Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken

The aroma of succulent, air-fried chicken fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to gather at the table. This Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken is an easy-to-make dish that takes just around 30 minutes from start to finish. The secret lies in the crispy texture and the kick of flavors that the bang bang sauce brings to the juicy, seasoned chicken.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. It can be made ahead of time, and any leftovers can be stored for later enjoyment without losing their delightful qualities.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The air fryer provides a crispy texture without the extra oil, making it a healthier choice.
• Each bite is packed with bold flavors from the Cajun seasoning and the spicy bang bang sauce.
• It’s quick to prepare and cooks in under 15 minutes.
• The chicken remains juicy and tender, thanks to the marinating in oil and spices.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients for this delicious recipe:

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup Sriracha
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion granules
• ½ teaspoon garlic granules
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a different flavor.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken thighs can be substituted with chicken breasts.
• Cajun seasoning can be replaced with any preferred seasoning blend.
• Mayonnaise can be swapped for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

How to Make It

Here’s a simple guide to prepare this dish:

1. Prepare the bang bang sauce

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and garlic granules. Stir until well mixed, then cover with plastic film and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Season the chicken

Cut the boneless chicken thighs into bite-size pieces of about 1 – 1 ½ inches and transfer to a large bowl. Season with Cajun seasoning, onion and 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. This helps with even cooking and makes for easy serving.

4. Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

5. Cook the chicken

Carefully place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook for 8-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), flipping halfway through for even cooking.

6. Finish the sauce

While the skewers are cooking, remove the sauce from the fridge, add the chopped parsley, and mix well to combine.

7. Serve the chicken

Carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer and place them on a plate. Brush the bang bang sauce on each skewer while still hot to enhance flavor absorption. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

8. Enjoy your meal

Serve the chicken skewers hot with extra bang bang sauce for dipping. A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice on top adds an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 2 months, best when fully cooked.
Reheat: Microwave or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Using chicken thighs will provide more moisture compared to breasts.
• Let the chicken marinate in the spices for at least 15 minutes for deeper flavor.
• For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F to guarantee safe eating.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve at a game day gathering or barbecue for a crowd-pleaser.
• Offer as an appetizer at a party with various dipping sauces.