Sweet & Spicy Perfection: Easy Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, quick to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? Look no further than these incredible Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers! Tender, juicy chicken is coated in a creamy, dreamy sauce with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, all made effortlessly in your air fryer in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or simply want a delicious and low-carb meal option, these skewers are an absolute winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience! Here’s why they’re about to become your new favorite:

• Swift & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for those busy days.
• Flavor Explosion: The signature Bang Bang sauce delivers a unique and addictive sweet and spicy kick.
• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Using the air fryer ensures incredibly juicy and tender chicken every time.
• Versatile: Excellent as a main course, appetizer, or even packed for lunch.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Easily adaptable for a lower-carbohydrate lifestyle.
• Family Approved: The irresistible flavor makes them a hit with eaters of all ages.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is simple, with easily accessible items that are naturally low in carbs.

For the Chicken Skewers:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: We recommend thighs for their superior juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work too (just watch the cooking time to prevent dryness). Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds flavor and helps the seasoning adhere. Avocado or vegetable oil are also suitable.
• Paprika: Provides a lovely smoky depth and vibrant color. A pinch of chili powder mixed with a tiny bit of cumin can be a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers that essential savory garlic taste without the fuss of fresh cloves. If using fresh garlic, mince finely and consider adding it slightly later in the cooking process to avoid burning.
• Salt & Black Pepper: The fundamental seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Use kosher salt for best results and freshly cracked black pepper for a noticeable difference.

For the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce:

This versatile sauce is the heart of the dish, blending creamy, sweet, and spicy notes.

• Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise is key for achieving that rich, creamy texture.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: The source of our delightful sweetness and a mild heat.
• Hot Sauce: Sriracha is a classic choice for its fiery kick. Feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference or substitute with your favorite hot sauce like Tabasco or a dab of chili paste.
• Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness. For a low-carb or keto version, sugar-free honey is an excellent alternative.
• Salt: Just a pinch to tie the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for delicious results:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Ensure all the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Whisk the Sauce: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (or to taste), 2 tablespoons of honey (or sugar-free alternative), and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If following a strict keto diet, ensure your sweet chili sauce and hot sauce are low-carb certified, and use sugar-free honey.
3. Thread the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. Leave a small gap between each piece to allow for even cooking and airflow in the air fryer basket.
4. Sauce and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the threaded chicken skewers generously with some of the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Place the skewers in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
5. Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Final Touch & Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer. For an extra burst of flavor, you can brush them with a little more Bang Bang sauce. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, chili flakes, or sesame seeds if desired. Be sure to have extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping!

You Must Know

• Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning ¹ in the air fryer.

• Even Cubes: Cutting the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes is crucial for ensuring all pieces cook at the same rate.
• Marination Time: Don’t skip the marination! Even 30 minutes makes a noticeable difference in the flavor and juiciness of the chicken.
• Sauce Flavor: Making the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more developed and delicious sauce.
• Internal Temperature: The safest and most accurate way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3-4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be cut and marinated up to 24 hours ahead of cooking. Threading the skewers is best done just before air frying.
• Storage: Store any leftover Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat the skewers is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the chicken’s texture. You can also briefly reheat them in the air fryer, but be careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.

Seasonal Variations

While these skewers are fantastic year-round, you can easily adapt them with seasonal additions:

• Summer: Thread cherry tomatoes, zucchini slices, or bell pepper chunks onto the skewers alongside the chicken for a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Fall: Add cubes of sweet potato or pieces of red onion that caramelize beautifully when cooked.
• Spring: Incorporate asparagus pieces or snap peas for a lovely green element.
• Mushrooms: Button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms can be marinated and cooked alongside the chicken for an earthy flavor boost in any season.

Serving Suggestions

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Consider serving them with:

• A simple, refreshing coleslaw salad.
• Creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes for a low-carb option.
• Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
• Rice or quinoa (if not adhering to a low-carb diet).
• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.

No-Bake Alternative: Oven Method

No air fryer? No problem! You can easily bake these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers in your oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the threaded skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Pro Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the skewers in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation in the air fryer or even cooking in the oven. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of crisping and cooking it evenly.
• Resting Time: While not strictly necessary for skewers, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking can help the juices redistribute, resulting in slightly more tender chicken.
• Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat, or sesame seeds for texture adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Customize the Heat: Easily adjust the amount of hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to suit your personal spice preference.
• Leftover Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is delicious on everything! Use leftovers as a dipping sauce for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or a dressing for salads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A: Yes, you can. However, chicken breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily. Be sure to monitor the cooking time closely and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?

A: The spice level can be adjusted based on the amount of hot sauce you add to the Bang Bang sauce. You can make it very mild or quite fiery!

Q: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce keto-friendly?

A: Absolutely! Use a low-carb or sugar-free sweet chili sauce, a keto-friendly hot sauce, and sugar-free honey.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?

A: Ensure your air fryer basket is clean and lightly greased if necessary (some air fryers require this, check your manual). Placing the skewers in a single layer without touching also helps.

Q: Can I grill these skewers?

A: While this recipe is optimized for air frying and baking, you could adapt it for grilling. Marinate the chicken as directed, thread onto skewers, and grill over medium heat, brushing with the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning due to the sugar in the sauce.

Get ready to enjoy these incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. They’re proof that delicious, low-carb meals can be quick and effortless!

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