If you love fun, easy-to-make meals, then Air Fryer Chicken on a Stick is perfect for you! These juicy, well-seasoned chicken skewers cook quickly in the air fryer, making them a fantastic meal for weeknights, gatherings, or even meal prep. The best part? No need to fire up the grill—your air fryer does all the work!
In this detailed guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know, including tips, tricks, and FAQs to make sure your chicken turns out perfectly every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy: Minimal prep time and fast cooking in the air fryer.
✅ Healthy: No deep frying—just crispy, juicy chicken with less oil.
✅ Customizable: Use different seasonings, sauces, or marinades to switch things up.
✅ Kid-Friendly: Great for picky eaters, and kids love food on sticks!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into 1-inch strips)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or any preferred dried herbs)
- ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos (for extra flavor)
- Bamboo or metal skewers
Instructions
1. Prepare the Skewers & Chicken
Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, skip this step.
Slice chicken into even strips (about 1 inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, chili powder (if using), lemon juice, and soy sauce.
Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor).
3. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Carefully thread each chicken strip onto a skewer, making sure they are evenly spaced for even cooking.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer & Cook
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve & Enjoy
Remove the skewers carefully and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of roasted veggies, salad, or rice!
Tips & Tricks
✔ Marinate for Better Flavor – Even 15 minutes can make a difference, but for the juiciest chicken, marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd – Leave space between skewers in the air fryer to ensure even air circulation.
✔ Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness – Chicken thighs have more fat, making them extra tender and flavorful.
✔ Check for Doneness – Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
✔ Experiment with Flavors – Try different spice blends like Cajun, taco seasoning, or curry powder.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
🌟 Garlic Yogurt Dip – Mix Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
🌟 Honey Mustard Sauce – Combine honey, mustard, and a touch of mayo.
🌟 Spicy Sriracha Mayo – Blend mayo, sriracha, and a squeeze of lime.
🌟 Tzatziki Sauce – Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill for a fresh Mediterranean twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before marinating to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
2. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warm.
3. Can I cook these in the oven?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. What can I serve with chicken skewers?
Pair them with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Chicken on a Stick
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into 1-inch strips)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Bamboo or metal skewers
Instructions
1️⃣ Soak Skewers & Prep Chicken: Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Slice chicken into even strips.
2️⃣ Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, chili powder (if using), lemon juice, and soy sauce. Add chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3️⃣ Assemble Skewers: Thread chicken strips onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
4️⃣ Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place skewers in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Remove from air fryer, let rest for 2-3 minutes, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Serves 4 – Based on using chicken breast and olive oil)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
🔹 Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients used. Using chicken thighs will increase fat content, while adding sauces or dips will affect overall macros.