The aroma of seasoned chicken sizzling away in the air fryer is a mouthwatering promise of a delightful meal. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken comes together in about 30 minutes, and its juicy, crispy texture paired with a creamy, spicy sauce is a perfect harmony of flavors. With just the right balance of heat and sweetness, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your dining table.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want to share something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. You can easily prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to deepen for an even better taste when it’s time to cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The air fryer gives the chicken a crispy exterior without deep frying.
- The bang bang sauce combines sweet and spicy flavors.
- It cooks quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- The dish is easily customizable with your favorite spices.
What You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to get started on this flavorful dish.
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp onion granules
- ½ tsp garlic granules
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup Sriracha
- 1 tsp garlic granules
For Serving
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Note: Adjust the heat level of the sauce by varying the amount of Sriracha.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken thighs can be swapped for chicken breasts.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Cajun seasoning can be replaced with your favorite spice blend.
- Mayonnaise can be exchanged for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
How to Make It
Here’s how to create this delicious dish step-by-step.
1. Prepare the sauce
Combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and garlic granules in a bowl and stir to mix. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Season the chicken
Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-size pieces of about 1 – 1½ inches and transfer them to a large bowl. Season with Cajun seasoning, onion granules, garlic granules, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss well to ensure that every piece is evenly coated.
3. Skewer the chicken
Thread the seasoned chicken onto metal skewers until all the chicken is used up.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Carefully place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on your air fryer’s size.
5. Cook the chicken
Cook for 8-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn the skewers halfway through for even cooking.
6. Mix the sauce
While the skewers are cooking, remove the sauce from the fridge, add chopped parsley, and mix to combine.
7. Serve the skewers
Carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer onto a plate. Brush the bang bang sauce on each chicken skewer while it’s still hot for better flavor absorption. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
8. Enjoy
Serve the chicken skewers hot with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice on top for added brightness.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, chicken can become dry when frozen.
Reheat: Use an air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation.
- Brush the sauce onto the hot chicken immediately for maximum flavor absorption.
- Experiment with additional spices in the marinade for variety.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Serve with rice or quinoa to make it a heartier dish.
- Great for game day gatherings or backyard barbecues.
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