What are bao buns made of?

Bao buns are made with simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, plain flour or wheat flour, instant yeast, sugar, and water to create their soft, fluffy texture.

Are bao buns Japanese or Korean?

Bao buns are Chinese in origin and commonly found in Chinese restaurants. They are popular in various Asian cuisines but are not Japanese or Korean.

What sauce to serve with bao buns?

Serve bao buns with sauces like hoisin sauce, spicy mayo, or soy-based dips. Pair with slices of cucumber like what I did or with Asian slaw.

Easy Crispy Chicken Bao Buns Air Fryer

Chicken Bao Buns

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Crispy, golden brown chicken thighs paired with fluffy steamed bao buns, you'll absolutely love these Chicken Bao Buns as a quick snack or light lunch. Top with fresh cucumbers and pickled onions for the best baos you will ever have!

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: serves 2 people

Ingredients

4 pieces of Crispy Chicken Thighs, cut in half - see recipe

8 frozen bao buns

1 Persian cucumber, sliced

1 cup of pickled red onions

Chicken Bao Sauce:

3 tbsp of kewpie mayo

1 tbsp gochujang paste

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp honey

Crispy Chicken Thighs:

4 chicken thighs (boneless skinless)

1 cups of cornflakes, crushed

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Avocado oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Cornflake Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the crushed cornflakes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Set Up a Dipping Station: In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the cornflake mixture.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken thigh into the beaten eggs, then press into the cornflake mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Lightly spray with avocado oil on both sides.
Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Steam the Frozen Bao Buns: In a steamer, steam the frozen bao buns for 7 minutes or until it is soft and warmed through.
Assemble the Crispy Chicken Baos: Place the crispy chicken thighs in the middle of the bao bun, add slices of cucumbers, pickled red onions and the bao sauce. Serve and enjoy!