Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are a game-changer for home cooks seeking bold taste with minimal effort. Imagine skewers loaded with juicy marinated chicken thighs infused with garlic, lemon zest, and spices, cooked quickly in the air fryer until beautifully crisp. The final touch—brushing on a rich lemon pepper butter—elevates every bite with a burst of citrusy warmth. They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or prepping in advance. Ready in just 30 minutes, these skewers deliver bold taste and crave-worthy texture with minimal effort. Let’s bring these vibrant, crowd-pleasing skewers to life!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy prep & cook time: From marinade to serving, these skewers are dinner table-ready in about 30 minutes.
• Healthy & flavorful: Lean chicken thighs deliver juicy bites, air frying reduces oil, and bold spices bring big taste.
• Versatile & crowd-friendly: Perfect for casual dinners, BBQs, meal prep—everyone loves the bright lemon pepper profile.
• Hands-off cooking: Let the air fryer work its magic—easy cleanup and hands-free cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s the simplified ingredient list:

For the chicken:

• 3–4 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1″ pieces
• 1 tbsp minced or grated garlic
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp paprika

For the lemon‑pepper butter:

• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, partially melted
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp sugar

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

1. Marinate the chicken
   In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss well ensuring each piece is coated.
2. Skewer the chicken
   Thread chicken onto skewers tightly so they cook evenly and hold together.
3. Preheat & air-fry
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange skewers in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes.
4. Flip & finish cooking
   Flip skewers halfway through. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
5. Make the lemon‑pepper butter
   In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, paprika, and sugar until fully combined.
6. Baste & serve
   Once skewers are done, for maximum flavor, brush the butter once right before serving and again while the skewers rest.

Helpful Tips

1. Cut chicken evenly: Ensure uniform 1″ pieces so skewers cook evenly.
2. Preheat air fryer: Ready air fryer gives crispiest, golden exterior.
3. Avoid crowding the air fryer: Cook in batches to ensure even air flow and perfect crisping.
4. Check doneness: Use an instant‑read thermometer to confirm 165°F.
5. For maximum flavor: Brush the butter once right before serving and again while the skewers rest.
6. Soak wooden skewers: Prevent burning; soak in water 20 minutes before threading.

Substitutions And Variations

• Protein swaps: Replace thighs with chicken breast pieces, shrimp, pork tenderloin, or halloumi cheese.
• Butter-free option: Use olive oil mixed with lemon juice, zest, pepper, and a touch of honey.
• Herb boost: Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for fresh herbal notes.
• Heat kick: Add ⅛–¼ tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade or butter.
• Sweet twist: Swap sugar in butter for honey or maple syrup.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Individually wrap skewers in foil or freezer-safe bags; freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Microwave until heated, then finish in air fryer or oven for crispiness.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving: 1 skewer with butter)

Nutritional values will vary based on serving size, exact ingredients, and butter used.

Serving Suggestions

• Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, quinoa salad, or a fresh green salad.
• Sauces: Serve extra lemon‑pepper butter on the side. Tzatziki, garlic aioli, or chimichurri are also lovely.
• Garnish: Finish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or extra lemon zest for a vibrant presentation.
• Meal prep pairing: Serve over greens or a grain bowl with fresh veggies for an easy grab-and-go lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Use similar 1″ pieces. Be careful not to overcook – breasts will finish in about 8–10 minutes at 400°F. Aim for 160°F and let rest to reach 165°F.

2. Do I need to use skewers?
Skewers help the chicken cook evenly. If you don’t have them, cook in the air fryer basket directly, stirring halfway through.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Cooked skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

4. How much lemon pepper butter should I use?
One stick of butter makes enough to baste 8–10 skewers generously. Reduce or double it based on your batch size.

5. Is air-fried chicken healthier than deep fried?
Yes—air frying uses far less oil. These skewers use just a tablespoon of olive oil and minimal butter, giving you crisp exterior and juicy interior without excessive oil.

6. What if my air fryer is smaller?
Cook in batches—don’t overcrowd the basket. Skewers should lay flat with space around them. It may take longer, but texture is worth it.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for trying these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers! I absolutely love how effortlessly crispy and flavor-packed they turn out—tangy lemon zest, savory garlic, and that buttery finish make them irresistible. They’re quick to prep, easy to cook, and perfect for nearly any meal plan. I hope you enjoy every juicy, citrus-kissed bite as much as I do. Happy cooking—and here’s to many delicious meals ahead. Thanks for being part of this food-loving community—enjoy!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

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• Author: Lisa
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers are juicy, crisp, and bursting with bright lemony flavor. Marinated chicken thighs are air-fried to golden perfection and finished with buttery lemon pepper sauce. A quick and bold weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try it today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the chicken:

3–4 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1” pieces

1 tbsp garlic, minced or grated

1 tbsp lemon zest

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

¼ tsp paprika

For the lemon pepper butter:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, partially melted

1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp paprika

¼ tsp sugar

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken
   In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss well ensuring each piece is coated.
2. Skewer the chicken
   Thread chicken onto skewers tightly so they cook evenly and hold together.
3. Preheat & air-fry
   Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange skewers in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes.
4. Flip & finish cooking
   Flip skewers halfway through. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
5. Make the lemon‑pepper butter
   In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, paprika, and sugar until fully combined.
6. Baste & serve
   Once skewers are done, for maximum flavor, brush the butter once right before serving and again while the skewers rest.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.

For extra flavor, brush skewers with butter right before serving and again while resting.

Cook in batches if needed; avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Chicken breast can be used, but reduce cook time slightly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes Additional Time (Marinating/Resting): 0 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 skewer
• Calories: ~300 kcal
• Sugar: ~1 g
• Carbohydrates: ~2 g
• Protein: ~25 g