If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that screams comfort and really packs a punch, you’ve got to try this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how tender and juicy the chicken gets in the air fryer, and the way the BBQ sauce caramelizes on the outside? Pure magic! Whether you’re cooking for the family or just whipping up something special for yourself, this recipe is a total winner that’s super easy to pull off.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick and Easy: You’ll have perfectly cooked chicken skewers in just about 30 minutes, which is great for busy nights.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: The air fryer locks in moisture, making each bite so flavorful and juicy.
- Delicious BBQ Flavor: The BBQ seasoning and sauce give a smoky, tangy punch that will have your taste buds dancing.
- Minimal Clean-Up: Using the air fryer means less mess than grilling or pan-frying, which I always appreciate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a balanced and tasty flavor profile that isn’t overpowering but definitely satisfying. I like to use chicken thighs here because they stay juicy and tender under the high heat of the air fryer.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These have more fat than breast meat, so they cook up tender and juicy without drying out.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without needing to chop fresh garlic, keeping prep fuss-free.
- BBQ seasoning: This pre-mixed seasoning packs smoky, sweet, and spicy notes that really enhance the chicken.
- BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce to slather on for a tangy, caramelized finish.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and complexity.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the chicken get a bit of crispiness and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the dish.
Variations
I always like to tweak this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe depending on what mood I’m in. The flexibility means you can easily make it your own or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the dry rub when I want things a little hotter — my family loves that extra punch!
- Different Proteins: I’ve swapped chicken thighs for turkey or even shrimp when craving surf and turf vibes; just adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Herb Twist: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme into the marinade gives it a different, earthy flavor that’s fantastic in cooler months.
- Gluten-Free Option: Just double-check your BBQ seasoning and sauce to make sure they don’t contain gluten ingredients if this is a concern.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. I like to make pieces about an inch or so to ensure they cook evenly. Then, thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers — about 4 pieces per skewer works perfectly for the cooking time and portion size. If you’re using bamboo skewers, remember to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season and Marinate
Once everything is skewered, it’s time to season. Sprinkle kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and BBQ seasoning all over the chicken skewers. I like to gently rub the spices in to make sure every bite is flavorful. Then, pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour if you can) to let the flavors soak into the meat. This step really makes a difference in taste and juiciness.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Spray the air fryer tray lightly with olive oil to keep the chicken from sticking. Place the skewers gently on the tray — I like to arrange them so they don’t touch too much for even cooking. Cook for 20 minutes total, but here’s the trick I discovered: after 7 minutes, take out the tray and generously brush the BBQ sauce all over the chicken. Flip the skewers and brush the other side, then return to cook. Repeat this saucing at 5 minutes left and again in the last 5 minutes, flipping each time. This slow saucing process helps build layers of sticky, caramelized BBQ goodness.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, remove the skewers and let them rest for a couple of minutes. I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top at the end — it adds a bright color and fresh flavor that cuts through the smoky BBQ. Serve immediately for best taste.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Soak Your Skewers: Bamboo skewers can easily burn if you don’t soak them first, so always soak at least 30 minutes to prevent flare-ups.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: I’ve learned that even just a 30-minute rest in the fridge really elevates the taste and tenderness.
- Brush BBQ Sauce Gradually: Applying the sauce in intervals during cooking helps it build up a sticky, lovely glaze instead of burning it all at once.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give your skewers some breathing room in the basket, or they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually go with freshly chopped parsley as a simple, fresh garnish. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime adds a bright contrast to the smoky BBQ flavor. If you want to get a bit fancy, thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also look and taste delightful.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these skewers with a crunchy coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad to cut through the richness. Roasted sweet potatoes or crispy air-fried fries are also crowd-pleasers and keep the meal fun and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party or BBQ, I sometimes arrange the skewers on a wooden board with small bowls of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. Adding some colorful grilled veggies on the side makes the platter pop! If you’re feeling festive, wrapping the ends of the skewers with foil adds a nice touch and keeps hands clean.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the sauce from getting too soggy, I recommend brushing on extra BBQ sauce right before reheating to keep that fresh, sticky coating.
Freezing
These skewers freeze beautifully! I let them cool completely, then wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer or oven.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the skewers back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back the crispy edges and warms the chicken through without drying it out. If you don’t have an air fryer handy, a hot oven or broiler works too.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind chicken breast cooks faster and tends to be leaner, so watch the cook time closely to avoid drying out. I recommend cutting the breast into uniform, smaller chunks and marinating longer to help with tenderness.
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Do I have to use skewers in this recipe?
Not necessarily. You can cook the chicken pieces directly on the air fryer basket or tray, but skewers make flipping easier and help with presentation. Just be sure the pieces aren’t overlapping for even cooking.
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Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble and marinate the skewers a few hours or even a day before cooking. Just keep them covered in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before air frying for the best results.
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What if I don’t have BBQ seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own mix using smoked paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It’s a fun way to customize your flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s just so darn satisfying without requiring loads of prep or fuss. I love that it brings that classic BBQ flavor indoors, any time of year, and the air fryer does the heavy lifting for a juicy, tender, and flavorful meal. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes you come back to again and again. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the flavorful and juicy Chicken Skewer Kabobs made effortlessly in the air fryer. Tender boneless skinless chicken thighs are seasoned with a zesty dry rub, marinated, and basted with smoky BBQ sauce for a perfect balance of taste and texture. This quick and easy recipe yields delicious BBQ chicken kabobs with a crispy outside and moist inside, ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
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
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks, approximately 1 to 1.5-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Thread onto Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, aiming for about 4 pieces per skewer to ensure balanced cooking and easy handling.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and BBQ seasoning generously over the skewered chicken to evenly coat all pieces.
- Marinate: Place the dry-rubbed chicken skewers in the refrigerator and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes up to an hour to allow the flavors to permeate.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C), preparing it for optimal cooking conditions.
- Place Skewers in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the Air Fryer tray with olive oil, then arrange the chicken skewers evenly on the tray without overcrowding.
- Cook and Basque Skewers: Insert the tray into the air fryer’s middle cooking chamber. Cook for 20 minutes total, removing the tray after 7 minutes to brush the chicken with BBQ sauce and flip the skewers. Repeat brushing and turning after 5 minutes and again for the last 5 minutes to build a rich glaze.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked through and nicely caramelized, remove the skewers and optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use bamboo skewers soaked in cold water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Not all air fryers cook the same; monitor the first cooking session closely.
- Use the thickest parts of the chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best flavor absorption.
- After marinating, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- 8-inch BBQ skewers fit perfectly in the Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven tray.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 ounces chicken)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
