Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated with garlic powder and BBQ seasoning, then air fried to perfection and glazed with a smoky BBQ sauce. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these skewers make a perfect appetizer or main dish that’s both easy and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Skewers
- 12 ounces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons BBQ seasoning
- Kosher salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Glaze & Garnish
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks, approximately 1 to 1.5-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Thread onto skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, about 4 pieces per skewer for balanced cooking and easy handling.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and BBQ seasoning generously over all sides of the skewered chicken to coat evenly.
- Marinate: Place the seasoned chicken skewers in the refrigerator and let them marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing flavors to develop.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) to prepare for cooking.
- Prepare air fryer tray: Lightly spray the air fryer tray with olive oil, then arrange the chicken skewers evenly, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook and baste: Insert the tray into the air fryer’s middle chamber and cook for 20 minutes total. After 7 minutes, remove the tray, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and flip the skewers. Repeat brushing and turning after 5 minutes, and once more during the final 5 minutes to build a rich, caramelized glaze.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and nicely caramelized, remove the skewers and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- Adjust BBQ seasoning and sauce to taste for more or less spice and smokiness.
- Ensure even-sized chicken pieces for uniform cooking.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook skewers in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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