Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are my top pick whenever I need something fast but seriously satisfying. Juicy chicken gets a bath in a punchy sauce that’s both sweet and spicy, and everything comes together in under half an hour. With so few ingredients and hardly any cleanup, this is pure weeknight magic.

Honestly the first time I made these the sweet chili paired with the creamy mayo surprised me and I could not stop dipping I still crave that sauce weeks later

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Fresh juicy chicken stays moist best to buy fresh or check for bright pink color and minimal liquid in the pack
• Olive oil: For flavor and to help the seasonings stick look for extra virgin and avoid blends
• Paprika: Gives smoky warmth Use sweet paprika for milder flavor and vibrant red color
• Garlic powder: Provides earthy flavor and lots of aroma fresh powder is more potent
• Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together kosher salt is easier to sprinkle evenly
• Black pepper: Adds a mild heat coarsely ground gives better texture
• Mayonnaise: Creates the signature creamy tangy sauce use full fat for richer taste
• Sweet chili sauce: Brings in sweetness and a subtle kick To keep it low carb look for keto friendly brands labeled sugar free
• Hot sauce: Adds spice adjust to your heat level favorite brands give the best result
• Honey: Rounds out the heat with some mellow sweetness sugar free honey works great in keto versions

Selecting ingredients with bold flavors and checking date labels makes all the difference for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut and Prepare Chicken:

Cut chicken thighs into one inch cubes Ensuring uniform pieces guarantees even cooking so no dry bits Use a sharp knife for clean consistent cuts

Marinate Chicken:

Mix chicken cubes with olive oil paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper Toss very well to ensure every piece is seasoned Even a short marinade of thirty minutes lets the flavors soak in for juicier chicken

Mix Bang Bang Sauce:

Blend mayonnaise sweet chili sauce hot sauce honey and salt in a bowl Whisk until smooth and everything is fully combined Taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your liking

Thread Chicken on Skewers:

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers Leave small gaps between pieces to allow air to circulate and cook everything evenly Do not overcrowd or the chicken will steam not crisp

Brush with Sauce:

Coat the skewers with some prepared Bang Bang sauce now This makes the outside sticky and helps lock in flavor

Air Fry:

Preheat air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit two hundred Celsius Place chicken skewers in air fryer basket in a single layer so heat gets around each one Cook for twelve to fifteen minutes turning halfway Cook until chicken is golden and internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit

Sauce and Serve:

Right after cooking brush the hot skewers with extra Bang Bang sauce for even more flavor Serve on a platter with extra sauce for dipping Top with parsley or sesame seeds for a little pop

Save

Sweet chili sauce has become my go to for adding instant flavor Sometimes I sneak a spoonful right from the bottle My family always calls dibs on any extra sauce with these skewers

Storage Tips

Keep leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for dipping

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken breasts work in place of thighs for a leaner version swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier lighter sauce No sweet chili sauce on hand Mix a little hot sauce with sugar free preserves and rice vinegar as a quick fix

Serving Suggestions

These skewers steal the show on their own but I like to serve them with cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce cups For parties try cutting the chicken even smaller to make bite sized appetizer skewers Great with sliced cucumbers for crunch

Recipe FAQs

→ What chicken cut works best for these skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal due to their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be used as well if preferred.

→ How do I achieve even cooking in the air fryer?

Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized and spaced apart on the skewers. Don't overcrowd the basket and turn skewers halfway through cooking.

→ Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and refrigerated for a few days. It actually allows the flavors to meld for a richer taste.

→ How do I make this dish suitable for a keto diet?

Use low-carb sweet chili sauce, sugar-free honey, and a keto-friendly hot sauce. Full-fat mayonnaise is also recommended.

→ What can I serve alongside these skewers?

Try pairing them with a fresh salad, cauliflower rice, or grilled vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal.