Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely, chicken breast works great too, just make sure to cut it into even pieces so it cooks evenly. Keep a close eye, as breast meat tends to cook (and dry out) faster than thighs.

Do I have to use mayonnaise in the marinade?

Not at all—the mayonnaise tenderizes the chicken and helps the marinade cling, but you can swap it out for plain yogurt or simply use more olive oil if you prefer. The flavor stays fresh and vibrant either way.

Can I grill these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! These skewers are fantastic on an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan. Cook over medium-high heat, turning and basting with the lemon butter, until nicely charred and fully cooked through.

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

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This helps prevent burning or splintering during cooking.

Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers Recipe

Here’s a dinner that will instantly brighten up any busy weeknight: these Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, marinated with zesty lemon, garlic, and a touch of herbs, then air-fried to perfection and finished with a slathering of luscious, lemony butter. Quick to prepare, hands-off to cook, and impossible to resist—this is a showstopper that’s as easy as it is delicious. Serve them with simple sides or pile onto a salad, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “dinner’s ready!”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Quick: Minimal prep, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting—perfect for when time is tight.
Vibrant Flavors: The combination of citrus, garlic, butter, and herbs is simply unbeatable. Each bite bursts with flavor yet feels light.
Juiciest Chicken Ever: The marinade guarantees juicy, tender chicken with a gorgeous golden char on the outside.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for kids and adults alike, and the skewers make for fun, hands-on eating.
Customizable: Tweak the flavors or serve with whatever you have on hand—this one’s flexible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these essentials for your new favorite chicken dinner:

Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs keep things juicy and flavorful.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Adds brightness and zing; zest gives robust citrus notes while juice keeps it fresh and tangy.
Mayonnaise: Essential for a tender, juicy texture. Trust me, it won’t taste like mayo! If you don’t have any, swap for plain yogurt or a little more oil.
Olive Oil: Enhances richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
Garlic: Fresh, finely grated cloves give the chicken all the aromatic punch it needs.
Dried Oregano: Infuses Mediterranean herby goodness; dried works best in marinades.
Paprika: A touch for color and gentle warmth.
Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning, of course! Adjust to taste.
Butter: The finishing touch—melted, flavored with more lemon, herbs, and spices, it takes the chicken from good to unforgettable.
Fresh Parsley: Stirred into the butter for a fresh, herby flair.
Skewers: Metal or soaked wooden ones, whatever you have.
Note: You can use chicken breast in a pinch, but the thighs do provide more moisture and flavor.

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

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a gentle kick.
Herb Swap: Try thyme, rosemary, or basil if you’re out of oregano.
Citrus Change: Use lime or even orange zest and juice for a different citrus profile.
Veggie Add-In: Thread bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini between the chicken pieces for a complete skewer.
Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a vegan alternative and skip the mayonnaise or use plant-based yogurt.

How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk zest, lemon juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken pieces, tossing until every bit is coated. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes—just enough time to infuse major flavor without turning the chicken rubbery.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, making sure the pieces are snug but not squished—this helps the meat cook evenly and stay juicy. Leave a little room at each end for easy handling.

Step 3: Air Fry the Skewers

Arrange the skewers in your air fryer basket. Brush any remaining marinade over the chicken—don’t waste that flavor! Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 13 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure even golden char.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter

While the chicken cooks, combine softened butter with parsley, a splash of lemon juice, paprika, a crack of black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This butter—fragrant and lemony—is pure magic.

Step 5: Baste and Finish

After that first 13 minutes, flip the skewers and brush over some of the lemon butter. Air fry for another minute, flip and repeat with more lemon butter, then a final quick blast in the air fryer. The chicken should be gloriously glazed and lightly caramelized by now.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the skewers, brush over any remaining melted butter from the air fryer and all the rest of the lemon butter. Give it a final squeeze of lemon if you crave more brightness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Over-Marinate: Too long in the acidic marinade makes small pieces of chicken rubbery. Thirty minutes is perfect, especially if the chicken is at room temperature.
Compact Skewering: Keep the chicken pieces packed together to help them stay juicy, but not so tight that air doesn’t circulate.
Generous Basting: Don’t be stingy with the lemon butter at the end—it’s what gives the chicken that glossy, flavorful finish.
Check for Doneness: Internal temperature should hit 165°F/74°C. If unsure, slice into the thickest piece to check.

How to Serve

Serve these skewers piled over fluffy orzo tossed with a touch of butter, parmesan, and a splash of pasta water for an ultra-creamy finish. They’re just as wonderful atop a crisp Greek salad, alongside grilled asparagus, or even stuffed into pita bread with tzatziki.

Perfect Pairings:

Orzo or rice pilaf to soak up the buttery juices.
Roasted or steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
Fresh, herby salads—think cucumber, tomato, and feta.
Warm flatbread or naan for scooping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken skewers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove the chicken from the skewers for easy storage.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken pieces (off the skewers) in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the air fryer for a couple of minutes, or zap in the microwave until piping hot. A quick brush of extra melted butter and a squeeze of lemon will revive all that flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely, chicken breast works great too, just make sure to cut it into even pieces so it cooks evenly. Keep a close eye, as breast meat tends to cook (and dry out) faster than thighs.
Do I have to use mayonnaise in the marinade?

Not at all—the mayonnaise tenderizes the chicken and helps the marinade cling, but you can swap it out for plain yogurt or simply use more olive oil if you prefer. The flavor stays fresh and vibrant either way.
Can I grill these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! These skewers are fantastic on an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan. Cook over medium-high heat, turning and basting with the lemon butter, until nicely charred and fully cooked through.
How do I keep wooden skewers from burning in the air fryer?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This helps prevent burning or splintering during cooking.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are proof that weeknight dinner can be both exciting and effortless. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation. Don’t be afraid to mix things up with your own twists—just be sure to pour on that irresistible lemon butter and savor every juicy, zesty bite. Give them a try, and let each skewer remind you how easy and joyful cooking really can be.