Air Fryer Spiced Chicken Skewers (Super Juicy)
Serves: 4
Time: 30–40 minutes (plus marinating if you want)
Cook Method: Air Fryer
🧂 Ingredients
Chicken
-
1½ lb (700 g) boneless chicken thighs
(thighs are best—juicier than breast) -
Wooden skewers (soaked in water 20–30 min)
Marinade / Spice Paste
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tbsp smoked paprika
-
1 tsp paprika (regular)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1 tsp ground cumin
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
-
½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional heat)
-
1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
-
Optional but 🔥:
-
1 tsp brown sugar (helps caramelization)
-
½ tsp ground coriander
-
🔪 Prep
-
Cut chicken into medium chunks
(not too small or they’ll dry out) -
Make marinade
-
Mix all spices, oil, and lemon juice into a thick paste
-
-
Marinate chicken
-
Coat chicken thoroughly
-
Rest 15 minutes minimum
-
Best flavor: 2–8 hours in the fridge
-
🍢 Assemble Skewers
-
Thread chicken tightly onto skewers
-
Don’t overcrowd—leave tiny gaps so heat circulates
-
Press the chicken slightly so it stays compact
🔥 Air Fryer Cooking
-
Preheat air fryer:
380°F / 195°C for 3–5 minutes -
Place skewers in the basket
-
Single layer
-
Spray lightly with oil
-
-
Cook:
-
10 minutes → flip
-
Then 6–8 more minutes
-
Total: 16–18 minutes
-
-
Final blast (optional but recommended):
-
Raise temp to 400°F / 205°C
-
Cook 2–3 minutes for that deep char
-
✅ Internal temp should hit 165°F / 74°C
🌟 Why Yours Will Look Like the Photo
-
Chicken thighs = darker, juicier finish
-
Smoked paprika + oil = that rich color
-
Brown sugar = caramelized crust
-
Final high-heat blast = crisp edges
🍋 Optional Finishes
-
Squeeze fresh lemon
-
Brush with melted butter + garlic
-
Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro
🍽️ Serve With
-
Flatbread or pita
-
Garlic yogurt sauce / tzatziki
-
Rice or fries
-
