Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe with you! It’s the kind of meal that feels effortless but delivers big on flavor—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty without tugging out the grill. The air fryer makes the chicken beautifully juicy inside and perfectly caramelized outside with that sticky BBQ glaze that just makes your mouth water.

I remember the first time I tried these skewers; I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how quickly they cooked. If you like finger foods or want a crowd-pleaser for a casual get-together, these skewers are definitely worth trying. Plus, because everything cooks in the air fryer, you get less mess and no fire worries—just pure deliciousness on those busy days or spontaneous dinner cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a simple but important role here, coming together to create that perfect balance of smoky, savory, and tangy notes. Grab quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness, and don’t skip on the BBQ seasoning to really amplify the glaze.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender during air frying, much better than chicken breasts for this recipe.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory punch without overpowering that BBQ flavor.
• BBQ seasoning: Choose your favorite blend to complement the sauce, or make your own for a personal touch.
• Kosher salt: Helps balance and boost all the other flavors.
• Ground black pepper: A little heat and depth that marries perfectly with the BBQ sauce.
• Olive oil spray: Prevents sticking and helps the chicken brown nicely.
• BBQ sauce: The star player—go for a thick, flavorful sauce you love, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful finish that brightens the dish on the plate.

Variations

I personally love mixing things up with this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe, and you should too! The beauty of skewers is how easy it is to customize them to suit your mood or dietary preferences—so don’t hesitate to get creative.

• Spicy variation: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to your seasoning mix for an extra kick—I tried this once for a backyard party, and everyone loved the smoky heat.
• Vegetable skewers: Swap half the chicken with chunks of bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to add freshness and color.
• Low-sodium option: Use reduced-sodium BBQ sauce and go easy on the salt to keep it heart-friendly without losing flavor.
• Different protein: Try using turkey or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein that still crisps nicely in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the chicken perfectly

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into even, bite-sized chunks—about 1 to 1.5 inches works great. Even pieces cook more evenly, avoiding dry or undercooked bites, which I’ve had happen when chunks were all over the place. Thread roughly 4 pieces per skewer so they cook through without crowding. This also makes flipping and coating easier later on.

Step 2: Season and marinate

Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and BBQ seasoning generously over the chicken. Don’t just sprinkle—rub those spices in to fully coat each piece. I like to let the skewers hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour) to soak up all those flavors. This little wait really makes a difference—you’ll taste it, promise.

Step 3: Cook low and slow in the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Lightly spray the air fryer tray with olive oil to prevent sticking and create a nicely browned surface. Arrange the skewers on the tray so they’re not touching, allowing the hot air to circulate. After 7 minutes, pull out the tray, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce, and flip the skewers. Repeat this brushing and turning two more times at 5-minute intervals, so you get that perfect glaze with layers of flavor. This technique keeps the chicken moist and the sauce beautifully caramelized.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Once cooked through and the BBQ sauce has formed a sticky, mouthwatering coating, your skewers are ready to come off the air fryer. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately—you want to enjoy that contrast of warm, juicy chicken and rich sauce at its best!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing these skewers with a handful of chopped fresh parsley—it lifts the whole plate with its bright pop of green and clean, herbaceous flavor. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions or a few chili flakes if I want a little heat. It’s those small touches that make serving feel special.

Side Dishes

These chicken skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides. I love serving them alongside a crisp coleslaw, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal. For a fun twist, try pairing with some grilled corn or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance out the smoky BBQ flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these skewers on a wooden board with small bowls of different BBQ sauces for dipping—it turned a casual dinner into a fun tasting experience. You can also serve skewers standing upright in a mason jar lined with lettuce for an Instagram-worthy party display. It’s a great way to elevate the simple dinner and impress your guests or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I usually pop leftover skewers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a perfect quick meal to reheat for lunch or light dinner the next day. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to batch-make, these skewers freeze very well. After cooking and cooling, I wrap each skewer in cling film and then place them in a freezer bag. When I’m ready, I thaw them overnight in the fridge for easy reheating. It’s been a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer popping the skewers back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This crisps the chicken right back up without drying it out, unlike the microwave which tends to make BBQ sauce gummy. Keep an eye so they don’t overcook!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it hits that sweet spot between fuss-free cooking and seriously satisfying flavor. I love how versatile it is—you can dress it up or keep it simple, and it’s always a hit around the table. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for the air fryer more often to whip up something quick and delicious. Give it a shot—it’s like a little BBQ party in your kitchen every time!

Print