If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your dining experience, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version) are just the ticket! They combine the addictive kick of bang bang sauce with perfectly tender chicken, making every bite an adventure.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Enjoy delicious skewers in under an hour, including marinating time!
- Bursting with Flavor: Each skewer is coated in a spicy and sweet bang bang sauce that will leave you craving more.
- Healthier Cooking: Using the air fryer means less oil and a crispy finish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These skewers are perfect for parties or family meals, serving as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version) is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item has been chosen to complement and enhance the flavors of the dish, creating a taste sensation you’ll adore.
- Mayonnaise: This creates a creamy base for the bang bang sauce, balancing spicy and sweet elements.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild hint of heat, giving the sauce its signature flavor.
- Honey: Enhances sweetness without overpowering other flavors in the sauce.
- Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick, making the sauce more vibrant and exciting.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity that cuts through the richness of mayonnaise, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Soy Sauce: Infuses the chicken with umami and complements other marinade ingredients beautifully.
Variations
What’s great about these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version) is their adaptability. Whether you want to tweak the spice level or try different marinades, these skewers can accommodate your every culinary whim.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to make the sauce more or less spicy according to your preference.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu cubes and follow the same marinating and cooking steps.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version)
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Begin by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and rice wine vinegar in a mixing bowl. This forms the base of your delectably spicy and creamy bang bang sauce. Once mixed, set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In another bowl, combine soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, light brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and ground ginger to create a flavorful marinade. Add chicken cubes, stirring until fully coated, then let them marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, enhancing their taste profile.
Step 3: Assemble and Cook
Soak your wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto them, ensuring that each skewer holds enough pieces for a satisfying portion. Arrange in the air fryer, ensuring they’re adequately spaced, and brush with your pre-made bang bang sauce. Air-fry to perfection!
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Flip and brush the skewers with more sauce before giving them a final fry. Once cooked through, remove and garnish with a drizzle of sauce and sliced green onions. Serve them fresh and hot for the best experience!
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version)
- Perfect Marinade Time: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, letting flavors deeply infuse but no more than 24 hours to maintain texture.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Space skewers with a little breathing room in the air fryer basket to ensure each piece cooks evenly and crisps beautifully.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: Preparing the bang bang sauce in advance deepens its flavors and makes for a quicker cooking process.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use fresh, quality chicken and ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version)
Garnishes
For those finishing touches, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. They add a pop of color and a mild oniony kick that complements the sauce beautifully, elevating the dish into a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a fresh cucumber salad or jasmine rice to balance their bold flavors with cool, crisp veggies or a mild, aromatic starch. It creates a harmonious and complete meal experience everyone will enjoy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these on a platter with a dipping bowl of bang bang sauce in the middle or stand the skewers upright in a decorative jar for a fun and interactive presentation, inviting guests to grab their skewers easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps maintain their deliciously juicy texture and keeps them fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months, labeling with the date for easy reference.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, which will help regain the crispiness of the initial cooking, keeping them as delightful as if they were freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted, although thighs offer a juicier result. Ensure breasts are cut into similar-sized cubes and monitor cooking times as they may vary.
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Is there a non-spicy version of the bang bang sauce?
Absolutely! Simply adjust the Sriracha to your liking, or leave it out altogether for a milder sauce, ensuring it remains tasty without overwhelming heat.
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How do I prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer?
Soaking the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling prevents burning, ensuring they remain structurally sound during air frying.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can bake these skewers in the oven at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or grill them for a slightly smoky flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Invite your taste buds for a ride through layers of explosive flavors with the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version). This recipe is not just a meal but an experience that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite you take. Try them out, share with friends, and watch them disappear before your eyes!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Experience the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors with these delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers cooked in the air fryer. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated, skewered, coated in a creamy Bang Bang sauce, and air-fried to crispy perfection, making for an easy and flavorful appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
Chicken Marinade
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Assembly
- 8 (6″) wooden skewers, soaked in water
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and rice wine vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and ground ginger. Pour over chicken cubes and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Soak Skewers: About 30 minutes before cooking, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
- Skewer Chicken: Pierce 6 to 8 pieces of marinated chicken onto each skewer, leaving small gaps between pieces.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange skewers in a single layer with space between each, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook Skewers – First Side: Brush each skewer generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Air fry at 400˚F (200˚C) for 8 minutes.
- Flip and Apply Sauce: Flip the skewers, brush with more sauce, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove skewers from the air fryer, transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with extra bang bang sauce if desired, garnish with sliced green onion, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor; up to 24 hours for even more tastiness.
- Bang Bang Sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Skewered chicken can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to cook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (~150g)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
