If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, bright, and just plain irresistible, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are about to become your new obsession. Juicy chicken cubes, marinated and brushed with a sweet-spicy sauce, then air-fried to golden perfection—this recipe balances heat, creaminess, and crunch in every bite. It’s fast, fun, and full of flavor—ideal for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you want to shake up your chicken game!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crave-Worthy Sauce: The bang bang sauce brings a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors you’ll be spooning on everything.
- Easy Air Fryer Technique: Skip the mess and get golden, juicy chicken in minutes—so much simpler than grilling!
- Customizable Heat Level: Love it mild or extra fiery? Adjust the sriracha to make these skewers just right for your taste buds.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Cute little skewers mean less mess and more fun—everyone loves party food on a stick!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is in their simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in either the flavor-packed marinade or that wonderfully addictive sauce. Here’s how every component comes together for tender, flavorful bites with a tangy, creamy finish.
- Chicken Breasts (2 lbs.): Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cubing and quick, juicy cooking—thighs also work for extra richness.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp.): This coats each chunk for a moist bake and helps the seasonings stick beautifully.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, & Black Pepper (1 tsp. each): This quartet adds gentle smoky depth, savory zing, and well-rounded flavor to the chicken itself.
- Mayonnaise or Full Fat Greek Yogurt (1 cup): The creamy backbone of bang bang sauce; use yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
- Sriracha (3-4 tbsp.): Adjust to your preferred level of heat—some like it mild, some want that telltale kick!
- Honey (2 tbsp.): A touch of sweetness to balance all the heat and acidity.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp.): Brightens up every bite and keeps the sauce from tasting flat.
- Soy Sauce (1 tbsp.): Adds savory depth and a pop of umami to round out the sauce.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp.) or Minced Garlic (2 cloves): For building even more garlicky goodness into the sauce.
- Salt & Black Pepper (1/2 tsp. each): Fine-tuned seasoning for the perfect finish.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is more than garnish—it brings color and a fresh lift when sprinkled on top.
- Mini Wood Skewers: Soak 20–30 minutes so they don’t burn in the air fryer; they make serving (and eating) a breeze.
Variations
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile! Whether you’re swapping an ingredient, adjusting seasonings, or adapting for dietary needs, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own—feel free to experiment based on your cravings or pantry supplies.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep the flavor bold while skipping the gluten.
- Try It Dairy-Free: Use a good-quality vegan mayo or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a sauce that everyone can enjoy.
- Mix Up the Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower florets for delicious vegetarian or pescatarian options.
- Extra Crunch: Roll cooked skewers in crushed peanuts or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for texture and nutty flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Grab a large bowl and whisk together your mayo (or yogurt), sriracha, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This sauce should be smooth, creamy, and flecked with chili—taste and tweak the spice level if you wish! Set most of it aside; you’ll use part for basting and the rest for dunking and drizzling later.
Step 2: Marinate and Skewer the Chicken
In a separate large bowl, toss your chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Massage these seasonings in so every piece is coated, then thread 3–4 cubes per skewer. Be sure your mini wooden skewers are well-soaked—they won’t scorch this way during air frying.
Step 3: Brush with Sauce & Air Fry
Spoon about 1/3 cup of that luscious bang bang sauce into a small bowl for basting (keep the rest for serving!). Brush each chicken skewer generously, then arrange in your air fryer basket or on a rack, leaving space in between. Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until your chicken is golden on the outside and perfectly juicy within. Internal temp should reach 165°F—don’t overcook!
Step 4: Serve, Dip, and Enjoy
Sprinkle your Bang Bang Chicken Skewers with freshly chopped parsley for that inviting finish. Serve with little bowls of the remaining bang bang sauce—these skewers are made for dipping! Whether you’re serving as an appetizer or main, hot or room temp, enjoy every zippy, finger-licking bite.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Sauce Separation Trick: Always separate a portion of sauce for basting and reserve the rest for dipping—this keeps things food safe and extra delicious.
- Skewer Prep Matters: Soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes, so they don’t scorch in the air fryer and your skewers stay sturdy for dipping!
- Crowd-Free Cooking: Don’t crowd your air fryer rack—give each skewer enough space for maximum crispy edges and even cooking.
- Custom Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less sriracha and adjust to taste—this sauce is all about your preferred level of fiery fun.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or even finely diced red chili for color and a little extra kick. These final touches do more than look pretty—they really wake up the dish and bring fresh flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are the life of any party platter, but they also shine alongside fluffy jasmine rice, a vibrant slaw, garlic noodles, or simple stir-fried veggies. For a lighter spread, try pairing with a crisp cucumber salad or lettuce wraps—perfect for scooping up extra sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at your next gathering, serve the skewers upright in a mason jar or glass, or arrange them fan-style over a bed of greens with the bang bang sauce in tiny dip bowls. For a fun, grab-and-go appetizer, stick the skewers into half a head of cabbage or pineapple for a playful edible centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate (if possible) for best texture and flavor—it stays creamy and delicious for dipping even after a day or two.
Freezing
While the sauce is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked or even uncooked, marinated chicken skewers (without sauce) for up to 2 months—wrap well and thaw in the fridge before reheating or cooking. Freeze sauce separately in a small container, but whisk well after thawing for best consistency.
Reheating
To reheat, pop skewers in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 4–6 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can—this helps prevent the chicken from drying out. Serve with extra bang bang sauce for maximum flavor with every bite!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more flavorful, making them a fantastic substitute—just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the same instructions.
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What should I do if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for about 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or grill them over medium heat until cooked through. The bang bang chicken flavor will shine either way!
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How spicy are these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers?
The level of spice is very adjustable! Start with less sriracha for a milder kick, or add more to turn up the heat. You can also serve extra sauce on the side so guests can control their own adventure.
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Can I make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Marinate and skewer the chicken up to a day ahead, and mix the sauce in advance. Just air fry (or bake) right before serving for best texture, then toss with sauce and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors and bites that disappear in seconds, you’re going to adore these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. They bring excitement to any table and are just so much fun to eat. Give them a try—your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you!
Print
(Air Fryer) Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 22
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a delicious and spicy twist on traditional chicken skewers, coated in a creamy and flavorful bang bang sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs. Chicken Breasts, skinless and boneless, cut into 1″ cubes
- 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 tsp. Paprika
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Black Pepper
- Mini Wood Skewers, soaked in water for 20-30 minutes
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (or Full Fat Greek Yogurt)
- 3–4 tbsp. Sriracha
- 2 tbsp. Honey
- 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tbsp. Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder or 2 Minced Garlic Cloves
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
For Garnish:
- Parsley
Instructions
- To make the bang bang sauce: In a large bowl, combine mayo, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread 3-4 chicken pieces onto each soaked wooden skewer. Place on the air fryer rack.
- Brush with sauce: Brush 1/3 cup of the bang bang sauce onto the chicken skewers.
- Cook: Air fry at 400F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165F.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with reserved bang bang sauce.
Notes
- Soaking the wooden skewers helps prevent burning during cooking.
- Adjust the sriracha amount to control the spiciness of the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
