Name: Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ¼ 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; Wooden or metal skewers

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO) are the ultimate weeknight dinner hero, and for good reason! Imagin extracte tender, juicy chicken pieces, perfectly seasoned and lightly crisped, all cooked in a fraction of the time and with significantly less mess than traditional grilling or pan-frying. This beloved dish has captured hearts and kitchens because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and healthy meal, an aspiring chef wanting to impress with minimal fuss, or simply someone who craves delicious, easy-to-eat food, these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO) are going to become your new go-to. What truly sets these apart is the magical combination of the air fryer’s convection technology, which creates a delightful outer char while keeping the inside impossibly moist. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this simple yet spectacular recipe that’s about to become your new favorite!”

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ 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
Wooden or metal skewers

Marinating the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade Base

First, let’s get our chicken ready. Ensure your chicken thighs are cut into uniform 2-inch pieces. This consistency is key for even cooking in the air fryer. In a medium bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. This blend of spices will form the foundation of our delicious marinade. Add the tablespoon of avocado oil to the dry spice mixture. The oil helps the spices adhere to the chicken and adds a subtle richness. Now, add the chicken pieces to the bowl. Using your hands or a spoon, toss the chicken thoroughly, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the spice and oil mixture. Let this marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or for a more intense flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate the chicken.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, if you’re using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer. Once soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each piece of chicken. This allows the hot air to circulate effectively around the meat, ensuring it cooks evenly and develops a beautiful sear. Aim for about 3-4 pieces of chicken per skewer, depending on the size of your chicken pieces and skewers.

Cooking the Chicken Skewers

Step 3: Preheating and Initial Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This crucial step ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and achieves a nice crisp exterior. Once preheated, carefully arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap them. You may need to cook the skewers in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding the basket will steam the chicken rather than fry it, resulting in a less desirable texture. Air fry for 8 minutes.

Step 4: Flipping and Continuing to Cook

After the initial 8 minutes, carefully remove the air fryer basket and flip each skewer over. This ensures even browning on all sides. For the best results, I like to give the basket a gentle shake as well. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces and your specific air fryer model. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly less time and check for doneness, as chicken thighs can become dry if overcooked.

Creating the Garlic-Herb Butter Sauce

Step 5: Preparing the Luscious Sauce

While the chicken is finishing up in the air fryer, it’s time to prepare our incredibly flavorful garlic-herb butter sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 8 tablespoons of salted butter. Once the butter has melted and is slightly bubbling, add the 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for about 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of honey and the 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, allowing the flavors to meld together. This honey adds a touch of sweetness that beautifully balances the savory garlic and herbs.

Step 6: Basting and Finishing

Once the chicken skewers are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. Brush them generously with the warm garlic-herb butter sauce. Ensure each skewer is well-coated. The residual heat from the chicken will help the sauce adhere perfectly. You can do this directly in the air fryer basket or on a clean plate. For an extra burst of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle a little more freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately, allowing everyone to enjoy these juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Skewers.

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating incredibly delicious Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO)! We’ve walked through each step, from marinating your chicken to achieving that perfect golden-brown crisp in the air fryer. This recipe is surprisingly simple yet delivers restaurant-quality results, making it a fantastic weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO) your own!

Serve these flavorful skewers alongside a fresh garden salad, fluffy rice, or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. They’re also wonderful tucked into pita bread with a dollop of yogurt sauce. For variations, consider swapping out the chicken for firm tofu or shrimp. You can also get creative with your marinade – a teriyaki glaze, a spicy peanut sauce, or a lemon-herb combination are all excellent choices. The possibilities are truly endless!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make these Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (VIDEO) ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken for several hours or even overnight. Once cooked, they are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes to regain crispness.

Q: My chicken skewers are sticking to the air fryer basket. What can I do?

A: To prevent sticking, ensure your air fryer basket is adequately preheated and lightly spray or brush it with a little oil before adding the skewers. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and sticking.