Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, healthy, and quick-to-make dish perfect for any meal. Marinated with a blend of aromatic spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, the chicken is tender and juicy with a lovely char. Finished with a rich garlic herb butter, they offer a delightful combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1 stick (4 oz) butter
- 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp honey
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces and place them in a small bowl to get ready for marinating.
- Mix the Marinade: In a separate small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add this spice mix along with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the chicken pieces and mix thoroughly to coat. Let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add honey and freshly chopped parsley, stir to combine, and remove from heat.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto bamboo skewers, ensuring even portions for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the parchment paper in a single layer.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the skewers at 400°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the skewers and continue to air fry at 400°F for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer. Brush generously with the garlic herb butter, sprinkle extra parsley if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- For safety, always check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Garlic herb butter can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; warm slightly before brushing on skewers.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for milder taste.
- Try substituting chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner version, but expect slightly drier results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 4 oz chicken plus butter)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken skewers, garlic herb butter chicken, quick chicken skewers, healthy chicken recipe, spicy air fryer chicken
