Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe

ByMaya Arden October 12, 2025October 12, 2025

Introduction

These air fryer chicken skewers are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Marinated with a blend of spices and finished with a garlic herb butter, they deliver juicy, tender chicken with a delicious crispy edge.

Three grilled chicken skewers rest on a clean white plate, each skewer layered with bite-sized pieces of glossy, golden-brown chicken that have a slightly charred edge, giving a textured look. The chicken pieces are coated with finely chopped green herbs evenly spread across, adding color contrast. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture, enhancing the bright and fresh feel of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thighs (cut into 2” pieces)
½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika

¼ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp turmeric

½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp avocado oil

1 stick butter
1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
1 tbsp honey

6 cloves minced garlic

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces and place them in a small bowl.
Step 2: In a separate small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, turmeric, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add this spice mixture and avocado oil to the chicken, then toss thoroughly to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in honey and chopped parsley. Set aside.
Step 4: Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto bamboo skewers. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the skewers on it. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the skewers and continue air frying at 400°F for another 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Brush the cooked skewers with the garlic herb butter and sprinkle with extra parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid drying out.
Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning in the air fryer.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the garlic herb butter for a bright, tangy finish.
Serve with a side of rice or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to retain crispness, or warm gently in the microwave. Garlic herb butter can be stored separately in the fridge and reheated before brushing on.

How to Serve

Three grilled chicken skewers with browned, slightly crispy edges and a glistening, orange-brown seasoned surface are placed side by side on a large white plate. The chicken pieces are thick and irregularly shaped, threaded closely together on wooden sticks, showing some char marks and juicy texture. The plate is held by a woman's hand at the lower right, and the background is a white marbled surface with blurred yellow and green objects in soft focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and safety. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before marinating and air frying.

How do I know when the chicken skewers are done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be golden brown on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure safety and juiciness.