Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Okay, here are the step-by-step instructions based on the article:
- 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 1 infuse the flavors.
1. niftyrecipe.com
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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!
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Cut chicken into evenly sized 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and juiciness.
- The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time to allow flavors to meld.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
- For a keto version of the sauce, use full-fat mayo, low-carb sweet chili sauce, keto-friendly hot sauce, and sugar-free honey.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket (or baking sheet) for even cooking; cook in batches if needed.
- Allowing the cooked chicken to rest briefly can help retain juices.
- Garnish with fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro), chili flakes, or sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce to control the spice level.
- Extra Bang Bang sauce is great for dipping or as a condiment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Air Fryer (with Oven alternative)
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, Air Fryer Chicken Skewers, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Quick Chicken Recipe, Low-Carb Chicken, Keto Chicken, Air Fryer Recipe
