Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer)

Are you craving restaurant-quality appetizers without the hassle of deep frying or the wait time of traditional oven cooking?

Air fryer bang bang chicken skewers deliver that perfect combination of crispy exterior and juicy interior, all coated in the sweet and spicy bang bang sauce that has become a sensation on dinner tables across America.

This easy-to-make dish transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining.

The air fryer revolutionizes how we prepare these mouthwatering skewers by circulating hot air around the chicken pieces, creating that coveted crispy texture with significantly less oil than traditional methods.

The result?

A healthier version of your favorite appetizer that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Let’s dive into this game-changing recipe that will surely become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These bang bang chicken skewers aren’t just delicious—they’re versatile, simple to prepare, and guaranteed to impress.

The combination of tender chicken with the signature creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce creates an irresistible flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more.

The air fryer method ensures you get consistent results every time. The chicken cooks evenly and quickly, developing a beautiful golden exterior while maintaining its moisture inside.

Plus, the minimal oil usage makes this a lighter alternative to the deep-fried versions you might find at restaurants.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken skewers:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the bang bang sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust according to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Prep the chicken: Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until each piece is evenly coated.
3. Thread onto skewers: Take your pre-soaked wooden skewers and thread 4-5 pieces of chicken onto each one, leaving a small gap between pieces to ensure even cooking.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Mix the sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
2. Set aside: Reserve half of the sauce for serving, and use the other half for brushing onto the chicken.

Cooking in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2. Arrange the skewers: Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
3. Cook the chicken: Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip the skewers and brush them with a thin layer of the bang bang sauce. Continue cooking for another 6-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Brush with sauce: Once the chicken skewers are done, brush them with another layer of the bang bang sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delectable bang bang chicken skewers hot from the air fryer, garnished with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired. Provide the reserved bang bang sauce on the side for dipping.

These versatile skewers work beautifully as:

• An impressive appetizer for parties and gatherings
• A main dish paired with steamed rice and vegetables
• A protein addition to a fresh salad
• A filling for wraps or pita pockets

Recipe Variations and Tips

• Spice level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to match your heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha and increase the sweet chili sauce.
• Protein substitutions: This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, firm tofu, or even chunks of firm fish like salmon.
• Veggie additions: Try alternating chicken pieces with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion for a more colorful presentation and additional flavors.
• Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
• Reheating leftovers: These skewers reheat beautifully in the air fryer. Just 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C) will restore their crispy exterior.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Chicken sticking to the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil before adding the skewers.
• Uneven cooking: Make sure the chicken pieces are cut to uniform size and arranged in a single layer with space between them.
• Wooden skewers burning: Ensure you’ve soaked the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These bang bang chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use your air fryer rather than the microwave to maintain their crispy texture.

You can also freeze the cooked chicken (removed from the skewers) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the air fryer.

Why Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers Are Perfect for Any Occasion

The combination of convenience, flavor, and visual appeal makes these air fryer bang bang chicken skewers a standout dish for everything from casual family dinners to special gatherings.

They require minimal hands-on time but deliver maximum impact with their perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors.

The air fryer method transforms this dish into something that feels indulgent yet is actually lighter than traditional versions. You’ll get that satisfying crispy exterior and tender interior that typically requires deep frying, but with a fraction of the oil and none of the mess.

Next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick and delicious main dish, give these air fryer bang bang chicken skewers a try. They’re guaranteed to become a regular request in your household.