Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of zesty citrus, savory herbs, and rich, velvety butter — all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. In just under 30 minutes, you can have juicy, tender chicken bites infused with bright lemon flavor and aromatic garlic, finished with a luxurious buttery glaze. These skewers are ideal for busy weeknights, weekend grilling alternatives, or when you want a restaurant-quality dish without heating up the oven. Plus, the air fryer keeps the chicken perfectly moist inside with a gorgeous char outside.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers
Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lemon, fragrant garlic, earthy oregano, and smoky paprika create a perfect balance of bright and savory notes.
Quick Cooking: Ready in under 15 minutes once prepped.
Incredibly Juicy: Compact skewering keeps chicken moist and tender.
Air Fryer Friendly: No fuss, no mess — and a consistent, evenly cooked result every time.
Customizable: Adjust lemon intensity or spice levels to suit your taste.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 fresh lemon)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp mayonnaise (or plain yogurt)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
¾ tsp paprika
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
640g (1.4 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Lemon Butter Glaze
75g (5 tbsp) softened butter
1 tbsp finely diced fresh parsley
2 tsp lemon juice
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
⅛ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers
Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and stir until fully coated. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).Skewer Assembly:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 4 skewers, packing them closely to lock in moisture and ensure tender results.First Air Fry:
Place skewers in the air fryer basket. Brush over any leftover marinade from the bowl. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 13 minutes.Butter Basting:
After 13 minutes, flip the skewers and brush with one-quarter of the lemon butter. Cook for 1 minute, flip again, and brush with another quarter.Final Glaze:
Remove from the air fryer and generously coat with the remaining lemon butter. For extra zing, squeeze over a bit more fresh lemon juice before serving.
Helpful Tips
Avoid Over-Marinating: The acidity of lemon juice can make chicken rubbery if left too long.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.
Compact Skewering: Keeps chicken from drying out.
Fresh Zest Only: Avoid bitter white pith when zesting.
Clean Air Fryer Tip: If your basket was clean beforehand, use melted butter from the base as extra glaze.
Substitutions and Variations
Protein Swap: Try shrimp, turkey, or pork tenderloin instead of chicken.
Spice Boost: Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
Herb Options: Swap oregano for thyme or rosemary.
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil or vegan butter in place of regular butter.
Mediterranean Twist: Add olives and cherry tomatoes to skewers before cooking.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3–4 minutes for best texture.
Freeze: Wrap cooked skewers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer)
Calories: 396 kcal
Carbohydrates: 2.1 g
Protein: 32.6 g
Fat: 28.2 g
Saturated Fat: 12.3 g
Cholesterol: 170 mg
Sodium: 793 mg
Fiber: 0.5 g
Vitamin C: 10.6 mg
Iron: 2.06 mg
Serving Suggestions
With Orzo: Toss cooked orzo with butter, Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water for a creamy side.
With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers.
As a Wrap: Slide chicken off skewers into pita bread with lettuce and tzatziki.
On a Salad: Pair with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breast is a great option but cook carefully, as it’s leaner and can dry out more quickly.
2. Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Definitely — soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.
3. Can I make these without an air fryer?
Absolutely — they can be cooked on a grill or in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. How can I make them more lemony?
Increase lemon zest in the marinade or add extra lemon juice just before serving.
5. Is the mayonnaise noticeable in flavor?
Not at all. It tenderizes the chicken and helps bind the marinade without giving a mayonnaise taste.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen for these Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers! Every juicy bite delivers a burst of flavor that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. This dish is a wonderful balance of fresh citrus, warm spices, and creamy butter — all wrapped up in a quick, weeknight-friendly recipe. I hope you enjoy making these skewers as much as I do, and that they become a new favorite in your home. Here’s to delicious meals, happy cooking, and sharing great food with the people you love.
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Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 skewers (4 servings) 1x
Description
Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers bring together zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter for a quick, flavorful meal made entirely in the air fryer. Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining, these skewers are tender, juicy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp mayonnaise (or plain yogurt)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
1 ½ tsp dried oregano
¾ tsp paprika
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
640g (1.4 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Lemon Butter Glaze
75g (5 tbsp) softened butter
1 tbsp finely diced fresh parsley
2 tsp lemon juice
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
⅛ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and stir until fully coated. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).Skewer Assembly:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto 4 skewers, packing them closely to lock in moisture and ensure tender results.First Air Fry:
Place skewers in the air fryer basket. Brush over any leftover marinade from the bowl. Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 13 minutes.Butter Basting:
After 13 minutes, flip the skewers and brush with one-quarter of the lemon butter. Cook for 1 minute, flip again, and brush with another quarter.Final Glaze:
Remove from the air fryer and generously coat with the remaining lemon butter. For extra zing, squeeze over a bit more fresh lemon juice before serving.
Notes
Avoid over-marinating as lemon juice can make chicken rubbery.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Works with chicken breast, shrimp, or pork as variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 396 kcal
- Sugar: 0.37 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.1 g
- Protein: 32.6 g