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Air fryer Chicken Skewers

Making chicken skewers in an air fryer is such a breeze and takes just 12 minutes. After airfrying marinated chicken thighs, the skewers are smothered with a buttery sweet chili sauce glaze that just clings to the juicy chicken. I usually serve it as an appetizer or pair it with Garlic noodles for an easy weeknight dinner.

Chicken skewers made in the air fryer and glazed with sweet chilli sauce glaze

These chicken skewers are our latest obsession. It’s not yet the season for outdoor grilling, but when one craves for some good chicken skweres you gotta make it. Making these in an airfryer is hassle-free and always yields juicy chicken. My favourite part is the buttery sweet chilli sauce glaze that I slather the skewers with once air-fried.

I am not one of those who fell for the trend, got an airfryer but never used. The Airfryer is one of my favorite appliances from the day I got it, and I use it more often than the oven. Takes up a tiny space on the kitchen counter, and I use it to make roasted veggies, chicken wings (the best and only way), and for lot of other things. So if your’s gathering dust on the corner, it’s time to put the air fryer to use.

Ingredients

Chicken– I have used chicken thighs as they stay moist and work best. However, you can also use chicken breast.
Seasoning – Garlic powder, salt and pepper
Soy sauce– It seasons and tenderises chicken
Rice vinegar
Cornstarch – Cornstarch not only tenderises the chicken but also one cooked creates a thin crispy coating around the chicken so that the glaze sticks better.

For Sweet Chilli Sauce Glaze

Minced Garlic-
Sweet chilli sauce – Use a good-quality sauce that’s balanced, neither too sweet nor too hot.
Soy sauce- Add that salty umaminess to the glaze.
Brown Sugar – to balance the sauce
Butter – A little unusual ingredient.

Making chicken skewers in the airfryer

Sure, you can make these skewers on a BBQ grill or oven. But using an air fryer makes it really easy and quick with the same result.

Prep & marinate – Pat dry and cut boneless chicken thighs into 1.5-2 inch pieces. In a glass container with lid, add chicken pieces, soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix everything well, cover and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. (Hack – Use kitchen scissors to cut chicken thighs; its easier than using a knife)

Thread Chicken onto skewer and Airfry– Soak wood skewers in a shallow dish of water for at least 10 minutes while preparing ingredients. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a little gap in between for better air circulation.

Marinate chicken and thread chicken pieces to wooden skewers.

Preheat the air fryer to 400° F. Place chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 minutes. Then flip and cook for another 8 minutes.

Air fry the skewers in air fryer . Mean while make sweet chilli sauce glaze.

Make sweet chili sauce glaze and brush the chicken skewers– While the chicken is cooking, make a quick sauce to coat the skewers. Saute garlic in butter, then add all the sauces. Simmer the mixture to get the right consistency. Switch off the flame. The sauce will thicken further on cooling down, so don’t reduce it too much.

Few recipe tips and tricks

If you are refrigerating the chicken, make sure it has come to room temperature before airfrying.
To prevent the chicken from uneven cooking- ensure that the pieces are cut evenly sized. While threading, don’t put chicken pieces too tightly. Avoid overcrowding the skewers inside the air fryer basket.Keep them in a single layer and spaced a little apart so that the chicken get hot air circulation from all the sides.
For easy clean up I have seen everyone using Airfryer liner. Personaly I am not a fan of liner as it hinders air flow from below and also collects moisture which in turn makes the skewers soggy. If you need to use one, use liner with tiny holes.

Frequntly asked questions

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

If you are using chicken thighs, you don’t have to worry as it stays moist unless you really overcook it. Chicken breast on the other hand is lean and might dry out if cook for longer. Make sure you marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to tenderize it.

What vegetables go well on the skewers and will they cook evenly with the chicken?

Use bell peppers, onions, zucchini are great choices. Cut them into bite sized pieces to cook evenly along with chicken.

Can I make these skewers in the oven?

If you don’t have an air fryer, yes, you can cook these in the oven. Preheat oven to 400F. Place skewers on a wired rack and make for 25-30 minutes.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Make sure any leftovers are completely cooled and then transfer skewers along into an airtight container. Keep it stored inside of the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Reheat at 160°C (320°F) for 4–5 minutes until warmed through. Don’t overdo it or they’ll dry out. You can also reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed.