Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

If you’re craving a dish that’s both perfectly crispy and packed with bold, spicy flavor, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are about to become your new favorite go-to. Quick to whip up and delightfully healthy, this recipe combines tender chicken chunks with an irresistible creamy, spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these skewers offer a mouthwatering experience without the fuss or deep frying. Get ready for a flavor-packed meal that you can enjoy any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Air fryer technology makes these skewers quick and easy to prepare without messy oils.
• Bold Flavors: The bang bang sauce provides a spicy, creamy kick that elevates simple chicken into a flavor fiesta.
• Healthier Choice: Using lean chicken and air frying keeps it lighter than traditional frying without sacrificing taste.
• Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer crisps the chicken nuggets beautifully, creating a satisfying texture every time.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, main course, or party snack — easily adjustable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing an important role in achieving that irresistible bang bang flavor and crispy texture. From fresh chicken to the perfect blend of sauce components, every item matters.

• Chicken Breast or Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tender, juicy bites that cook evenly in the air fryer.
• Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers to hold your chicken chunks securely and make flipping easy.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce, adding richness and helping flavors meld.
• Sriracha Sauce: Provides the spicy heat that defines the bang bang flavor profile.
• Honey or Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the sauce perfectly.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly before cooking.
• Cooking Spray: To lightly coat the chicken and ensure crispiness in the air fryer.
• Lime Juice (optional): Adds a zesty brightness to the sauce for an extra pop of flavor.
• Green Onions or Cilantro: Fresh herbs to sprinkle on top as a colorful, fresh garnish.

Variations for Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

One of the best things about Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is how easily you can tailor them to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to mix it up by swapping ingredients or adjusting the heat level for a personalized twist!

• Protein Swaps: Use shrimp, tofu, or pork instead of chicken to change things up.
• Spice Levels: Add more sriracha or mix in chili flakes for extra heat or reduce it for mild but still delicious.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace mayonnaise with plain coconut yogurt or vegan mayo for a healthier or allergen-free option.
• Crunch Factor: Coat chicken pieces with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
• Sweet Variations: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup or brown sugar in the sauce to introduce a deep caramel flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken into even, bite-sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken before assembling the skewers.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the chicken pieces carefully onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even heat circulation during cooking. Be sure not to overcrowd to achieve the best crisp.

Step 3: Preheat and Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the chicken skewers lightly with cooking spray for a crispy finish. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice (if using), and a pinch of garlic powder in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice and sweetness to your liking.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

Once the chicken skewers are done, toss them immediately in the bang bang sauce until well coated. For extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

• Even Sizing: Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give each skewer enough space in the air fryer basket for proper air circulation and crispiness.
• Sauce Balance: Taste the bang bang sauce and adjust sweetness or spice gradually to fit your preference perfectly.
• Rest Time: Allow skewers to rest for a minute after cooking for juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness.
• Marinate for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken in a little garlic powder and salt before cooking for deeper flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Brighten up your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an extra visual and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crunchy side salad, steamed jasmine rice, or a simple cucumber salad to balance out the spicy flavors and keep the meal refreshing and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange skewers upright in a glass or laid across a platter with dipping sauce on the side for easy grab-and-go finger food. You can also serve them over lettuce wraps for a low-carb, hand-held option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the bang bang sauce separate until ready to eat to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the skewers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness, or use a conventional oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and the best texture with Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers.

How spicy are Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?

The level of spice depends on the amount of sriracha you add to the sauce; you can always adjust this to suit your taste from mild to fiery.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these skewers in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, or cook them on a grill for a smoky twist.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The bang bang sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge to allow flavors to meld even more, just stir before serving.

Are these skewers gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure the sriracha and mayo you use don’t contain gluten additives.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about these Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers — from their crispy exterior to the creamy, spicy sauce that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re looking for a tasty weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe hits every mark with ease. So grab your skewers and give these flavors a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!

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