Sweet and Savory Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

By: Rabia

Juicy, tender chicken glazed in a sweet-and-savory sauce, cooked to perfection in the air fryer. These chicken skewers are quick, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers — all without firing up the grill.

📝 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Yield: 4 servings

Dietary Badges
✅ High-Protein
✅ Family-Friendly
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly
✅ Gluten-Free (with tamari or coconut aminos)

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for GF)

  • 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

  1. Prep Skewers → If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning.

  2. Make Marinade → In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, vinegar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.

  3. Marinate Chicken → Add chicken cubes to marinade; toss to coat. Let sit for 15–30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

  4. Assemble Skewers → Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.

  5. Air Fry → Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange skewers in a single layer. Cook 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

  6. Serve → Brush with extra marinade (cooked) or garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if needed.

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers.

  • Pair with veggies like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers for variety.

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🌟 Introduction

These skewers are a weeknight hero — sticky, sweet, garlicky, and perfectly charred by the air fryer. They deliver the flavor of grilled chicken without the fuss, making them ideal for fast dinners, meal prep bowls, or fun party snacks.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Marinate the Chicken

  • Mix marinade ingredients and coat chicken cubes. Let flavors soak in.

2. Thread & Arrange

  • Skewer the chicken (and veggies if using) tightly but evenly.

3. Air Fry to Perfection

  • Cook until golden and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway.

4. Finish & Serve

  • Garnish with sesame seeds, chili flakes, or fresh herbs. Serve hot.

🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Soy Sauce → Swap with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.

  • Honey → Keto option: use monk fruit syrup.

  • Vinegar → Rice vinegar is mellow; apple cider vinegar adds tang.

  • Veggies → Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms cook well on skewers.

🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas

  • Teriyaki Style → Use teriyaki sauce as the marinade base.

  • Spicy Kick → Add sriracha or extra chili flakes.

  • Tropical Twist → Add pineapple chunks between chicken pieces.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.

  • With a fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw.

  • As part of a party platter with dipping sauces.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers up to 4 days in an airtight container.

  • Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.

  • Freeze: Marinate chicken and freeze (uncooked) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then air fry.

⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: ~280 kcal

  • Protein: 32 g

  • Carbs: 9 g

  • Fat: 12 g

  • Fiber: 0 g

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use beef or shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Yes — adjust cooking times (shrimp cooks in 6–8 minutes).

Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
A: Preheating helps with even browning, so yes, it’s recommended.

Q: Can I bake instead of air fry?
A: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.

💬 Personal Note

These skewers are my go-to when I want something quick but impressive. They’re so versatile — perfect as a meal-prep protein, a fun weeknight dinner, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at get-togethers.

Rabia
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