Name: Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs (cut to 2” pieces); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; 1/4 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 6 cloves garlic (minced); 8 tbsp salted butter; 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley; 1 tbsp honey

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are about to become your new weeknight hero! If you’re like me, you crave that delicious, slightly smoky flavor of grilled chicken but dread the hassle of firing up the barbecue, especially on a busy evening. Well, get ready to rejoice, because these air fryer chicken skewers deliver all that satisfying taste and tender, juicy texture with a fraction of the effort. People absolutely adore these skewers because they’re incredibly versatile, remarkably quick to make, and consistently turn out perfectly cooked. What truly makes these air fryer chicken skewers special is how the hot air circulation creates a beautiful, golden-brown exterior while keeping the chicken unbelievably moist and succulent on the inside. It’s a culinary magic trick that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal. Plus, the cleanup? A dream!

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO)

Get ready for an incredibly easy and delicious weeknight meal! These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time it takes to grill or bake them. The air fryer creates a wonderful crispy exterior while keeping the chicken incredibly tender on the inside. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a fun dinner, or even as an appetizer for your next gathering. Plus, the buttery garlic-herb sauce is simply divine and elevates these simple skewers to something truly special.

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken thighs (cut to 2” pieces)

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp tumeric

½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tbsp avocado oil

6 cloves garlic (minced)

8 tbsp salted butter

1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)

1 tbsp honey

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

The first step to these amazing chicken skewers is to get our chicken prepped. You’ll want to start with about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are fantastic for this recipe because they have a higher fat content, which means they stay incredibly juicy and flavorful, even when cooked in the air fryer. Cut the chicken thighs into roughly 2-inch pieces. This size is perfect for skewering and ensures they cook evenly.

In a medium bowl, we’re going to create our simple yet flavorful spice rub. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Give this spice mix a good whisk to combine all the flavors. Now, add the cut chicken pieces to the bowl with the spices. Drizzle in the 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. The oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and also contributes to a nice browning. Toss everything together with your hands or a spoon until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the spice mixture. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or you can cover it and refrigerate it for a few hours for an even deeper flavor. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you plan to assemble the skewers. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.

Step 2: Skewer the Chicken

Once your chicken has had a chance to absorb those lovely spices, it’s time to get them onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaking as mentioned in the previous step. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This spacing allows the hot air to circulate around each chicken piece, ensuring even cooking and a nice crispy exterior. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; aim for about 4-5 pieces per skewer, depending on the length of your skewers and the size of your chicken pieces. If you have extra chicken pieces that don’t fit on the skewers, don’t worry! You can cook them directly in the air fryer basket as well.

Step 3: Air Fry the Skewers

Now for the magic of the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This preheating step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture right from the start. Once preheated, carefully arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket; this allows the hot air to circulate effectively around the chicken, which is key for even cooking and crispiness.

Air fry the skewers for 12-15 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, around the 6-7 minute mark, it’s a good idea to flip the skewers. This ensures that all sides of the chicken get nicely browned and cooked through. You can also give the basket a gentle shake if you’re cooking chicken pieces directly in the basket. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when they are fully cooked.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic-Herb Butter Sauce

While the chicken is air frying, let’s whip up that incredibly flavorful garlic-herb butter sauce. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the 8 tablespoons of salted butter over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals. Be careful not to let the butter brown or burn. Once the butter is melted, add the 6 cloves of minced garlic to the warm butter. Let the garlic infuse in the butter for a few minutes to release its aromatic oils. This gentle infusion process mellows the raw garlic flavor and makes it deliciously fragrant.

After the garlic has had a chance to infuse, stir in the 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley and the 1 tablespoon of honey. The honey adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the savory garlic and butter. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined and the sauce is smooth and glistening. You’ll want to keep this sauce warm until the chicken is ready to be served.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your chicken skewers have finished air frying and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove them from the air fryer. They should look beautifully golden brown and slightly crispy. Immediately brush or spoon the warm garlic-herb butter sauce generously over the hot chicken skewers. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce coat each piece beautifully. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are best served immediately while they’re hot and juicy. They make a fantastic main course served with a side salad, rice, or your favorite roasted vegetables. They’re also great for dipping into extra sauce! Enjoy this incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious dish.

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers! This recipe truly shines because it delivers incredibly juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The air fryer magic ensures a delightful crisp on the outside while keeping the inside wonderfully tender, making them a weeknight lifesaver.

These versatile skewers are fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice, tucked into warm pita bread with your favorite toppings, or alongside a vibrant Greek salad for a complete meal. Feel free to get creative with your marinades! Try a teriyaki glaze, a spicy chili-lime, or even a creamy yogurt-based marinade for different flavor profiles. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always delicious.

I truly encourage you to give these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers a try. They’re simple enough for begin extractners but impressive enough for company. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of chicken is best for air fryer chicken skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally recommended for their inherent juiciness and tendency to stay tender during the cooking process. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used; just be sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on busy evenings.

How do I ensure the chicken doesn’t stick to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spraying your air fryer basket with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper designed for air fryers will help prevent sticking. Ensure the chicken pieces aren’t overcrowded in the basket, allowing for proper air circulation and even cooking.