Juicy Spicy-Sweet Chicken Skewers

These Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers have become my go-to solution for those hectic weeknights when I need something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The juicy chicken thighs get kissed with a perfect blend of seasonings before being air fried to perfection and smothered in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that my family literally fights over.

I first created these skewers when searching for a healthier alternative to deep-fried takeout. After one bite, my husband declared them better than any restaurant version, and they've been in our regular rotation ever since, especially during summer gatherings when I need to impress guests without sweating over a hot grill.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs they stay juicier than breast meat and have more flavor
• Olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning
• Paprika adds a subtle smoky note without overwhelming the sauce
• Garlic powder provides aromatic depth without burning like fresh garlic might
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for the signature bang bang sauce
• Sweet chili sauce brings the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat
• Hot sauce adjust according to your heat preference
• Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
• Salt enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken isn't bland

How To Make Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Prep the chicken

Cut boneless skinless chicken thighs into uniform 1inch cubes, ensuring they cook evenly. I find that thighs stay much juicier than breast meat, especially in the air fryer. Make sure your cuts are as consistent as possible for the best texture.

Season generously

Combine the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a bowl, coating each piece thoroughly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step might seem skippable when rushed, but those extra minutes make a world of difference in flavor development.

Create the signature sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and salt until completely smooth. The sauce should have a vibrant orange-pink hue and a consistency that clings to the back of a spoon. I always make extra because it disappears quickly as a dipping sauce.

Skewer with care

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece. These spaces allow hot air to circulate around each morsel, creating more surface area for caramelization and ensuring even cooking throughout.

First sauce application

Brush the raw skewered chicken with some of the bang bang sauce before cooking. This initial layer will bake into the meat, creating a flavorful foundation. Reserve most of the sauce for serving and final glazing.

Air fry to perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F then arrange the skewers in a single layer without crowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and develop appealing golden brown edges.

Final sauce glazing

Once cooked, immediately brush the hot skewers with another generous layer of bang bang sauce. The residual heat will help the sauce slightly melt into the meat creating an irresistible glaze.

Serve immediately

Garnish with optional chopped parsley or sesame seeds and serve with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping. The contrast between the hot skewers and cool extra sauce creates a delightful temperature play.

The sweet chili sauce is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic when experimenting with different condiments in my pantry one night, and its combination of sweetness with mild heat creates that distinctive bang bang flavor that makes these skewers so addictive. My kids initially approached cautiously due to the spicy name, but now they request these skewers weekly claiming they arent hot, just flavorful.

Make Ahead Tips

These skewers are perfect for meal prep and planning ahead. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. This extended marination actually improves the flavor penetration, resulting in even more delicious skewers. The bang bang sauce can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored separately in an airtight container. Having these components ready to go makes assembly incredibly quick when youre ready to cook.

Keto Adaptation

To make these skewers keto friendly, simply substitute the sweeteners with low carb alternatives. Use a sugar free sweet chili sauce or make your own with red pepper flakes, vinegar, and a keto approved sweetener. Replace the traditional honey with a sugar free honey substitute or liquid allulose. The full fat mayonnaise is already keto friendly, making this adaptation fairly straightforward. With these simple swaps, you can reduce the carb count to under 2g net carbs per serving while maintaining all the incredible flavor that makes these skewers special.

Serving Suggestions

These bang bang chicken skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides depending on your dietary preferences. For a complete low carb meal, serve alongside cauliflower rice or a crisp Asian inspired slaw with sesame dressing. If carbs arent a concern, coconut rice makes an excellent complement to the sweet and spicy flavors. For a party presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and small bowls of extra bang bang sauce. The colorful display always elicits compliments before anyone even tastes them.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover skewers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through, or use a microwave at 70% power to prevent the meat from becoming tough. I prefer storing the chicken and sauce separately for the best texture, adding fresh sauce after reheating. These also make excellent cold leftovers, chopped and added to salads or wrapped in lettuce cups for a quick lunch option.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes bang bang sauce special?

Bang bang sauce gets its unique flavor from the perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey. This combination creates a distinctive sweet-spicy taste that's creamy and rich while delivering just the right amount of heat.

→ Can I make these chicken skewers keto-friendly?

Yes! To make these skewers keto-friendly, simply substitute regular sweet chili sauce with a low-carb version, use a keto-friendly hot sauce, and replace regular honey with a sugar-free alternative. The full-fat mayonnaise is already keto-approved.

→ How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

The chicken skewers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. They typically need 12-15 minutes in a 400°F air fryer, flipping halfway through. The chicken should appear golden brown and no longer pink in the center.

→ Can I cook these skewers without an air fryer?

Absolutely! While the air fryer delivers excellent results, these skewers can also be prepared on a grill (5-7 minutes per side) or in a 400°F oven (18-20 minutes, turning halfway). Just ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have time, letting it marinate for 2-4 hours will enhance the flavor even more. In a pinch, even a quick 10-minute marinade will add some flavor.

→ What can I serve with these chicken skewers?

These versatile skewers pair wonderfully with cauliflower rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a complete low-carb meal. For non-keto options, serve with jasmine rice, noodles, or inside lettuce wraps with fresh vegetables.