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; 1 tbsp honey

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO) are an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners and casual entertaining! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for dishes that are both incredibly delicious and remarkably easy to make. This recipe ticks all those boxes and then some. People adore these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers because they deliver that satisfying, slightly crispy exterior without the mess or fuss of deep frying, and they cook up incredibly fast. What truly makes these special is the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken infused with vibrant seasonings, all achieved with the magic of your air fryer. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to bring maximum flavor with minimum effort. Get ready for a new go-to favorite!

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO)

Get ready for some seriously delicious and incredibly easy chicken skewers! These air fryer chicken skewers are a weeknight dinner game-changer. They’re juicy, flavorful, and come together in a flash, making them perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time. Plus, with that crispy exterior and tender interior, you won’t believe how simple they were to make. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation. And don’t worry, if you’re not a huge fan of heat, you can easily adjust the cayenne pepper!

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

Cooking Instructions

Let’s get these flavorful chicken skewers into your air fryer!

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by ensuring your chicken thighs are cut into uniform 2-inch pieces. This is crucial for even cooking. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the dry seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure each piece of chicken is well-coated. The turmeric not only adds a subtle earthy flavor but also gives the chicken a beautiful golden hue. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add the tablespoon of avocado oil to this mixture and toss again. This helps the spices adhere better and adds a touch more moisture. If you have time, let this marinate for at least 15-30 minutes at room temperature, or even longer in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer and Assemble Skewers: While your chicken is getting friendly with its spices, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This initial high heat is key to getting that nice sear and crispiness on the chicken. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer. Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; this allows the hot air to circulate effectively around each piece of chicken, ensuring they cook evenly and get that desirable crispy texture. You’ll likely need to make 2-3 skewers depending on the size of your chicken pieces.

3. Air Fry the Chicken Skewers: Carefully place the chicken skewers in the preheated air fryer basket. You might need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket; the air needs to circulate freely around the skewers for them to cook properly and develop that lovely crispiness. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and has a nice golden-brown exterior with slightly crispy edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as air fryers can vary in intensity.

4. Prepare the Garlic Butter Glaze: While the chicken is air frying, it’s time to whip up a quick and utterly delicious glaze. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 8 tablespoons of salted butter. Once melted, add the 6 cloves of minced garlic to the butter. Cook gently for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Then, stir in the 1 tablespoon of honey and the 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley. Whisk everything together until well combined and slightly thickened. This simple glaze adds an incredible richness and depth of flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.

5. Glaze and Serve: Once the chicken skewers are cooked and have been flipped, brush them generously with the prepared garlic butter glaze during the last 2-3 minutes of air frying. This allows the glaze to melt and adhere to the chicken, creating a beautiful, glossy finish and infusing it with even more flavor. You can also brush any remaining glaze over the skewers once they come out of the air fryer. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these mouthwatering air fryer chicken skewers immediately. They are fantastic on their own, or you can serve them with rice, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!

Conclusion:

So there you have it – your guide to creating perfectly tender and flavorful air fryer chicken skewers! This recipe is truly fantastic because it delivers juicy, delicious chicken with that desirable slight crisp on the outside, all without the mess or added oil of traditional frying. The air fryer does all the work, making it an incredibly quick and easy weeknight meal solution. We love serving these skewers over a bed of fluffy rice with a side of steamed broccoli or alongside a fresh, vibrant salad. For variations, feel free to experiment with different marinades – think teriyaki, lemon herb, or even a spicy chili lime! Don’t be afraid to add colorful bell peppers and onions to your skewers for extra flavor and visual appeal. I truly encourage you to give this air fryer chicken skewers recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than suggested?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator can enhance the flavor even further. Just ensure it’s covered tightly.

What other vegetables can I put on the skewers with the chicken?

Feel free to get creative! Cherry tomatoes, chunks of zucchini, mushrooms, or even pineapple chunks can be delicious additions. Just ensure they are cut to a size that will cook through at the same rate as the chicken.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the air fryer?

Ensure your chicken pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation. Basting with any leftover marinade during the last few minutes of cooking can also help maintain moisture.