Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Bang Bang Sauce

Ready in under 30 minutes, these skewers feature juicy, marinated chicken paired with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. It’s the perfect quick meal for any weeknight, and also great for meal prep!

It’s true what they say: Everything tastes better on a stick. It’s fun, portable, and some even say the closer proximity of the food to your nose enhances the tasting experience. I’ve found this to be true with both sweet and savory foods, and this recipe is no exception.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Skewers:

• Chicken breasts, chopped into pieces
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Oil

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Kewpie mayo
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Garlic powder
• Chopped cilantro

Instructions:

Prepare the Skewers:

Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, black pepper, and oil. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Make the Sauce:

Mix all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Divide the sauce into two bowls: one for basting and one for serving as a dip.

Assemble and Cook:

Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.

Place skewers in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the tops of the skewers with the bang bang sauce and air fry for a few more minutes, then flip and do the same for the other side. Chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the meat is fully cooked through.

Serve:

Plate the cooked skewers and drizzle with additional Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately with more sauce on the side for dipping.

What Is Bang Bang Sauce?

Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that combines mayo and sweet chili sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s great with grilled or fried foods and adds a delightful kick without being too hot.

Tips for Perfect Skewers:

• Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for enough time to soak up the flavors.
• Cooking in Batches: Lay the skewers in a single layer when air frying. If necessary, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
• Divide the sauce: Remember to use separate bowls for the sauce used in basting and serving to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I Use Other Proteins?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are used here, chicken thighs, steak, pork, tofu, or shrimp can also be excellent choices for making skewers. You may need to adjust the cooking times based on the type of protein you are using.

How to Serve:

These skewers are versatile in serving options:

• Over rice: Serve them over a bed of fluffy rice with your favorite veggies or salad.
• As a wrap: Stuff them into a pita or tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and extra sauce for a delicious wrap or sandwich.
• With a salad: Enjoy the skewers over a salad with a base of mixed greens or crunchy romaine lettuce for a delicious low carb option.

Great for Meal Prep:

Prepare these skewers in advance and store them in airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making your meal prep both delicious and convenient.

This recipe not only offers a quick and satisfying meal but also brings the joy of street food right into your kitchen. Hope you give these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers a try!