Air Fryer Chicken Skewers -Tender and Juicy! (VIDEO)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers came out so juicy and are a perfect quick weeknight meal! They’re delicately marinated in a blend of delicious spices and then generously brushed with a garlic herb butter that is incredible! The best part? They’re quick and easy done in less than an hour!
Watch the Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Video Below!
Ingredients
First things first, here is what you’ll need for the BEST Air Fryer Chicken Skewers – Want a non-meat alternative? Try my super crispy Air Fryer Tofu!
- Chicken Marinade
- chicken thighs cut to 2” pieces
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- cayenne
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- avocado oil
- Garlic Herb Butter
- butter
- freshly chopped parsley
- honey
- garlic
Want to fry chicken instead? Make my easy Fried Chicken! Feel like pork? Try Air Fryer Crispy Pork Belly!
What spices should you use for the chicken?
You can use whatever spices you like for Air Fryer Chicken Skewers! For this marinade, this was the spice combination that I like best – it resulted in a smokey, garlic flavor with a bit of spice!
- Onion Powder: A dehydrated onion product that imparts a sweet and savory onion flavor, commonly used in dry rubs, soups, and roasted vegetables.
- Garlic Powder: Made from dried garlic cloves, it offers a strong and pungent garlic flavor, widely used in pasta sauces, marinades, and seasoning blends.
- Turmeric: A vibrant yellow spice known for its earthy, slightly bitter taste and peppery aroma, often found in curry dishes, rice, and soups.
- Paprika: Available in various types (sweet, smoked, hot), it adds color, flavor, and mild to moderate heat to dishes, commonly used in European and Mediterranean cuisines.
- Cayenne Pepper: A fiery spice made from dried and ground cayenne peppers, it provides intense heat and is used sparingly in chili, sauces, and spicy dishes.
Where did the skewer cooking technique come from?
The history of skewering food traces back thousands of years, reflecting the ingenuity of humanity in cooking. Originating in ancient Middle Eastern civilizations, the practice of impaling meat and vegetables on skewers and grilling them over open flames become popular, leaving its flavorful mark on diverse cultures.
Skewering food has transcended borders to evolving with culinary traditions and technological advances. Over time, it has not only served as a practical method of cooking but also as a means to infuse flavors, creating a delectable history that continues to bring people together around shared meals.
Can I substitute the protein?
You could easily substitute the chicken for beef, lamb, or pork! I would suggest using a protein that has a good amount of fat (15-20%) to ensure the skewers turn out nice and juicy!
Want to make wings instead? Make my Air Fryer Chicken Wings, which is the top recipe on my site!
Tips for the BEST Air Fryer Chicken Skewers:
- Choose Boneless, Skinless Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lean and tender result. Cut them into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes, or ideally, a few hours to infuse it with flavor.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: I did not experience my skewers burning, but if you do and you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: If needed, preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at the recommended temperature for your recipe. Preheating ensures that the chicken will start cooking immediately and helps with even cooking.
- Thread Chicken Evenly: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
- Lightly Oil the Skewers: Lightly brush the chicken skewers with oil or cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Arrange in a Single Layer: Place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking.
- Flip and Rotate: If necessary, flip the chicken skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on all sides. If your air fryer has a rotating basket, take advantage of it for even cooking.
Did you enjoy this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers recipe? Check out some of the most popular recipes on the blog! Please consider leaving a review and letting me know your thoughts about the recipe. It really helps out the blog!
If you tried this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below!
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO)
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
Garlic Herb Butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, plush more for garnish
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Cut chicken thigh into 2 inch pieces and place in a small bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, tumeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Once mixed, add to the chicken pieces along with a tablespoon of avocado oil. Mix thoroughly until combined and marinate for 20 minutes.
- Skewer the chicken pieces tightly onto bamboo skewers. Line the basket with parchment paper and lay the chicken skewers on the parchment paper. Air fry at 400F for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken skewers and air fry at 400F for another 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165F internal temp).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add honey and freshly chopped parsley and stir to combine. Turn off the heat.
- Top with the skewers with more parsley and brush with the garlic herb butter and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We make these ALL the time. I also prep them for our RV trips- I make the marinade, add the diced chicken pieces and then freeze it (flat like a book so I can stack in the freezer). When we’re ready for this meal- i thaw the bag, skewer the chicken, air fry (my microwave in my RV is also an air fryer), and make the sauce. Fantastic and one of my husbands favorite meals.
I’m so glad you and your husband love them!
Recipe has way too much salt.
Feel free to adjust to your preference!
Delicious! So easy to make & more than worth it! My entire family absolutely loved this recipe. It is definitely going in our family favorites cookbook.
Thank you so much!
This recipe is incredibly delicious! My entire family loved it & asked for to be a staple chicken recipe for anytime they come over for family dinner. It is very easy & quick to make. It’s definitely going in our family favorites cookbook.
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you for trying my recipe for your family!
Amazing! So delicious and tender.
Absolute gem. Loved it and easy to make.
Thanks so much Peter!