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Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
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These Chicken Skewers are juicy, golden, and brushed with the kind of buttery honey garlic sauce that makes you pause mid-bite. You get crisp edges, tender centers, and big flavor in under 20 minutes. Fast dinner? Done. Crowd pleaser? Absolutely. And the best part, the air fryer does the heavy lifting while you stir together a simple sauce that tastes like you planned ahead, even if you didn’t.
Ingredient Notes
- Fresh basil – Bright finish that pulls everything together.
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless. Cut into even chunks so everything cooks at the same pace.
- Avocado oil or olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Salt + pepper – Basic, but necessary for flavor balance.
- Garlic powder + paprika – Adds depth and a little warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Butter – Softened so it mixes smoothly into that glossy sauce.
- Honey – Sweet, sticky, and perfect for caramelizing on the skewers.
- Fresh garlic – Because fresh garlic just hits different here.
- Chili garlic sauce – Adds a little kick. Use more if you like heat or keep it mild.
- Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and melts right into the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is secretly very low effort. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below.
Step 1: Preheat + Prep
Preheat your air fryer to 400° F. Soak skewers in water (if using wood) for at least 10 minutes so they don’t burn.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Cut chicken into even chunks, then toss with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until fully coated.
Step 3: Build the Skewers
Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so the air can circulate.
Step 4: Air Fry
Cook for 7 minutes, flip, then cook another 7 minutes until the internal temp hits 165° F.
*Pro Tip: If you’re using an air fryer with shelving, you may also want to switch the trays around after the first 7 minutes, as the top tray tends to get browner.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, stir together butter, honey, garlic, chili garlic sauce, parmesan, and basil.
Step 6: Brush + Serve
Brush the warm skewers with the butter sauce on all sides. Serve immediately.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you dive in, grab these tools so everything comes together easily:
- Air fryer – The star of the show. It cooks the chicken fast while giving you those golden edges.
- Skewers – Wooden or metal both work, just soak wooden ones first.
- Mixing bowls – One for the chicken, one for the sauce.
Tips for Success
- Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer, airflow matters
- Leave small gaps on the skewers so edges crisp up
- Use a meat thermometer to hit 165° F perfectly
- Brush sauce at the end so it stays glossy and fresh
What to Serve with Chicken Skewers
The sky is the limit of possibilities to serve with chicken skewers. Here are few of my favorite!
- Famous Butter Rice
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Roasted Green Beans
- Apple Pecan Salad
- Wedge Salad
- Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad
Storing + Reheating
The best way to store leftovers is to remove chicken from the skewers. Allow to cool to room temperature and place in an airtight container or resealable bag. Chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days.
To Freeze: Remove chicken from skewers, allow to cool to room temperature. Place in a freezer safe container or resealable bag and into the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat: You can toss the chicken in the air fryer or microwave to reheat until warmed through.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs for chicken skewers?
Yes! While this recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, if you have or prefer chicken thighs, feel free to use what you have and like. Be sure to make sure you’re cutting uniformly sized chunks to thread onto the skewer.
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.
I don’t have an air fryer. Can I cook these in my oven?
Yes, but everyone needs an air fryer! But I understand if you don’t. I have a great Chicken Kabobs recipe that is done using the broiler in your conventional oven.
Can I add veggies to the skewer?
Yes! Roasted veggies are so easy and are great to add. Feel free to add tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even broccoli. Sometimes building skewers with like items on the same skewer works a little better, since cooking times vary between meat and veggies.
Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra richness
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor
- Add lemon juice to the sauce for a bright twist
- Skip the chili garlic sauce for a sweeter version
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat
More Chicken Recipes to Try!
- Smoked Chicken Wings
- Honey BBQ Chicken
- Crispy Chicken Wraps
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Sous Vide Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
These Garlic, Honey Parmesan Chicken Skewers are ready in less than 20 minutes, thanks to the air fryer! Seasoned, air fried, then smothered in a delicious butter, garlic and parmesan sauce that is sure to please.
Equipment
- 8-10 air fryer sized wooden skewers or metal
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
for butter sauce-
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or more if you like it spicy!
- 1/4 parmesan cheese grated
- basil fresh, chopped (I used 3 large leaves)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400° F.
- Soak skewers in a shallow dish of water for at least 10 minutes while preparing ingredients.
- Cut chicken breasts into large chunks, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Thoroughly coat chicken chunks with oil and seasonings. This is easily done by placing everything in a bowl and mixing with a spoon or your hand.
- Place chicken chunks onto skewers, leaving a tiny gap in between pieces.
- Place skewers in air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes. Flip to other side* and cook for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165° F with a meat thermometer.
for butter sauce-
- While chicken is cooking, combine all ingredients for the sauce in a small mixing bowl.
- Once chicken is fully cooked, brush the butter sauce on all sides of the chicken and serve warm!
Notes
*If you’re using an air fryer with shelving, you may also want to switch the trays around after the first 7 minutes, as the top tray tends to get browner.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350° F for a few minutes until warmed through. You can freeze cooked chicken skewers without the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, then brush with fresh sauce before serving. You can also prep the chicken and season it ahead of time, then skewer and cook when ready.Nutrition
Calories: 688kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 53gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 133mgSodium: 1317mgPotassium: 472mgFiber: 1gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 869IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
Rate This RecipePlease consider Leaving a 5-Star Review!
These chicken skewers are quick, flavorful, and just a little impressive without actually being hard. Make them once and you’ll get it. Enjoy, friends!
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
I totally understand the need for advertisements, but these are placed on the first part of the recipe, so I can’t read it!
A bit annoying. Seems the ads could be more off to the side, so they don’t block the recipe??
give me more recipes
for the Air Fryer