These succulent lemon butter Air Fryer Chicken Skewers, a delightful addition to my collection of chicken recipes, are prepared effortlessly in your air fryer. Air fryer chicken kabobs are such an easy and fun way to prepare chicken. They are delicious and take no time to prepare. The best part is it is ready in less than 30 minutes!
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These air fryer chicken skewers are great for weeknights when you need something quick and delicious. If you want to serve a larger crowd, cook them in the barbecue and baste them with the lemon butter sauce afterward. These air fryer chicken skewers are chef’s kiss!
This was inspired by my other amazing air fryer recipes like my Air Fryer Steak Bites, My viral Air Fryer Ribeye, and so much more. Check out my other air fryer recipes here.
I love pairing these air fryer chicken skewers with my delicious Asian Garlic Noodles or my Cilantro Lime Rice.
Jump to:
- Lemon Butter Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Ingredients
- How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
- how to cook chicken skewers in air fryer
- How long to cook chicken skewers in air fryer
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment
- How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
- 3 Top Tips for Success
- FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
- Related
- Pairing
- Lemon Butter Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (Chicken Kabobs)
- Food safety
Lemon Butter Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Lemon pepper
- Garlic powder
- Neutral oil - I used avocado oil
- Salt
- 4 - 6 wooden skewers
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Lemon pepper
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon
- Honey
- Parsley
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Season the chicken thighs.
Thread the chicken pieces in the skewers and air fry.
make the Lemon Butter Sauce
Baste and enjoy!
how to cook chicken skewers in air fryer
Preparing the Chicken Skewers
- Cut the pieces of boneless and skinless chicken thighs into 2-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon pepper, garlic powder, neutral oil, and salt.
- Toss the chicken cubes in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden skewers, ensuring they're snug but not crowded.
Air Frying the Chicken Skewers
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees.
- Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cook the air fryer chicken for 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the room-temperature butter.
- Stir in garlic powder, lemon pepper, a pinch of salt and pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, lemon slices, and honey.
- Mix until the ingredients are well combined, and the sauce is smooth.
Serving
- Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the air fryer.
- Baste them with the Lemon Butter sauce over the hot chicken kebab.
How long to cook chicken skewers in air fryer
All air fryers are different my air fryer cooks 6 chicken skewers in 15 minutes, flipping them 2 times and basting them with the lemon butter sauce.
Always use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken is raw. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees.
Substitutions
For the Chicken Skewers:
Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breast, skinless slice chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Lemon Pepper: Replace lemon pepper, paprika, and cayenne - any spices would work in this delicious recipe.
Garlic Powder: Use minced garlic or garlic paste for a more intense and best flavor. If you don't have any garlic on hand and while it is not exactly the same, you can use fresh onion or onion powder to add a similar aromatic flavor to the air fryer chicken kabobs.
Neutral Oil: I used avocado oil. But olive oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or any other cooking oil can work.
Salt: Substitute with a low-sodium alternative or a salt-free herb seasoning blend.
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
Butter: To make it dairy-free, use a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
Garlic Powder: Minced fresh garlic or garlic paste can be used as a replacement. If you don't have any garlic on hand and while it is not exactly the same, you can use fresh onion or onion powder to add a similar aromatic flavor to the air fryer chicken kabobs.
Lemon Pepper: Replace with a combination of black pepper and lemon zest for a fresh, zesty taste.
Salt and Pepper: Use salt and pepper alternatives that suit your dietary requirements.
Lemon Zest: You can use lime. Fresh zest is the best part of this dish.
Lemon Juice: Fresh or bottled lemon juice, or even lime juice, can be used.
Honey: Swap with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a vegan honey substitute like agave or maple syrup.
Minced Parsley: Substitute with fresh cilantro, chives, or your preferred fresh herb for garnish.
Variations
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes or cayenne for a nice kick!
- More Fancy - to make these chicken skewers more fancy, I would add crispy garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Mediterranean Twist: Marinate the chicken using a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and thyme.
- Game Day Friendly - to make this game day friendly, triple the recipe, grill, then baste it with the Lemon Butter sauce afterward.
Equipment
- Wooden Skewers (soak 30 minutes before using)
- If grilling, you can use metal skewers.
