These air fryer chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 15 minutes. Paired with a rich and zesty cowboy butter sauce for dipping, they’re a quick dinner or party appetizer that packs big flavor without much effort. The air fryer gives the chicken a beautiful char while keeping it tender inside.
You’ll like this recipe because it’s versatile and easy to prep ahead. The skewers can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, or you can add your favorite spice blend for extra kick. The cowboy butter—loaded with garlic, herbs, lemon, and a touch of heat—takes the chicken to the next level and doubles as a drizzle for veggies or bread.
It’s super easy to make these chicken skewers in the air fryer. No heating up the kitchen or messing up multiple dishes necessary!
Helpful Tips
- Cut chicken evenly into 1-inch pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave a little space between skewers for air circulation.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute before serving.
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Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Cowboy Butter
Ingredients
For the Skewers
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Cowboy Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Thread onto skewers.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk melted butter with garlic, parsley, chives, mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Transfer skewers to a platter and serve with cowboy butter on the side for dipping or drizzling.
All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.
Nutrition
Laura is a passionate foodie and owner of Air Fry Anytime She is dedicated to sharing delicious recipes and helpful tips for using air fryers at home. With years of experience in the kitchen and a love for healthy, flavorful cooking, Laura has become an expert at using air fryers to create amazing meals that are both nutritious and delicious.