When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers or fuss-free weeknight dinners, these air fryer bang bang chicken skewers tick every box. They’re quick to prepare, boldly flavored, and incredibly satisfying. Juicy chicken is marinated in simple pantry spices, cooked to perfection in the air fryer, then glazed with a creamy, sweet-heat bang bang sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
What sets this version apart? It’s optimized for the air fryer for quick results without sacrificing flavor. Plus, with an easy sauce made from ingredients you likely already have on hand, it’s both approachable and customizable—mild or fiery, your choice.
Whether you’re planning a party spread, prepping high-protein lunches, or just craving something indulgent yet balanced, this recipe delivers.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Quick, flavorful, and versatile, these skewers offer more than just a spicy kick. They hit that ideal combination of crispy outside, tender inside, all while being adaptable for various cooking methods. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Air fryer-friendly: No need to fire up the grill or oven if you’re short on time.
- High in protein: Lean chicken breast is filling without being heavy.
- Crowd-friendly flavor: That bang bang sauce? It balances sweet, spicy, and creamy in every bite.
- Great for meal prep: Skewers reheat well and make for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Ingredients Breakdown: What You Need
Here’s what makes these skewers sing—and why each ingredient matters:
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and ideal for skewering. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer taste.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and aids browning in the air fryer.
- Paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper: These basic pantry staples infuse the chicken with a subtle smoky, savory backbone before it even hits the sauce.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: This creamy base balances the heat and helps coat the chicken beautifully.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness, tang, and gentle spice.
- Sriracha: Adjustable to taste—use more if you like things bold.
- Honey: Rounds out the sauce with depth and richness.
Skewer Tips: Prepping for Success
Before you even cut your chicken, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from scorching or catching fire during cooking—especially in the air fryer or on the grill.
When cutting the chicken, aim for uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking, so you don’t end up with dry bits on the ends and underdone centers.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer
- Season the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the Skewers: Slide 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. Don’t overcrowd—leave a little space between the chunks for even airflow.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Taste and adjust heat as needed.
- Brush and Cook: Reserve half the sauce for serving. Use the rest to lightly coat the raw chicken. Place skewers in your air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway. You’re aiming for an internal temp of 165°F—don’t overcook.
- Finish with Sauce: Once cooked, brush or drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce generously over the skewers before serving.
Alternative Cooking Methods
No air fryer? No problem. These skewers are equally good in the oven or on the grill.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken skewers (no sauce yet!) and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
- Brush with sauce after cooking.
Grill Instructions
- Grill the seasoned skewers over medium-high heat for about 8–10 minutes per side.
- Brush with sauce after grilling for best texture and flavor.
How Spicy Are These? Adjusting the Heat
The beauty of the bang bang sauce is how easily it can be tweaked. The sweet chili sauce already brings some heat, and the Sriracha kicks it up a notch. Prefer it milder? Cut the Sriracha in half or swap it for a pinch of smoked paprika. Want it hotter? Add extra Sriracha or a few dashes of cayenne pepper.
Best Ways to Serve
These skewers are incredibly versatile. Try them:
- As an appetizer: Serve with extra sauce on the side and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro.
- Over rice or noodles: The sauce soaks into grains beautifully.
- In a wrap or sandwich: Layer with slaw or cucumber slices for texture.
- With a salad: A great protein addition to a crunchy cabbage or mixed greens base.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat:
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Microwave: Covered, 60–90 seconds (though the texture won’t be as crisp).
- Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes.
Avoid freezing once the sauce has been added, as the mayo-based sauce doesn’t freeze well.
Nutritional Info (Per Skewer)
Each skewer delivers around 253 calories, mostly from lean protein and the creamy sauce. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Protein: High, thanks to chicken breast
- Carbs: Moderate (mainly from the sauce)
- Fat: Primarily from mayonnaise and olive oil
To make it lighter, consider using a reduced-fat mayo or Greek yogurt blend for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This air fryer bang bang chicken skewer recipe brings together ease, flavor, and flexibility. It’s a modern upgrade to classic party food and weeknight meals—bold enough to impress guests, but simple enough for everyday cooking. Play with the spice levels, adjust the cooking method to suit your kitchen, and serve it your way.
Whether you’re looking for a high-protein dinner or a game-day favorite, these skewers are ready to become a staple in your rotation.
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill)
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each soaked skewer, leaving small gaps between pieces.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce. Reserve half for serving.
- Brush the remaining sauce over the raw chicken skewers.
- Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 11–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer skewers to a plate and brush or drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce. Serve immediately.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers and place on the sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Brush with the bang bang sauce after baking and serve.
- Grill the seasoned skewers over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes per side.
- Brush with the bang bang sauce after grilling and serve.
Notes
- Do not skip soaking the wooden skewers to avoid burning.
- The sauce can be adjusted in heat level by adding more or less Sriracha.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.
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