Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, crispy texture, and ready in minutes, let me introduce you to the delightful Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. This recipe hits the perfect balance of spicy, juicy chicken with a crispy exterior that air frying delivers flawlessly. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with an easy appetizer, these skewers are bound to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days when you want delicious without the wait.
- Healthier Crispy Goodness: Uses an air fryer to get that satisfying crunch without deep frying.
- Flavor Explosion: The bang bang sauce perfectly blends spicy, tangy, and sweet notes that keep every bite exciting.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal: The fun skewers and familiar flavors make it a hit with little ones and adults alike.
- Versatile Meal Option: Great as a main dish, party appetizer, or even packed for lunch next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture for your Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. Each component plays a role, from moist chicken to the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce.
- Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless for juicy, tender skewers that cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Cornstarch: Helps achieve that irresistible crispy coating when air fried.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the bang bang sauce, balancing heat with richness.
- Sriracha sauce: The star of the sauce providing the distinct spicy kick.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that rounds out the spicy flavors.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth in both the chicken coating and sauce.
- Lime juice: A splash of freshness brightens up the entire dish.
- Wooden skewers: Essential for holding those perfectly cooked chicken pieces together and serving with style.
Variations for Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Don’t feel limited to the classic version there — this recipe adapts wonderfully to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Mix it up easily and make the recipe your own!
- Spicy level modification: Adjust the sriracha for milder or hotter depending on your heat tolerance.
- Protein swap: Try shrimp, tofu, or turkey for different textures and flavors.
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan mayo and skip honey for a plant-based version.
- Crunch boost: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on chicken before air frying for extra crunch.
- Herb addition: Add chopped cilantro or green onions to the sauce for a fresh twist.
How to Make Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes—about 1-inch pieces work best for quick, even cooking and easy skewering.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch and Spices
Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch and garlic powder until each piece is lightly coated—this is the secret to that crispy exterior once air fried.
Step 3: Thread Chicken onto Skewers
Carefully thread the chicken chunks onto wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even heat circulation during cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry Chicken Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C), then place the skewers in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure a golden, crispy finish on all sides.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder in a bowl. This creamy, spicy sauce will bring your skewers to life.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is done, brush or drizzle the bang bang sauce over the skewers. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
- Even pieces: Cut chicken into uniform sizes for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd: Arrange skewers in a single layer for optimal air circulation and crispiness.
- Soak skewers: Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for 30 minutes before use.
- Sauce on the side: Serve extra bang bang sauce for dipping or add more drizzle as you like.
- Check internal temperature: Cook chicken to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds over the skewers for added color, flavor, and texture that will elevate the dish visually and in taste.
Side Dishes
Pair with a crisp cucumber salad, steamed jasmine rice, or quick sautéed greens to complement the bold flavors and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skewers on a wooden platter lined with lettuce leaves and accompany with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping—perfect for sharing at a casual get-together or family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover skewers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Wrap skewers tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the chicken, or use a conventional oven for a few more minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and safe internal temperatures, especially when air frying.
Is the bang bang sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the sriracha, but you can adjust it either way by adding more or less according to your preference.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator—just give it a good stir before serving.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but the texture might be slightly less crispy.
Are these skewers gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free cornstarch and check that your sriracha and mayo are gluten-free brands.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer for quick, satisfying meals. They bring together that crispy texture and bold flavor with ease and minimal fuss—so grab your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and treat yourself to this deliciously fun dish!
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Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers
Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers offer a quick and easy meal bursting with spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. Featuring tender, juicy chicken with a perfectly crispy exterior from the air fryer, these skewers are ideal for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or party snacks. The creamy bang bang sauce complements the crispy chicken, making each bite flavorful and satisfying, all while being a healthier alternative to deep-fried options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces, to ensure quick, even cooking and easier skewering.
- Coat with Cornstarch and Spices: Toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch and garlic powder until lightly and evenly coated. This creates the crispy coating after air frying.
- Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Carefully thread the coated chicken chunks onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even heat circulation.
- Air Fry Chicken Skewers: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place skewers in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, brush or drizzle the bang bang sauce over the skewers. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; arrange skewers in a single layer for crispiness.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- Serve extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping or additional drizzling.
- Check chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 skewers)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Bang Bang Chicken, Chicken Skewers, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free, Spicy Sauce, Appetizer
