Let me introduce you to your next culinary obsession: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version). This delightful dish brings together tender chicken pieces, a tantalizing bang bang sauce, and the magic of air frying for a quick and drool-worthy meal you can’t resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Tender: Thanks to juicy chicken thighs, these skewers are packed with flavor and remain succulent after cooking.
- Quick and Easy: Using the air fryer cuts down cooking time significantly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the bang bang sauce to suit your spice preference, from mild to fiery.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These skewers are perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful bite-sized treat everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient packs a punch, whether it’s the rich soy sauce that drips with umami or the vibrant snap of green onions for a fresh finish. Let’s dive into what you’ll need.
- Mayonnaise: It provides that creamy base essential for the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick to the sauce, which you can dial up or down.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Keep the chicken moist and flavorful compared to other cuts.
- Soy Sauce: Infuses the chicken with a deep savory flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Brings a subtle nutty aroma that’s irresistible with chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Intensifies the overall depth of flavor without overpowering.
Variations
One of the greatest perks of making these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version) is their adaptability. Try these variations for a twist on the classic that suits your mood or dietary needs.
- Tofu Skewers: Swap out the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian delight. You won’t miss out on flavor!
- Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of Sriracha or add a touch of cayenne pepper to really crank up the heat.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version)
Step 1: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small yet mighty bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, Sriracha, and rice wine vinegar. This is your bold-flavored bang bang sauce—tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet. Set it aside while your kitchen starts filling with welcoming scents.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Combine soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and ground ginger in a bowl. Stir this marinade over the chicken cubes, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated. Let these flavors mingle in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Skewer and Cook
Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before cooking—this helps prevent them from burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Set your air fryer to 400˚F. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray and lay down the skewers in batches. Cook for 8 minutes, flip, apply more sauce, and cook for another 5 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version)
- Marinade Magic: Allow chicken to marinate longer if possible—all day marination intensifies the flavors immensely.
- Optimal Spacing: Ensure enough space between skewers in the air fryer to ensure they cook evenly without sticking.
- Skewer Soaking: Soaking is non-negotiable; it’s the secret to preventing burnt skewers and ensuring safe handling.
- Sauce Sensation: Keep extra bang bang sauce on hand—it doubles as a fantastic dipping sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version)
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of sliced green onions over your skewers for a fresh burst of color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a light dusting of sesame seeds brings delightful texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a vibrant side salad or some fluffy jasmine rice to make the meal complete. The rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, adding an extra dimension to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an innovative touch, serve these skewers standing in a circle around a dipping bowl of bang bang sauce, making them not only easy to grab but also enticing to dive into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Separate layers with wax paper to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
Cooled skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place skewers in a single layer, heat for 3-4 minutes until warmed through, adding a fresh brush of sauce if you wish.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can, but thighs offer better moisture retention and flavor. If using breasts, consider slightly undercooking them to maintain juiciness.
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Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is moderate. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to tailor the spice to your liking, making it as mild or fiery as you wish.
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How do I prevent the skewers from burning?
Be sure to soak your skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This step is crucial to avoid burning during air frying.
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Can the marinade be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to a day ahead. That way, you can marinate the chicken right when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version) will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect for quick dinners or festive gatherings, these skewers deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Version) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers (serves 8)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delicious Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated in flavorful ingredients, glazed with a spicy-sweet sauce, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively appetizer, these skewers are bursting with flavor and easy to prepare ahead of time.
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
- 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 until smooth and set aside.
- Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and ground ginger. Add chicken cubes and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak Skewers: About 30 minutes before cooking, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning.
- Assemble Skewers: Pierce 6-8 pieces of marinated chicken onto each soaked skewer. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange skewers with space between them. Brush each skewer with some of the bang bang sauce.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers in the basket and cook for 8 minutes. Flip skewers, brush with more sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- Finish and Serve: Remove skewers from air fryer. Transfer to a serving dish, drizzle with remaining bang bang sauce, and garnish with sliced green onion. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
- Soaking skewers prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- Marinate the chicken at least 30 minutes; longer marination (up to 24 hours) enhances flavor.
- Bang Bang Sauce can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Skewered chicken can be marinated and prepped one day ahead for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 100g)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
