Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that’s full of bold flavour, these Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are it! These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are a simple and flavourful take on a popular Sichuan-inspired dish. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a mix of smoked paprika, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and lime, then air fried until perfectly charred and tender. What really brings it all together is the creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce made with Kewpie mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of lime juice. It’s a great recipe for grilling season—easy to prep, full of flavour, and always a hit at the table.

Components

• Chicken thighs
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Red pepper flakes
• White pepper
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Lime juice
• Avocado oil
• Soy Sauce
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Kewpie Mayo
• Sweet chili
• Sriracha
• Green onion

Air fryer Tips for Success

1. Preheat your airfryer – Just like an oven, your air fryer needs a few minutes to heat up. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it that nice, slightly charred edge.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Make sure the skewers aren’t packed too closely together. Air needs to flow around each one to cook them evenly and get that crisp on the outside.
3. Flip Halfway Through – At about the halfway mark, flip the skewers so they cook evenly on both sides. This helps avoid burning and gives you a nice even finish.
4. Light Oil Helps – Spray a little oil on the basket and the skewers before cooking. It helps prevent sticking and adds a little extra crisp without deep frying.
5. Watch the Time – Every air fryer is a little different, so start checking around 12 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and slightly golden on the edges.
6. Add the sauce after cooking – For the best flavour and texture, toss or drizzle the Bang Bang sauce after the chicken comes out of the air fryer.

The Bang Bang Sauce

What makes Bang Bang sauce so good is its perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Made with Kewpie mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of lime juice, it’s rich and tangy with just the right amount of heat. The creaminess cools down the spice, while the lime adds a fresh, zesty kick—making it the ultimate finishing touch for chicken skewers (or just about anything else).

Serving Suggestions

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are super versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Try them over jasmine rice or coconut rice with a side of steamed veggies for a full meal. They also work great in lettuce wraps, tacos, or rice bowls topped with fresh herbs and extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve them on top of a crisp salad with a drizzle of bang bang sauce as the dressing.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the Bang Bang Chicken Skewers cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the texture will be softer. Store the sauce separately and add it fresh after reheating for the best flavour.

Tools Used

• Ninja Air fryer
• 8″ Metal skewers

Watch How its Made

5 from 3 votes

Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

These Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavor thanks to a zesty marinade and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Cooked quickly in the air fryer, they’re a fuss-free, delicious option for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Serve them with rice, salad, or in wraps for a satisfying meal.

Recipe Keys: C Chicken

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 lbs. Chicken thighs (boneless skinless)
• 1 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Red pepper flakes
• ¹⁄₄ tsp White pepper
• ¹⁄₄ tsp Black pepper
• ¹⁄₄ tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Lime juice (1/2 a lime)
• 1 tbsp Avocado oil
• 1 tsp Soy sauce
• 1 tsp Sesame oil
• 1 tsp Brown sugar

Sauce

• 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo
• 1 tbsp Sweet chili
• ¹⁄₂-1 tbsp Sriracha
• ¹⁄₄ of a Lime juice
• Green onion (garnish)

Instructions

1. Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, white pepper, black pepper, salt, lime juice, avocado oil, soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Mix well and optionally allow this to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and garnish.

2. To make the bang bang sauce, combine Kewpie mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl. Mix well until combined.

3. Preheat the air fryer by running at 400°F for about 5 minutes. While it heats up, thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers. Try not to overcrowd or pack the chicken on the skewers too tightly. Optionally sprinkle the chicken lightly with salt. 

4. Place the skewers on a rack in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F for 7 to 8 minutes. Flip the skewers, then cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crisp on the edges.

5. Immediately brush the chicken generously with the bang bang sauce and garnish with chopped green onion.