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 tumeric; 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 (plus more for garnish); 1 tbsp honey

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing appetizers! If you’re looking for a way to get perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken with that irresistible crispy exterior, all without the fuss of a grill or the greasiness of deep frying, then you’ve come to the right place. We all love chicken skewers because they’re so versatile and fun to eat, but this air fryer version takes things to a whole new level. What makes these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers so special is the magic of the air fryer – it circulates hot air to create that delightful crunch and tender, succulent chicken in a fraction of the time. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this incredibly easy and delicious recipe that comes with a helpful video guide to walk you through every step!

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO)

Get ready for the most delicious and incredibly easy chicken skewers you’ve ever made! These air fryer chicken skewers are a weeknight dinner savior, packed with flavor and cooked to tender perfection in a fraction of the time it would take to grill them. The crispy exterior and juicy interior will have everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? You can achieve this restaurant-quality result right in your own kitchen with minimal cleanup. If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal, you’ve found it. We’ll walk you through every step, and while this is a written recipe, imagin extracte a helpful video playing alongside as you cook – that’s the vibe we’re going for!

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

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

Instructions:

Prep the Chicken:

Start by preparing your chicken. If you haven’t already, cut your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into roughly 2-inch pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring each piece of chicken is well-coated in the spice mixture. This marinade will infuse the chicken with fantastic flavor and help create a slightly crispy crust when it cooks. Let this sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the other components, or you can cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for an even deeper flavor.

Assemble the Skewers:

Now it’s time to get those chicken pieces onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents them from burning in the hot air fryer. Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than crisping. You should be able to fit about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on their size.

Cook the Chicken Skewers:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that delicious crispy exterior. Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer, to ensure proper air circulation around each skewer. Overcrowding will hinder the crisping process. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the exterior is golden brown and slightly charred in places.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

While the chicken is air frying, prepare the irresistible garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burned garlic can make the entire sauce taste bitter. Stir in the honey and chopped parsley. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. This sauce is incredibly simple but adds a luscious finish to the chicken skewers.

Glaze and Serve:

Once the chicken skewers are cooked and removed from the air fryer, immediately brush them generously with the warm garlic butter sauce. This step is essential for adding moisture and an extra layer of incredible flavor. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce coat beautifully. For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle with additional freshly chopped parsley. These air fryer chicken skewers are perfect served hot on their own as a appetizer, or alongside rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy the amazing flavors and the ease of this recipe!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer for weeknight meals. They’re incredibly simple to prepare, bursting with flavor, and the air fryer ensures they’re perfectly tender on the inside with just the right amount of crisp on the edges. I love how quickly they cook up, making them ideal for busy evenings when you still want something delicious and satisfying. They are so versatile; serve them with a fresh salad, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or experimenting with different marinade flavors like a spicy gochujang or a zesty lemon-herb. I truly encourage you to give these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use wooden skewers?

Absolutely! If you’re using wooden skewers, just remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken skewers?

The air fryer is your best friend for reheating these! Pop the leftovers back into your air fryer at around 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. This will help them regain some of that delightful crispness.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. Longer marination times will allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply, resulting in an even more flavorful skewer.