Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe

I can’t wait to share my Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe with you—this one’s a total game-changer for quick, flavorful meals. There’s something so satisfying about tender, juicy chicken charred just right in the air fryer, then slathered with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without fussing over the stove.

What makes this recipe special for me is how easy it is to customize and how quickly it comes together. Plus, the air fryer gives the chicken that lovely crispness on the outside but keeps it juicy inside—something that’s tricky to nail otherwise. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe always impresses!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to give the chicken layers of smoky, garlicky, and slightly sweet flavor that’s balanced perfectly by the tangy BBQ sauce. When shopping, I recommend looking for good-quality chicken thighs—they’re more forgiving in the air fryer and stay juicy.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs over breasts because they stay tender and won’t dry out.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential depth to the seasoning.
• BBQ seasoning: Look for one with smoked paprika and a hint of cumin for that classic BBQ vibe.
• Kosher salt: For seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
• Ground black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, it gives the chicken a nice kick.
• Olive oil spray: Helps to crisp up the outside and prevent sticking without adding too much fat.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite bottle or homemade sauce for glazing—the key to sticky, flavorful skewers.
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional): I love the fresh pop of color and brightness it adds just before serving.

Variations

I enjoy tweaking this Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe depending on the mood or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you’ll find your perfect spin in no time.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle hot sauce into the BBQ sauce for a little heat that wakes up the flavors beautifully.
• Herb Fusion: Adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade gives the skewers a fragrant, earthy twist that’s fantastic if you’re aiming for a more sophisticated dinner.
• Different Proteins: If chicken thighs aren’t your thing, this method works brilliantly with chicken breasts, pork, or even firm tofu—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Low-Sugar BBQ Sauce: For a healthier version, swap in a sugar-free or homemade BBQ sauce that keeps the tang but trims the sweetness.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches each—this size cooks evenly and is perfect for skewers. I often find that uniform pieces help prevent some bites from drying out while others are still underdone, so take a moment here for a consistent cut.

Step 2: Thread and Season

Thread about four pieces onto each skewer. Overloading them won’t let the heat circulate properly, so keep it balanced. Then, generously sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and BBQ seasoning over the chicken. Rub it in gently—this dry marinade really locks in flavor.

Step 3: Marinate and Preheat

Pop those skewers into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour if you have the time. This little wait lets the flavors sink in deeper. Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C)—a well-preheated air fryer is crucial for evenly cooked, nicely caramelized chicken.

Step 4: Cook, Glaze, and Flip

Spray your air fryer tray lightly with olive oil to keep things from sticking. Arrange the skewers evenly, leaving enough space around each for air circulation. Cook for a total of 20 minutes, but here’s the trick: after 7 minutes, brush the skewers with BBQ sauce and flip them. Repeat the brushing and turning twice more—after 5 minutes each—to build that gorgeous, sticky glaze that makes these skewers stand out.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the finished skewers—it adds a fresh brightness and makes the dish look inviting. Sometimes, I toss on a few thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of lemon for an extra pop, which really livens up the BBQ flavors.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or some grilled veggies. My go-to sides are creamy coleslaw or roasted sweet potato wedges, which balance the smoky BBQ notes with sweetness and crunch. If you want a hearty option, a simple quinoa or rice pilaf works brilliantly, soaking up all those drippings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving these on a wooden board lined with parchment and adding small bowls of extra BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even pineapple salsa on the side. You can also thread colorful veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes alongside the chicken for a vibrant, festive look that’s as fun to eat as it is to behold.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat them within 2 days for the best flavor and texture. Keeping them separate from any fresh garnishes until reheating helps keep everything fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, flash-freeze the cooked skewers on a tray first, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the skewers back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This brings back that lovely crisp exterior without drying out the meat like a microwave might. You can also add a quick brush of BBQ sauce during reheating to refresh the glaze.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s effortlessly delicious and so satisfying. I love recommending it to friends since it’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You’ll enjoy how versatile and hands-off it is, plus it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!

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