Description
Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and spicy appetizer featuring marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection in an air fryer. Coated with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey, these skewers strike the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Ready in just 25 minutes, they make an ideal party snack or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are uniform to promote even cooking.
- Season and Marinate. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until fully combined. Adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred spice level. Set aside some sauce for serving.
- Thread the Chicken. Skewer the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers.
- Brush with Sauce. Generously brush the skewered chicken pieces with some of the prepared Bang Bang sauce before air frying to impart extra flavor.
- Air Fry the Skewers. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with More Sauce. Once cooked, brush the chicken with additional Bang Bang sauce for a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Serve. Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired. Offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; longer is okay up to 2 hours.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the sauce to control spiciness.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning when air frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooked chicken.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or parsley to add freshness and texture.
