Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, though it’s leaner and can dry out more easily. Consider reducing the cook time by a minute or two, and don’t skip the marinade—it helps keep breast meat juicy!

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem. You can use a grill, stovetop grill pan, or even a very hot oven (broil or bake at 220°C/425°F), turning the skewers once or twice during cooking for even browning.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the marinade?

Mayonnaise adds tenderness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken, but you can swap it for plain yogurt or simply use more oil if you prefer. You won’t taste any ‘mayonnaise’ flavor after cooking.

How do I keep wooden skewers from burning in the air fryer?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken on. This helps prevent burning or charring during the cooking process.

Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a new weeknight dinner hero, these Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers might become your next secret weapon. Imagine juicy, tender bites of chicken wrapped in a vibrant lemony marinade, then glazed with luscious lemon butter—all cooked to golden perfection in your air fryer in just minutes. This dish bursts with citrusy freshness balanced by aromatic herbs and delicate spices, making every bite absolutely addictive. The best part? It’s so simple to throw together, even on your busiest days, and pairs beautifully with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Quick: The air fryer cuts down the cooking time dramatically, so you’re enjoying delicious food in less than an hour—start to finish.
Unbelievably Juicy: Chicken thighs are marinated to perfection, ensuring the end result is mouthwateringly tender and never dry.
Zesty & Rich Flavors: Creamy lemon butter and a bold marinade team up to create layers of flavor—each bite is a celebration of citrus, herbs, and a hint of spice.
Minimal Mess: No need to fire up the grill or fuss with multiple pans; the air fryer keeps things tidy.
Customizable: Tweak the marinade, the butter, or even your side dishes for whatever you love most or have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s get everything ready—no need for special gadgets, and you probably have most of these in your kitchen already.

Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): The star ingredient, sliced bite-size for maximum juiciness and easy threading onto skewers.
Lemon Zest: Adds pure, clean lemony brightness—avoid the bitter white pith for the best result.
Lemon Juice: For tangy, lively citrus flavor. If you want extra pop, squeeze more on when serving.
Mayonnaise: Binds the marinade and tenderizes the chicken—don’t worry, you won’t taste the mayo once cooked! Plain yogurt or a little extra oil works well too.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a hint of richness.
Garlic (finely grated): Bold, aromatic flavor—skip the garlic if you must, but it really does add magic.
Dried Oregano: Brings warm, herby notes that compliment lemon perfectly.
Paprika: For gentle smokiness, and a lovely color.
Salt and Black Pepper: To season everything just right.
Butter (softened): For making the luscious lemon butter glaze.
Fresh Parsley (finely diced): A touch of freshness and color in the final butter.
Skewers: Metal or soaked wooden skewers work—just make sure they fit your air fryer.

Tip: Wooden skewers should be soaked for 20-30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Switch the Protein: Try boneless chicken breast, turkey, or even shrimp—just adjust cook times accordingly.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
Herb Swap: Replace oregano with Italian seasoning, thyme, or even fresh rosemary for a new twist.
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter to glaze and skip the mayo for plain yogurt or more oil.
Vegan Option: Use firm tofu, marinated for less time, and plant-based butter in the glaze.

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise (or your chosen substitute), olive oil, grated garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything comes together and looks creamy.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Toss in your chicken thigh pieces, making sure each piece is coated well. Cover and let them soak up those flavors for 30 minutes. If using right out of the fridge, marinate on the counter; otherwise, refrigerate if you plan to marinate for up to 60 minutes (no more, or the chicken might get rubbery).

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space at each end. Pack them snugly so they remain juicy during cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry the Skewers

Arrange the skewers in your air fryer basket. Brush any remaining marinade over the chicken. Set the air fryer to 200°C/400°F and cook for 13 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Butter

While the chicken cooks, combine softened butter, finely chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 6: Baste and Finish

At 13 minutes, flip the skewers with tongs. Brush with a third of your lemon butter, cook for 1 minute. Flip again, brush another third, and cook for one more minute. The chicken should be a little charred, and the internal temp should reach 74°C/165°F.

Step 7: Serve

Remove skewers from the air fryer. Brush them all over with the rest of that irresistible lemon butter. If you love extra zing, squeeze a little more lemon on top before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t over-marinate! Too much acidity will make the chicken tough—stick to 30-60 minutes max.
Make sure the chicken pieces are of similar size, so they cook evenly.
For extra juicy results, pack the chicken pieces closely together on the skewers.
Clean your air fryer basket before starting, then brush any buttery juices at the end over the skewers for bonus flavor.
Let the skewers rest a couple of minutes before serving, so the juices redistribute.

How to Serve

These skewers are incredibly versatile! Pair them with orzo tossed in butter and parmesan for a comforting side, or serve alongside fluffy rice, grilled asparagus, or a zippy green salad for an ultra-refreshing meal. If you want to amp up the Mediterranean vibe, add some warm pita or flatbread and a dollop of creamy tzatziki. Fresh lemon wedges on the side make it all pop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as delicious cold, tucked into wraps or sliced over salads.

Freezing

Freeze cooked skewers (removed from the sticks for easier storage) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until heated through, or microwave gently. If you have any leftover lemon butter, warm it slightly and drizzle it on just before serving for max moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well, though it’s leaner and can dry out more easily. Consider reducing the cook time by a minute or two, and don’t skip the marinade—it helps keep breast meat juicy!
What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem. You can use a grill, stovetop grill pan, or even a very hot oven (broil or bake at 220°C/425°F), turning the skewers once or twice during cooking for even browning.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the marinade?

Mayonnaise adds tenderness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken, but you can swap it for plain yogurt or simply use more oil if you prefer. You won’t taste any ‘mayonnaise’ flavor after cooking.
How do I keep wooden skewers from burning in the air fryer?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken on. This helps prevent burning or charring during the cooking process.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are exactly what you need for a flavorful, fuss-free meal that delivers maximum enjoyment with minimal effort. The combination of juicy marinated chicken and silky lemon butter is simply irresistible—perfect for weeknights, backyard gatherings, or whenever you need a little dinnertime inspiration. Give this recipe a try and see how quickly it disappears from your table!