Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The zesty lemon and pepper seasoning give the chicken a fresh, bold taste. This quick air fryer recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners.
Servings: 4
Calories: 310kcal
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Zester or grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- For The Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- For The Lemon Pepper Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sugar optional, for balance
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
- Extra lemon slices
Instructions
- Marinate The Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix chicken, garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss well to coat.
- Cover and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes in the fridge.
- Skewer The Chicken:
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Preheat The Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes.
- Cook The Chicken:
- Place the skewers in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The chicken should be golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make The Lemon Pepper Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, paprika, and sugar until smooth.
- Baste And Serve:
- Brush the hot chicken skewers with the lemon pepper butter. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between skewers for even cooking.
Adjust Flavors: Add red pepper flakes for spice or herbs like thyme for extra aroma.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |