Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

This is my go-to bang bang chicken skewers recipe, and it never lets me down.

Bang bang sauce has a way of making everything it touches better — that mayo base gives it body, the sweet chili sauce brings a gentle sweetness, and the sriracha keeps it from ever feeling one-note. Threading marinated chicken onto skewers and brushing it generously with that sauce turns a familiar flavor into something a little more fun to eat, especially with an extra bowl on the side for dipping.

I lean on the air fryer for these because it gets the chicken properly charred at the edges in a fraction of the time an oven would take, and the whole thing comes together in under thirty minutes.

Why You’ll Love This

It’s naturally low carb, and the sauce alone is good enough that people will ask for the recipe. The air fryer method keeps things quick and mostly hands-off, and it’s genuinely versatile — great as a main dish, an appetizer, or a party platter with extra sauce for dunking.

Why This Works

Marinating the chicken for at least thirty minutes before it ever hits the skewer lets the paprika and garlic actually penetrate the meat rather than just coating the surface. And cutting the chicken into evenly sized cubes matters just as much, since uneven pieces cook unevenly — some staying raw in the center while others dry out waiting to catch up.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, keeping them as uniform as possible. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece so they cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the skewers or the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Brush and Air Fry

Brush the skewers generously with some of the bang bang sauce. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and arrange the skewers in a single layer, not touching. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Brush the cooked skewers with more bang bang sauce, then serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or sesame seeds, alongside extra sauce for dipping.

Tips for the Best Results

• Soak wooden skewers in cold water for about 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
• Cut the chicken into evenly sized cubes so everything cooks at the same rate.
• Marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the seasonings really soak in.
• Make the bang bang sauce ahead of time — it tastes even better once the flavors have had time to meld.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F.

Variations to Try

Thread bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers alongside the chicken for extra color. Button or shiitake mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor if marinated along with the chicken. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side instead of air frying if you’d rather use the grill, or bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes on a lined sheet, flipping halfway.

What to Serve With It

A simple coleslaw salad, cauliflower mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables all round these out into a complete low-carb meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I make these in the oven instead of the air fryer?

Yes, bake at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

Can I grill these instead?

Yes, grill over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely charred.

How do I keep the sauce keto-friendly?

Use full-fat mayo, a low-carb sweet chili sauce, a keto-friendly hot sauce, and sugar-free honey substitute.

What if I don’t have chicken thighs?

Chicken breast works too, though thighs stay juicier — keep a close eye on breast meat so it doesn’t dry out.

How long do leftovers keep?

Up to 2 to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge, reheated in the oven to bring back some of the char.