Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

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By Chris Joe

5 from 22 votes

Nov 02, 2023

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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!

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes (2)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

First things first, here is what you’ll need for the BEST Air Fryer Chicken Skewers:

  • Chicken Marinade
  • Garlic Herb Butter
    • butter
    • freshly chopped parsley
    • honey
    • garlic

What spices should you use for the chicken?

You can use whatever spices you like! 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.
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Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes (4)

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.

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes (5)

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!

Tips for the BEST Air Fryer Chicken Skewers:

  1. 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.
  2. Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes, or ideally, a few hours to infuse it with flavor.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Thread Chicken Evenly: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers evenly, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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!

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Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes (6)

5 from 22 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

By: Chris Joe

Servings: 3

Prep: 25 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Save

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!

Ingredients

Garlic Herb Butter

  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 6 cloves minced garlic

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, 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.

  • Make butter in pot 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.

  • 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).

  • Top with parsley and brush with the garlic herb butter and enjoy!

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Tried this recipe?Mention @cj.eats_ or tag #cjeatsrecipes!

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes (8)

About CJ

I’m a third generation Chinese-American home cook who has always loved cooking & eating! Welcome to my food blog, where you can find trusted, tested, easy & approachable recipes for the everyday home cook that taste delicious! I am so glad you're here!

Read more about me

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Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers - CJ Eats Recipes? ›

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).

Can I put frozen chicken skewers in the air fryer? ›

Air Fry Frozen

Set temperature to 180°C. Remove from all packaging, wrap exposed skewers with foil. Place into air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.

How long to soak wooden skewers before air frying? ›

Start by soaking the wooden skewer for at least 30 minutes. This helps to prevent the meat from sticking to the skewer while cooking and it prevents the wood from burning. I like to use 6-inch or 8-inch skewers (that's what fits inside my air fryer).

How to cook chicken skewers in air fryer ninja? ›

Cooking the Skewers

Spray the surface and add the skewers in. Air fry for about 6 to 8 minutes or until golden and charred on top and then rotate. Spray with oil again and air fry for another 6 to 8 minutes! And that's it, you have chicken kabobs in 15 minutes all in the air fryer.

Do you need to soak skewers for an air fryer? ›

If I'm using metal skewers, do I need to soak them before adding the chicken? No. The purpose of soaking wooden bamboo skewers is to prevent them from burning while on the grill or in the air fryer. If you choose to use metal, they are ready to go.

Do you have to soak skewers before air frying? ›

Tips for the BEST Air Fryer Chicken Skewers:

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.

Can you put foil in an air fryer? ›

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

Are wooden skewers safe in air fryer? ›

Can you put wood skewers in the air fryer? Yes, wood skewers can go in the air fryer, just like you can use them in your oven or on the grill. However, since an air fryer basket is rather small, it's best to use shorter wooden skewers (5-6 inches) or to cut longer skewers in half.

Can I put frozen raw chicken in the air fryer? ›

Can you put frozen chicken in an air fryer? Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400℉ (200 ℃ ) and then place the frozen chicken in the basket for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken, add oil and seasoning, and cook it until the internal temperature is 74℃ (165℉) .

What happens if you don't soak wooden skewers? ›

Damp skewers will get really hot, but they won't burn. That's why you need to soak your high-quality bamboo wooden skewers before threading them with ingredients. How long should you soak skewers? Pop them into a pan of warm water for at least 30 minutes before using them.

How do you know when skewers are done? ›

Beef and lamb kabobs

Beef and lamb should reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare meat, 71°C (160°F) for medium and 77°C (170°F) for well-done meat. The edges of the kabob pieces should be browned, but it's not necessary to be browned all over.

What do you soak skewer sticks in? ›

Simply fill the dish with water — the water temperature does not matter — and set them aside to absorb the moisture. For most recipes, 30 minutes is the soak time sweet spot. Quick-cooking skewered appetizers, like this antipasto appetizer , are only on the grill for a short time.

Are bamboo skewers safe in air fryer? ›

Both stainless steel and bamboo skewers can be used in air fryers. If using bamboo skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (an hour is better) to keep them from burning. Trim any excess length and/or cover the ends with aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection while using bamboo skewers.

Can you put charcoal in an air fryer? ›

Light up coal, put it on a foil paper, spray sokd cooking oil and close the air fryer.

Can you put beef skewers in air fryer? ›

Preheat air fryer to 180°C. Arrange skewers in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Cook for 8-10 mins, turning, or until the beef is cooked to your liking.

Can we put steel skewers in air fryer? ›

Again, check they fit before putting them in the Air fryer and if you have metal skewers with the silicon ends on them, they are fine to use too!

What temperature do you cook skewers? ›

Grill kabobs over direct heat of approximately 400°F. Kabobs with 3/4-inch cubes require approximately 8 to 10 minutes of total time on the grill, flipping halfway through. Bigger chunks will take a few more minutes.

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