Air Fryer Chicken Skewers – Juicy, Healthy & Easy Chicken Kabobs for Dinner or Meal Prep
Samantha
These air fryer chicken skewers are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Marinated with garlic, lemon, and spices, then cooked in the air fryer, they’re a quick and healthy dinner that’s naturally low-carb, high-protein, and meal prep friendly. Serve them with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete balanced meal, or enjoy as a lighter alternative to takeout.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Main Dish, Meal Prep
Cuisine Global (Mediterranean, Asian, or American-Inspired)
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: vegetables bell peppers, zucchini, red onion
Prep Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut Chicken: Dice chicken into 1-inch cubes.
Marinate: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Toss chicken until coated. Marinate 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Assemble Skewers: Thread chicken (and optional veggies) onto skewers.
Air Fry: Place skewers in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon.
Secret Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: A quick 20–30 minute marinade with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite spices helps keep these air fryer chicken skewers juicy and packed with flavor. For meal prep, marinate the chicken overnight to let the seasonings sink deep into the meat.
2. Cut Chicken Evenly: To ensure even cooking in the air fryer, cut the chicken breast or thighs into uniform bite-sized cubes. This prevents dry, overcooked edges and guarantees tender kabobs every time.
3. Use Skewer-Friendly Veggies: Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the chicken kabobs. Not only do they enhance the presentation, but they also soak up the juices, making the whole meal healthier and more satisfying.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking chicken skewers. A hot basket helps lock in the juices quickly, giving you tender and golden kabobs without drying them out.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Overcrowding reduces airflow, which can make the kabobs steam instead of crisping up nicely.
6. Flip for Even Browning: Halfway through cooking, flip the skewers to get even browning and crisp edges on all sides. This simple step makes your healthy chicken kabobs look and taste restaurant-worthy.
7. Pair with Dipping Sauces: Serve these juicy air fryer chicken skewers with tzatziki, garlic yogurt, peanut sauce, or a sweet chili dip. The right sauce can elevate your easy chicken kabobs into a complete dinner or high-protein meal prep option.Keyword air fryer chicken skewers recipe, easy air fryer chicken skewers for dinner, healthy air fryer chicken kabobs, high protein chicken skewers meal prep, juicy chicken skewers in air fryer, keto friendly air fryer chicken skewers, low carb chicken skewers air fryer, mediterranean chicken skewers air fryer, quick chicken kabobs in air fryer, teriyaki air fryer chicken skewers