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Air fryer
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Storing and reheating your Lemon Butter Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs is essential to maintain their quality and flavor. Here's how to do it:
Storing:
If you have leftover air fryer chicken kabobs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to remove them from the wooden skewers to prevent drying out or absorbing excess moisture. They can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Lemon Butter Sauce: Keep any leftover Lemon Butter sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for a few days.
Reheating:
1. Air fryer (Recommended):
Air fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through. Baste them again with the leftover lemon butter sauce if available.
2. Microwave (for smaller quantities):
Place a damp paper towel over the chicken to help retain moisture.
Heat them in 30-second intervals, checking and flipping them as needed until they're heated through.
3 Top Tips for Success
To ensure your Lemon Butter Air Fryer Chicken Skewers turn out delicious and well-executed, here are three top tips for success:
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before or longer to prevent the wood from burning.
- Even Skewering: When threading the chicken onto the wooden skewers, ensure that the pieces are evenly sized and spaced to promote uniform cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers inside the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and potentially undercooked or overcooked sections.
- Cooking Time: Whether you're using an air fryer, oven, or grill, closely monitor the cooking time. Overcooking can result in dry chicken, while undercooking can be a safety concern. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Yes, it's perfectly fine to put skewers (metal or bamboo skewers) in the air fryer, as long as they fit without touching the heating element. Soak the wooden/bamboo skewers before using to prevent them from burning.
Air frying, grilling, or the oven are great ways to cook kebabs. I prefer the air fryer as the chicken always comes out crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Chicken should be cooked to 165°F (74°C) or over. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken skewers in your air fryer by preheating and placing the skewers in the air fryer basket, then cooking them at around 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
Yes, metal skewers made of stainless steel or other suitable materials can be safely used in an air fryer as long as they fit comfortably and are arranged to allow proper airflow around the food.
Related
Looking for other recipes like these air fryer chicken skewers? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers:
Lemon Butter Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (Chicken Kabobs)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: makes 5 chicken skewers
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
8 pieces skinless, boneless chicken thighs (cut into 2” cubes)
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon neutral oil
1 teaspoon salt
You will also need:
4 - 6 wooden skewers (soak 30 minutes before using)
For the Lemon Butter sauce:
¼ cup (1 stick) of room-temperature butter
1 tsbp garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
Pinch of salt and pepper
1 whole lemon zest
2 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of honey
Minced parsley for color and garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Skewers
- Cut the skinless, boneless chicken thighs into 2-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, combine lemon pepper, garlic powder, neutral oil, and salt.
- Toss the chicken cubes in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden skewers, ensuring they're snug but not crowded.
Step 2: Air Frying the Chicken Skewers
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees.
- Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Making the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the room-temperature butter.
- Stir in garlic powder, lemon pepper, a pinch of salt and pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey.
- Mix until the ingredients are well combined, and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Serving
- Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the air fryer.
- Baste them with the Lemon Butter sauce over the hot chicken kabobs.
- Garnish with minced parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before or longer to prevent the wood from burning.
- Even Skewering: When threading the chicken onto the wooden skewers, ensure that the pieces are evenly sized and spaced to promote uniform cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers, as this can lead to uneven cooking and potentially undercooked or overcooked sections.
- GRILLING: You can make a larger batch by grilling the chicken skewers. Follow the same steps. Grill, then baste with the lemon butter sauce afterward.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: mains
- Method: air fry
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
I hope you love this air fryer chicken skewers recipe!
Yui Kai says
Holy cow, this was unbelievable 😲!! So easy to make and just delicious
Ryan says
Thighs is really better for skewers recipes. Love it
AL says
Don't have sticks at my house, but it still works.
Eva says
Can you use metal skewers?
Carmen Spillette says
Yes! I do not see any issues with using metal.
Amy L says
This is my new favorite chicken kabob! My kids said it was the best chicken they've ever had, I asked them if it was better than mine and they said yes 😡🤣. So easy to make and so tasty.
Carmen Spillette says
Thanks Amy!
JD says
You had me at butter, but all the flavor combined is out of this world. Really, really good.
Carmen Spillette says
Thanks JD