Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a game-changer when it comes to quick, flavorful meals. These juicy chicken thigh skewers are marinated with spices, air-fried to perfection, and then drizzled with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or hosting friends, this dish delivers big, bold flavors with very little hassle. With the help of your air fryer, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy, golden chicken—no deep fryer, no splatter, no extra oil. Plus, the homemade Bang Bang sauce makes it utterly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
This recipe is a must-try for lovers of spicy, creamy, and crispy chicken. It’s quick, convenient, and delivers a gourmet-style taste using pantry-friendly ingredients. The air fryer ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time, and the skewers make for fun, mess-free serving. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding picky eaters, or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this dish fits the bill.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil (neutral oil like canola or vegetable works best)
- 3-4 skewers (wooden or metal)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Remove any extra fat from the chicken thighs and slice them into evenly sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken chunks in a bowl with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until they’re thoroughly coated.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Trim if necessary to fit your air fryer. Metal skewers can be used without prep.
- Carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray, then arrange the skewers in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning the skewers at the halfway point for even cooking.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be at least 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl.
- When the chicken is done, brush the sauce evenly over each skewer using a silicone brush.
- Serve warm, accompanied by any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Helpful Tips
- Cut chicken into similar sizes to promote even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to let the heat circulate and crisp the chicken.
- Tweak the amount of sriracha in the sauce to match your heat preference.
- A silicone brush works best for spreading sauce evenly over the skewers.
- For added caramelization, return the sauced skewers to the air fryer for an extra 1-2 minutes.
Substitutions And Variations
- Chicken Breasts: Can be used in place of thighs for a leaner option.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Try tofu or paneer chunks as a meat-free alternative.
- Different Sauces: Swap Bang Bang sauce with teriyaki or BBQ for variety.
Storage Instructions
Keep any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes, or until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze unsauced, cooked skewers for up to two months. Thaw before reheating and saucing.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 4g
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these skewers with fluffy jasmine rice or nutty quinoa for a filling dish.
- Add a vibrant touch with a fresh green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.
- Cut into smaller pieces for a party-friendly appetizer.
- Tuck into lettuce wraps or tortillas for a fun handheld meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breast is a great alternative—just take care not to overcook as it dries out quicker.
Is Bang Bang sauce spicy? It carries a mild to moderate heat, which can be adjusted based on how much sriracha you include.
Do I need to flip the skewers in the air fryer? Definitely—flipping ensures all sides cook evenly and develop that signature crispiness.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You sure can! Marinate the chicken and mix the sauce the day before for fast assembly later.
What if I don’t have skewers? No problem. Simply cook the marinated chicken pieces directly in the air fryer basket, stirring halfway through.
Conclusion
Thank you for trying this Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe! It’s one of my go-to meals when I want something that’s both easy and bursting with flavor. The juicy chicken and bold sauce make it a crowd-pleaser every time. I truly hope this recipe earns a regular spot on your dinner table. Enjoy every bite, and thanks for being part of this food-loving community!
Print
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Description
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, crispy, and smothered in a spicy-sweet sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for dinner, meal prep, or parties. Try them now and elevate your weeknight meals with bold flavor and zero fuss!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp oil
3–4 wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Remove any extra fat from the chicken thighs and slice them into evenly sized pieces.
- Toss the chicken chunks in a bowl with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until they’re thoroughly coated.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Trim if necessary to fit your air fryer. Metal skewers can be used without prep.
- Carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray, then arrange the skewers in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, turning the skewers at the halfway point for even cooking.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should be at least 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl.
- When the chicken is done, brush the sauce evenly over each skewer using a silicone brush.
- Serve warm, accompanied by any remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
Use a silicone brush to coat chicken evenly with sauce.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for crispier results.
For extra caramelization, return sauced skewers to the fryer for 1–2 minutes.
Substitute chicken breasts or tofu as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 22g