If you’re craving a quick, flavorful dinner that combines the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, then this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe is exactly what you need. With its crispy texture, bold spices, and the signature bang bang sauce, this dish has become a household favorite for weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced foodie, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up these skewers using your air fryer.
Why Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Bang Bang Chicken is known for its crispy exterior and a delicious coating of sweet and spicy sauce. By using the air fryer, you achieve the same golden-brown perfection without excessive oil, making it a healthier option compared to traditional frying. Plus, the combination of spices and creamy bang bang sauce adds an explosion of flavor to every bite.
Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- Wooden skewers: Soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Chicken breasts: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken while adding a touch of richness.
- Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper deliver a perfect base flavor.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy foundation for the sauce.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a hint of spice.
- Sriracha: Gives the sauce its signature heat—adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Honey: Balances out the spicy and tangy flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer: The secret to cooking these skewers quickly and evenly.
- Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Tongs: Makes flipping and handling the skewers easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
1. Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking. Toss the cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This ensures every piece is perfectly seasoned.
2. Soak the Skewers
While prepping the chicken, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
3. Assemble the Skewers
Thread 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Ensure a small gap between each piece to allow even air circulation during cooking.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. Divide the sauce into two portions: one for brushing the chicken before cooking and the other for serving.
5. Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Brush the chicken with half of the bang bang sauce. Cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Brush the cooked skewers with the remaining bang bang sauce or drizzle it generously before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh chicken and high-quality spices will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of this dish.
2. Adjust the Heat
Not a fan of spicy food? Reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce. Love extra heat? Add an extra teaspoon or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer
To ensure even cooking, always arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Test for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F internally for safety and optimal juiciness.
Nutritional Benefits of Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken
This recipe offers a balance of protein, healthy fats, and spices, making it a nutritionally satisfying meal. The air fryer minimizes oil usage, reducing the overall calorie count compared to traditional frying methods. Here’s the nutritional breakdown:
- Calories per serving: 650 kcal
- Protein: High-protein content from chicken supports muscle growth and repair.
- Healthy fats: Mayonnaise and olive oil provide essential fats without overloading on unhealthy oils.
Serving Suggestions
These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:
- Rice dishes: Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
- Salads: Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or mixed greens for a light side.
- Dipping options: Provide extra bang bang sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Variations and Customizations
1. Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the coating entirely to cater to dietary restrictions.
2. Try Other Proteins
Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or turkey for a twist on the original recipe.
3. Grill Instead
If you don’t have an air fryer, these skewers can be cooked on a grill for a smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare these skewers in advance?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Store them in the fridge and assemble the skewers just before cooking.
Q: Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, exciting flavors without the hassle of deep frying. The combination of the crispy chicken and the iconic bang bang sauce ensures this dish will be a crowd-pleaser every time.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Whether you’re hosting a party or preparing a quick weeknight meal, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to impress. With their perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tang, they’re a dish that checks all the boxes. Plus, using the air fryer makes them healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture. Try this recipe today and see why it’s a hit with food lovers everywhere!
Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe.
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Transform your dinner with these easy and delicious Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
Ingredients
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the chicken.
- Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked skewer.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce.
- Divide the sauce, reserving half for serving and using the rest to brush over the chicken skewers before cooking.
- Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve the skewers drizzled or brushed with the reserved bang bang sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 650 Kcal