These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal! Marinated in a blend of savory spices and brushed with a luscious garlic herb butter, they’re ready in less than an hour.
Why You’ll Love These Skewers
- Quick & Easy: A fuss-free recipe that takes less than 30 minutes of active cooking time.
- Flavor-Packed: A smoky, garlicky marinade with a touch of spice ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Versatile: Easily swap the chicken for beef, pork, or lamb, and customize the spice blend to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless, and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Garlic Powder: For a bold garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds a sweet, savory note.
- Paprika: Choose smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds a hint of heat.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Black Pepper: For a touch of warmth.
- Avocado Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken.
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- Butter: Melted, for brushing the skewers.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped for a pop of freshness.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced for a robust, aromatic finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and avocado oil, then toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to a few hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to heat for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.
- Cook the Skewers: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: While the skewers cook, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic, chopped parsley, and honey.
- Finish the Skewers: Once the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), brush the skewers generously with the garlic herb butter.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the skewers in a single layer for proper air circulation.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Variations
- Swap chicken for beef, pork, or lamb for a different protein.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the skewers for a complete meal.
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are a delicious, easy way to enjoy flavorful chicken with minimal effort. Whether paired with rice, a salad, or eaten on their own, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time!
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Marinated with a delicious spice blend and brushed with garlic herb butter, they’re ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb 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
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1 stick ½ cup butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 6 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces and place them in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Add the spice blend and avocado oil to the chicken. Mix thoroughly until well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the honey and fresh parsley. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto bamboo skewers.
Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the skewers in a single layer.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the skewers and air fry for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finish and Serve:
- Brush the cooked chicken skewers generously with the garlic herb butter. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
