Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and finished with a luscious garlic herb butter glaze. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a healthy, crispy exterior and juicy inside, these skewers make an ideal appetizer or main dish for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into 2” 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
Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces and place them in a small bowl, ready for seasoning.
- Mix marinade spices: In a separate small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add this spice blend and avocado oil to the chicken pieces, mixing thoroughly to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto bamboo skewers. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the skewers on top to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the chicken: Cook the chicken skewers at 400°F in the air fryer for 10 minutes. Then flip the skewers and continue air frying for an additional 6-8 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prepare garlic herb butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in honey and freshly chopped parsley. Remove from heat immediately to preserve the fresh flavors.
- Finish and serve: Garnish the cooked chicken skewers with additional parsley. Brush them generously with the garlic herb butter sauce and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent chicken from sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Check internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred, though thighs provide more juiciness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- These skewers pair well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American