Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (Juicy, Easy & Ready in 20 Minutes)

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 lb skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-size pieces); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Lemon wedges (to garnish); Chopped fresh parsley (to garnish)

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These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers make a quick and flavorful dinner option. Juicy chicken thighs are marinated, air-fried, and brushed with a butter sauce for a tasty meal that’s cooked in just 20 minutes.

Golden Brown Air Fryer Chicken Skewers on White Plate with Fresh Parsley and Lemon Wedges.

They are ideal for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, delivering big flavor with little effort. They can be served with any side dish, including potatoes, salad and even pastas.

Reasons To Love This Recipe

Quick Cooking: The air fryer cooks chicken skewers quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Option: Using an air fryer reduces the need for excess oil while still achieving a crispy exterior.
Versatile Flavoring: The marinade can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, allowing for endless flavor combinations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed for air fryer chicken skewers laid out on a white board.

Chicken: Skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, adjust cook time), cut into bite-size pieces
Oil: Olive oil or any neutral oil
Seasonings (for marinade): Paprika, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, dried parsley
Sauce base: Unsalted butter
Sauce flavorings: Minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley
Sweetener: Honey (or maple syrup)
For serving: Lemon wedges, extra chopped fresh parsley

Ingredient Substitutions

Marinade: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, barbecue sauce, or curry powder.
Chicken: Substitute with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different protein options.
Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the skewers, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or squash.

How To Make Chicken Skewers In Air Fryer

Cubed chicken thighs are seasoned in a bowl. — **Step 1: Prepare the chicken.** Combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, and seasonings, mixing well. Allow the chicken to marinade for at least 30 minutes.

Chicken is threaded onto skewers and marinated, placed on a white plate. — **Step 2: Prepare the skewers,** Thread the chicken onto skewers, pushing them to the ends and making sure they are evenly distributed.

Chicken Skewers Arranged in Air Fryer Basket with Crispy Edges and Juicy Texture. Brushed with butter sauce. — **Step 3: Cook the chicken.** Place the skewers in the lined basket in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip then cook for another 8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.

Chicken marinade is prepared in a bowl. — **Step 4: Make the sauce.** Melt the butter and stir in the chopped parsley, minced garlic, honey, and crushed red pepper flakes. Brush the cooked skewers with sauce and garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

Mima’s Recipe Tips

Cut Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
Marinate for Flavor: For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating helps achieve a crispy exterior and reduces cooking time.

What to Serve with Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted air fryer potatoes seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs. They provide a hearty side that complements the flavors of the skewers beautifully.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: A vibrant salad with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese, dressed with a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. It’s refreshing and packed with protein.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: Tender, sweet potatoes seasoned with spices, offering a sweet contrast to the savory chicken skewers.
Cabbage Fattoush Salad: Crunchy veggies from this salad goes perfectly well with this chicken skewer recipe and offers a low-carb option.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Store leftover chicken (on or off the skewer) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes or the microwave for 1-2 minutes (if removed from the skewers), until warmed through.

Freezing: Freeze the cooked skewers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Oven Baked: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway though.

Grilling: Grill the skewers on a grill or grill pan on medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.

Air fryer chicken skewers in the basket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they can dry out faster than chicken thighs.

Can I make this recipe without marinating the chicken?

While marinating enhances the flavor, you can skip it if you’re short on time. Just coat the chicken in the oil and season well before cooking.

How long do I cook chicken skewers in an air fryer?

Cook chicken skewers at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

Close up of chicken skewers on a platter.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

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