Quick & Easy Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner idea, these air fryer chicken skewers are a game-changer. They’re seasoned with a zesty blend of spices, cooked to juicy perfection in just 20 minutes, and brushed with a buttery lemon sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prep, these skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides like rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer):
Calories (Per Skewer): 105
Protein: 13g
Carbs: 0g
Fat: 5g
This is without the light brushing of the butter sauce which would add a few more calories.
Ingredients
For the Skewers:
3 boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder or paste
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp chicken bouillon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Olive oil
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional Sauce:
2 tbsp) butter
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1. Prep Your Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, break them in half (if necessary) to fit your air fryer.
2. Season the Chicken:
Cut the chicken thighs into small bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the lemon zest, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon, a drizzle of olive oil,salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken until evenly coated.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Cook in the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
5. Make the Optional Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Serve:
Once the skewers are cooked, brush them lightly with the butter sauce (optional) and serve with your favorite sides.
Customizations:
Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or even shrimp.
Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with a side of rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad.
Drizzle with tzatziki or hummus for a Mediterranean twist.
Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning for extra heat.
Meal Prep & Food Safety
Storage:
Allow the skewers to cool completely before storing. Remove chicken from the skewers and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing:
Freeze the seasoned, uncooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Food Safety Reminder:
Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
These chicken skewers are quick, versatile, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe will keep you coming back for more. Let me know how you enjoy them or how you customize yours!