- At this point, you should start cooking your rice
- Repeat the above coating process and cooking method; making sure you are air frying in a single layer so your bites get crispy all around
- While your last batch of chicken is cooking, heat up your sauce on the stove and keep on simmer
- Once your rice is cooked, measure 1 cup into each of your containers
- Boil/Steam your broccoli (I like to do this last minute so the broccoli turns out beautiful in my pics) 🙂
- Pour almost all your sauce over your chicken and mix really well. It may harden so do this quickly and put into each of your bowls equally
- Drain your broccoli and add to your lunch containers
- Pour the rest of your sauce over your chicken then top with green onion, red pepper flakes and sesame seeds
Notes
Rice is 6 Weight Watchers points One full lunch container meal prep is 11 Weight Watchers points! I heat for 1-1/2 minutes, then transfer to a bowl we have at work (optional but helps to mix) mix it all up then reheat for another 1-1/2 minutes.
Nutrition
Kitchen Tools I Used for This Recipe (From My Amazon Storefront)
To make these Crispy Air Fryer Firecracker Chicken Bowls as easy as possible, I used a few of my favorite kitchen tools and appliances. These are my go-to essentials that help with cooking, prepping, and portioning—perfect for meal prep recipes like this one!
- Air Fryer – Crisps up the chicken perfectly with less oil and mess.
- Pressure Cooker – Great for quickly cooking rice or veggies on the side.
- Mixing Bowls – Handy for breading chicken and tossing it in sauce.
- Sauce Pans – Perfect for simmering the firecracker sauce until sticky and flavorful.
- Food Scale – Helps with portioning chicken and tracking meal prep servings.
- Measuring Spoons – Makes it easy to get the perfect spice and sauce balance.
- Measuring Cups – Essential for rice, sauce ingredients, and precise prep.
- Glass Meal Prep Containers – Ideal for storing prepped bowls and keeping meals fresh for the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Firecracker Chicken in the air fryer?
Yes! This recipe is designed for the air fryer so the chicken turns out perfectly crispy without deep frying. It’s faster, healthier, and still gives you that crave-worthy crunch.
What kind of chicken works best for firecracker chicken?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works great for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier pieces. Both crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
How spicy is Firecracker Chicken?
The firecracker sauce has a balance of sweet and spicy. It packs heat, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less chili sauce, red pepper flakes, or sriracha depending on your taste.
Can I meal prep Firecracker Chicken and Rice Bowls?
Absolutely! These bowls hold up well for 3–4 days in the fridge. Store the sauce separately if you want the chicken to stay extra crispy when reheated.
What sides go with Firecracker Chicken Bowls?
These bowls pair well with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or roasted vegetables. You can also swap the rice for cauliflower rice, quinoa, or brown rice for a lighter option.
Can I bake or pan-fry the chicken instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, the chicken can be baked in the oven or pan-fried on the stovetop, but the air fryer will give you the crispiest texture with less oil and mess.
If You Loved This Chicken Meal Prep Recipe, Try These Next!
Looking for more bold, delicious, and healthy meal prep ideas? Here are a few of my favorite chicken recipes that are just as flavorful and easy to make:
- Crispy Mango Pineapple Habanero Chicken Bowls – Sweet, tangy, and spicy chicken paired with rice and veggies for a tropical twist on meal prep.
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Bowls – Blackened chicken and sausage served with corn, rice, and a zesty Cajun dipping sauce.
- Tangerine Chicken and Rice Bowls – Air fryer chicken tossed in a tangy tangerine glaze, served with broccoli and rice.
- Peanut Yum Yum Chicken and Rice Bowls – Juicy chicken with jasmine rice, crunchy cabbage, shredded carrots, and a creamy peanut-yum yum sauce.
I don’t have an air fryer. what are other ways to cook the chicken?
You can fry them in a pan which will get them crispy. Just make sure to cook them all the way through.
Love the taste of this sauce, however I find the sugar didn’t properly melt. I used truvia brown sugar replacement.