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These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers transform humble chicken thighs into a mouthwatering meal that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. The perfectly balanced sauce combines sweet and spicy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week and it's become my secret weapon for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. My neighbor even requested the recipe after just one bite at our summer cookout.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Cut into 1 inch cubes offer more flavor and moisture than breast meat
- Olive oil: Helps seasonings adhere and promotes browning in the air fryer
- Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken
- Garlic powder: Infuses flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken is well seasoned throughout
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for our bang bang sauce
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings the signature sweet heat that defines bang bang flavor
- Hot sauce: Allows you to customize the spice level to your preference
- Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut boneless skinless chicken thighs into uniform 1 inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. Smaller pieces might overcook while larger chunks could remain undercooked in the center.
- Season Thoroughly:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the chicken with olive oil and all the seasonings ensuring each piece gets coated evenly. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your skewers. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator for maximum flavor development.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce hot sauce honey and salt until completely smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to cling to the chicken but still easily pourable. Set aside some sauce for serving and use the rest for basting.
- Skewer the Chicken:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers leaving small gaps between each piece. This spacing allows the hot air to circulate completely around each piece ensuring even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Initial Sauce Application:
- Brush the chicken skewers generously with the bang bang sauce before cooking. This initial layer will bake into the chicken creating an incredible flavor foundation.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and arrange the skewers in a single layer making sure they dont touch. Cook for 12–15 minutes flipping halfway through until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and develops beautiful caramelization on the edges.
- Final Sauce Coating:
- Once cooked brush the hot skewers with another generous coating of bang bang sauce. The heat from the chicken will slightly warm the sauce creating the perfect sticky glaze.
- Serve Immediately:
- Arrange on a serving platter with extra sauce on the side for dipping. The contrast between the hot chicken and cool dipping sauce creates a wonderful taste experience.
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The bang bang sauce is incredibly versatile I started making extra to use as a dipping sauce for vegetables and even as a sandwich spread. Something magical happens when the sweet chili sauce combines with the creamy mayonnaise it creates a flavor that has become instantly recognizable in our household.
Make Ahead Options
These skewers are perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance which actually improves the flavor. The bang bang sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want to prepare fully cooked skewers ahead of time reheat them in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F to maintain their juicy texture.
Perfect Pairings
The bright bold flavors of these bang bang chicken skewers pair wonderfully with cooling side dishes. Try serving them with a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil. For a more substantial meal offer steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lower carb option. The sauce is also delicious drizzled over roasted vegetables especially broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
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Origins and Adaptations
Bang bang sauce traditionally comes from Sichuan cuisine where bang bang chicken is typically served cold with a sesame based sauce. This modern adaptation brings those flavors to a hot appetizer or main dish that appeals to American palates. The combination of sweet spicy and creamy elements has made this sauce wildly popular in western restaurants and home kitchens where its often paired with shrimp chicken or even vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt, offering a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- → How do you ensure the chicken is cooked properly?
Cook the chicken skewers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- → Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Ensure the pieces are cut uniformly to avoid uneven cooking.
- → Can I prepare these skewers without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can grill or bake the skewers. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check the chicken's internal temperature.
- → How can I make a keto-friendly version?
Use full-fat mayonnaise, low-carb sweet chili sauce, keto-friendly hot sauce, and sugar-free honey to keep it keto-friendly.
- → Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container.