Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers (8 ingredients)

BySayam

Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers

Quick Overview

These air fryer chicken skewers deliver tender, juicy meat with crisp edges in minutes. Boneless chicken thighs are tossed in a flavorful spice blend, threaded onto skewers, and air-fried until perfectly cooked. Finishing them with melted garlic herb butter seals in incredible flavor.

Using chicken thighs guarantees maximum moisture and flavor compared to chicken breast. The air fryer circulates hot air to quickly sear the outside while keeping the inside tender. It is an easy weeknight meal that tastes like it came off an outdoor grill.

• Prep time: 15 minutes • Cook time: 12 minutes • Total time: 27 minutes • Servings: 4 servings (4 skewers) • Estimated calories per serving: 340 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers

• 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp smoked paprika • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Herb Butter

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Skewers

  1. Cut the boneless chicken thighs into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the chicken cubes into a large bowl and add the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Toss the chicken thoroughly with your hands until every piece is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
  4. Thread the seasoned chicken tightly onto wooden skewers, placing about 5 to 6 pieces on each skewer.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
  6. Place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
  7. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 6-minute mark.
  8. Combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl while the chicken cooks.
  9. Remove the skewers from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the edges are lightly charred.
  10. Brush the hot skewers generously with the garlic herb butter mixture and sprinkle with extra fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tip

Packing the chicken pieces too loosely on the skewers causes them to dry out quickly in the air fryer. Press the chicken cubes tightly against each other when threading. This holds in natural juices during cooking, ensuring every bite stays soft and tender.

Serving & Storage

Serve these warm chicken skewers alongside fluffy basmati rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Mediterranean salad. They also pair well with warm pita bread, garlic yogurt sauce, or extra garlic butter for dipping.

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing cooked chicken skewers is not recommended as it changes the texture of the meat, but you can freeze seasoned uncooked chicken on skewers for up to 2 months.

Reheat leftover skewers in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3 to 4 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough and rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to prevent the meat from drying out.

Do I need to soak the wooden skewers before air frying?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes prevents them from burning inside the air fryer basket.

How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) on an instant-read meat thermometer and the juices run clear.

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