Air Fryer Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Zesty Air Fryer Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe That Sizzles

Succulent chicken pieces dance with a spicy-sweet air fryer bang-bang chicken skewers recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

These crispy, golden skewers pack a punch of flavor in every single bite.

The magic happens when tender chicken meets a creamy, zesty sauce that sings with bold Thai-inspired notes.

Cooking becomes effortless with the air fryer, delivering restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Crunchy on the outside and juicy within, these skewers transform a simple meal into a culinary adventure.

Each morsel bursts with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creative Variations for Bang-Bang Skewers

  • Vegetarian Skewers: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, marinating in the same spices for a plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free mayonnaise and verify sweet chili sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase Sriracha and add red pepper flakes for an extra heat kick that amplifies the sauce's intensity.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap honey with sugar-free honey alternative or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers

  • Flavor Explosion Plating: Arrange skewers on a vibrant platter with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a pop of color and zesty freshness.
  • Balanced Meal Companion: Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the delicious bang-bang sauce and create a complete protein-packed meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Cut skewers into bite-sized pieces for easy party snacking, perfect for game day or casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions on top for added crunch and an extra layer of Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Storage Recommendations for Bang-Bang Skewers

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the remaining bang-bang sauce separately in a sealed container.
  • Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place skewers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Brush with extra sauce for moisture.

FAQs

  • What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy condiment typically made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, creating a deliciously tangy and zesty flavor profile.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are often more tender and juicy compared to chicken breasts, and they’ll absorb the bang bang sauce flavors beautifully.

  • Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using?

It’s recommended to soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent them from burning during cooking in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers to Try

  • Spice Up Family Meals: Introduce a zesty, kid-friendly dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed adventure everyone will love.
  • Quick and Convenient Cooking: Whip up a delicious meal in minutes using an air fryer, cutting down on preparation and cleanup time with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Flavor Kick: Easily adjust the bang-bang sauce's heat level by controlling the amount of Sriracha, making it perfect for different taste preferences.
  • Healthy Protein Option: Enjoy a protein-rich meal that's cooked with minimal oil, offering a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken skewers.

Ingredients List for Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the primary protein for these flavorful skewers.
Seasoning and Coating:
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice blend that adds depth and enhances the chicken's natural flavor.
  • Oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and promotes even cooking.
Bang Bang Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
  • Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy foundation with a hint of heat.
  • Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the sauce.
  • Honey: Balances the heat and adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
Cooking Component:
  • Skewers: Wooden or metal sticks that help in easy handling and grilling of the chicken cubes.

Cooking Instructions for Air Fryer Bang-Bang Skewers

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Cubes

Grab chicken breasts and slice into bite-sized cubes.

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss the chicken until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 2: Assemble Skewers

Pierce wooden or metal skewers with 4-5 chicken cubes per stick, ensuring each piece is securely threaded.

Step 3: Create Zesty Bang-Bang Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Thai sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey

Blend until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Brush and Prepare Skewers

Use half of the bang-bang sauce to generously brush over the chicken skewers, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Air Fry Chicken

Place skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Confirm doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer cooked skewers to a serving plate.

Drizzle or brush the remaining bang-bang sauce over the skewers.

Optionally, sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bang-Bang Chicken

  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to ensure chicken skewers don't stick and release easily after cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked protein without dryness.
  • Let chicken sit in seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before skewering to enhance taste absorption and tenderness.
  • Reserve half the bang-bang sauce for serving to maintain sauce brightness and prevent cross-contamination during cooking.
  • Arrange skewers in single layer without overcrowding air fryer basket for consistent heat circulation and golden-brown exterior.
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Air Fryer Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe

Air Fryer Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling Bang-Bang Chicken Skewers dance with spicy-sweet perfection straight from your air fryer. Crispy, juicy chicken bites coated in creamy, tangy sauce promise a flavor explosion that brings zesty Asian-inspired comfort right to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 1/4 cups (290 grams) mayonnaise
  • 2/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken cubes with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Carefully skewer 4-5 chicken cubes onto each wooden or metal stick, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking.
  3. Craft the signature bang-bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well-combined.
  4. Generously brush half of the prepared sauce over the assembled chicken skewers, creating a glossy and flavorful coating.
  5. Arrange skewers in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote optimal air circulation.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, rotating skewers midway to ensure uniform browning and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Once cooked, transfer skewers to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining bang-bang sauce for an extra burst of tangy-sweet flavor.

Notes

  • Prevent dry chicken by not overcooking and using chicken breasts with higher fat content for juicier results.
  • Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before skewering to enhance flavor absorption and tenderness.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting Sriracha quantity for mild or extra hot preferences.
  • Use alternative protein options like tofu or shrimp for dietary variations while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 503 kcal
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 1070 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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