These Low Carb Air Fryer Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are coated in a zesty, spicy sauce that's sure to please. A perfect low-carb and diabetic-friendly recipe for those who love big flavor without the carbs. Don't have an air fryer? We also provide the oven method below.
Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, this dish is a weeknight game-changer. Just like some of our other low carb chicken recipes like this Crispy Chicken Thighs recipe. You might also enjoy these chicken recipes: Low Carb Sesame Chicken, Low Carb Carnivore Chicken, Sugar Free Bourbon Chicken, Low Carb Chicken Fajitas, Low Carb Italian Chicken Cutlets or this Bold and Spicy Angry Chicken Recipe. Serve the bang bang chicken with this Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice Recipe.
Love skewer recipes? Try these Low Carb Cuban Sandwich Skewers.
Jump To:
- Why you'll love this low carb bang bang chicken recipe
- Main ingredients and why they work in this recipe
- Steps by step instructions
- How to make low carb bang bang chicken skewers in the air fryer?
- How to make low carb bang bang chicken skewers in the oven?
- Crispy Chicken Thighs
- Top Tip
- Recipe variations
- Store and reheat leftovers
- Frequently asked questions
- Other low carb dinner recipes
- Recipe Card
Why you'll love this low carb bang bang chicken recipe
- Low Carb: Perfect for low carb diets, helping you stay on track.
- Diabetic Friendly: Made with ingredients that support blood sugar management.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes using your air fryer.
- Flavorful: Combines spicy, tangy, and savory flavors for a delicious meal.
- Healthy Choice: Uses wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste.
Main ingredients and why they work in this recipe
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Chili Pepper Flakes: Introduces heat for a spicy flavor profile.
- Minced Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its bold, aromatic flavor.
- Brown Sweetener: Provides a hint of sweetness without the carbs, balancing the spiciness.
- Ground Ginger Powder: Adds warmth and a slight zestiness.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base, blending all the flavors together smoothly.
For the Chicken:
- Soy Sauce: Infuses the chicken with a deep, savory umami flavor.
- Ground Turmeric: Provides an earthy flavor and vibrant color.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory taste and complements the other spices.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and rich color.
- Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Chili Powder: Adds a bit of spice and complexity.
- Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that absorbs the marinade well and cooks evenly in the air fryer.
Blood Sugar Steady System with recipes, meal plans, and real support.
Start your journey today!
Steps by step instructions
How to make low carb bang bang chicken skewers in the air fryer?
STEP 1: Soak Skewers: Place skewers in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.
STEP 2: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce:
- Whisk together the rice wine vinegar, chili pepper flakes, minced garlic, salt, brown sweetener, and ground ginger powder in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Allow to completely coo, then whisk into the mayonnaise. Set aside.
This recipe makes extra sauce so you can use store in an airtight container and use for other recipes as well. Save the Low Carb Bang Bang Sauce recipe.
STEP 3: Preheat Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
STEP 4: Prepare Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, black pepper, salt, ground turmeric, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and chili powder. Whisk until a paste forms.
Add cubed chicken and mix until well coated.
STEP 5: Skewer Chicken:
Thread chicken onto skewers.
STEP 6: Air Fry Chicken:
- Place bang bang chicken skewers in the preheated air fryer.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- Brush both sides of the chicken with the prepared bang bang sauce.
- Air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. (You may need to cook the chicken in batches)
Serve the chicken skewers with extra bang bang sauce drizzled on top or as a dipping sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
How to make low carb bang bang chicken skewers in the oven?
To make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Follow the same steps for preparing the bang bang sauce and marinating the chicken as outlined in the original recipe. After threading the chicken onto skewers, follow these steps:
- Place skewers on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brush both sides of chicken with bang bang sauce.
- Return to oven for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy your low carb bang bang chicken skewers straight from the oven!
viral recipe!
Crispy Chicken Thighs
So crispy and flavorful
Top Tip
For an extra crispy texture, lightly coat the chicken skewers with a thin layer of cooking spray before air frying. This helps achieve a golden brown crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
Recipe variations
Enjoy some variations of this recipe to give these low carb bang bang chicken skewers a little twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets for a meat-free alternative.
- Seafood Twist: Use shrimp or fish fillets instead of chicken for a seafood version of bang bang skewers.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Citrus Zing: Squeeze in some lime or lemon juice to the bang bang sauce for a tangy kick.
- Veggie Boost: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for additional flavor and texture.
Store and reheat leftovers
To store leftover bang bang chicken skewers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and store for up to 3 days.
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results, drizzle a little extra bang bang sauce over the chicken before reheating to keep it moist and flavorful. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce and marinate the skewed chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used as a delicious alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.
Hungry for more?
Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Recipe Card
Low Carb Bang Bang Chicken (Air Fryer Recipe)
Instructional Recipe Video
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Chili Pepper Flakes use less if you don't want it to be very spicy.
- 1 clove minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ tablespoon brown sweetener
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Chicken Skewers
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce or tamari or coconut aminos
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 medium chicken breasts cubed
Instructions
- Soak skewers in water for 10-15 minutes.
- Mix sauce ingredients (except mayonnaise) in a saucepan over medium heat, then turn down to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool, then whisk in mayonnaise. Set aside.½ cup rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Chili Pepper Flakes, 1 clove minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ tablespoon brown sweetener, 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger, ½ cup mayonnaise
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix chicken ingredients into a paste, add cubed chicken, and coat well.1 tablespoon Soy Sauce, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 medium chicken breasts
- Thread chicken onto skewers and air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Brush chicken on both sides with bang bang sauce, air fry for another 5 minutes, then serve with extra sauce and garnish with cilantro.
- Watch the instructional recipe video before making this recipe.
Notes
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Debbie V. says
Loved it! I baked the skewers. Served with cauliflower rice with some veggies added. It is spicy but more flavorful than fiery hot. So glad I found your website.
Lathiya says
We are in love with this bang bang chicken. I tried this last week and it was gone in minutes. My kids were literally licking their fingers.
Swathi says
These are delicious chicken recipes, bang bang chicken is always my favorite. my family enjoyed your recipe.
Sonja says
I love quick air fryer recipes during the week and this is one of the best. The sauce has the perfect balance of spicy, savory and sweet and comes together so quickly. Made it with chicken and will try cauliflower next. No one even realised it's low carb.