These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers bring bold flavors to your table with minimal effort! Juicy, tender chicken pieces are perfectly seasoned and air-fried to a golden brown, then brushed with a rich and creamy Bang Bang sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. Whether you’re firing up the air fryer for a family dinner or a backyard gathering, this dish packs a punch of flavor and is sure to be a hit!
The first time I tried Bang Bang Chicken, I was instantly hooked! The contrast between the crispy chicken and the spicy-sweet sauce had me coming back for more. So, I had to recreate it in a fun and easy way! These chicken skewers take the classic Bang Bang Chicken to a new level of convenience using the air fryer, while still delivering the mouthwatering punch of flavors that make this dish irresistible. It’s now a family favorite and perfect for parties or even a quick weeknight dinner!
Why This Recipe Rocks?
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, these skewers come together in no time using an air fryer.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The star of the show, this creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is a flavor explosion with every bite.
- Air Fryer Magic: No need for a grill! The air fryer makes the chicken juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Fun to eat and easy to serve, these skewers are a hit at any gathering or cookout.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less Sriracha!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (2.3 g / 0.08 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2.8 g / 0.1 oz)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (6 g / 0.2 oz)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g / 0.04 oz)
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cups (290 g / 10.2 oz) mayonnaise
- ⅔ cup (160 ml / 5.6 fl oz) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) Sriracha, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30 g / 1.05 oz) honey
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked wooden skewer. Set aside.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth. This will yield about 1 ¾ cups of sauce.
- Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl and set aside to use after the chicken is cooked. Use the rest of the sauce to brush over the chicken before cooking.
- Air Fry the Skewers:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the skewers are cooked, transfer them to a plate and drizzle or brush with the reserved Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Notes:
- Batch Cooking: If you’re working in batches, cover the cooked skewers with foil to keep them warm while you finish the rest.
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of Sriracha, or for more heat, increase it to suit your taste.
- Grill Option: These skewers can also be grilled on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
