A quick and easy way to make perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken skewers in the air fryer. These Cajun chicken skewers are loaded with flavor from a blend of garlic, lemon zest, and Cajun seasoning and finished with a rich lemon butter sauce. Air frying ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a healthy chicken recipe, a quick dinner, or a meal prep idea, these air fryer chicken skewers are perfect. Enjoy them with rice, vegetables, or your favorite sides for a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (Springer Mountain Farms recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon garlic olive oil (or any olive oil)
- ½ tablespoon lemon olive oil (or any olive oil)
- 8 skewers (soaked if wooden)
For the Sauce:
- 1 stick of butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season Chicken: Dice the chicken into evenly sized cubes and place them in a bowl. Add all the seasonings (salt, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest) along with the olive oils. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers, making sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
- Air Fry: Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt ⅓ of the butter and mix it with lemon juice, brown sugar, and all the dry seasonings. Add the remaining butter and mash with a fork to combine, creating a slightly lumpy sauce.
- Baste and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, use a pastry brush or silicone brush to baste the lemon butter sauce onto the skewers. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are an easy and delicious way to prepare juicy chicken with a zesty Cajun kick. With minimal prep and cook time, they are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend grilling. The added lemon butter sauce takes the flavors to the next level, offering a tangy, rich finish that pairs perfectly with the spiced chicken.
Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
- Chicken Options: You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, though thighs tend to be juicier.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level. Add more lemon zest for a more citrusy flavor.
- Vegetable Skewers: Add some veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for added flavor and color.
- Marinade: For extra tenderness and flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before skewering it.
- No Air Fryer?: Grill these skewers on a preheated grill for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, or bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
What type of olive oil should I use?
For a richer flavor, use garlic olive oil and lemon olive oil as suggested, but any olive oil will work in a pinch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken skewers in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook. Just be sure to baste them with the sauce right before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Serve them with rice (jasmine, brown, or quinoa), roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. They also make a great addition to a party platter or BBQ gathering!
Looking for a delicious dipping sauce? Try pairing the skewers with a creamy ranch dressing or a yogurt-based dip to complement the Cajun spice.
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Recipe
8
servings10
minutes50
minutesIngredients
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (Springer Mountain Farms recommended)
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon garlic olive oil (or any olive oil)
½ tablespoon lemon olive oil (or any olive oil)
8 skewers (soaked if wooden)
For the Sauce:
1 stick of butter
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
¾ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season Chicken: Dice the chicken into evenly sized cubes and place them in a bowl. Add all the seasonings (salt, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and lemon zest) along with the olive oils. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken onto the skewers, making sure they are spaced out to allow for even cooking.
- Air Fry: Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt ⅓ of the butter and mix it with lemon juice, brown sugar, and all the dry seasonings. Add the remaining butter and mash with a fork to combine, creating a slightly lumpy sauce.
- Baste and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, use a pastry brush or silicone brush to baste the lemon butter sauce onto the skewers. Serve immediately.
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