Air Fryer Lemon Butter Skewers

This hearty lemon butter chicken skewer recipe has become my weeknight dinner savior, transforming ordinary chicken thighs into juicy, flavor-packed bites with minimal effort. The air fryer creates that perfect char while keeping the inside tender, and the lemon butter finish adds a brightness that elevates the entire dish.

I first created these skewers during a particularly busy week when I needed something special but didn't have hours to spend in the kitchen. My family was so impressed they've requested them weekly ever since, and guests always ask for the recipe after their first bite.

Ingredients

• Lemon zest: adds bright citrus notes without acidity use only the yellow part to avoid bitterness
• Lemon juice: provides tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken
• Mayonnaise: might seem unusual but creates a perfect binding agent and helps the chicken stay juicy
• Olive oil: helps carry flavors and prevents sticking
• Garlic: adds depth fresh is essential for the best flavor
• Dried oregano: brings Mediterranean flair look for bright green oregano for the most potent flavor
• Paprika: adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color
• Chicken thighs: are preferred over breast meat as they stay juicier and more flavorful
• Butter: forms the luxurious sauce that coats each piece of chicken use good quality unsalted for best results
• Fresh parsley: brightens the butter mixture and adds color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the marinade:

Whisk together lemon zest, juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined. The mixture should look slightly emulsified and smell fragrant. This creates the flavor base that will penetrate the chicken.

Marinate the chicken:

Cut chicken thighs into even, bite-sized pieces about 1.5 inches each, then add to the marinade. Stir until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let rest for exactly 30 minutes at room temperature. The acid in the lemon juice starts breaking down proteins, so timing matters here.

Skewer the chicken:

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, packing the pieces closely together but not smashing them. This proximity helps maintain moisture during cooking. Leave gaps at both ends of the skewer for easy handling.

First air fryer cycle:

Place skewers in your preheated air fryer basket, brush with any remaining marinade from the bowl, and cook at 400°F for 13 minutes. During this time, mix together softened butter, parsley, lemon juice, paprika, pepper and salt in a small bowl until well combined.

Apply butter and finish cooking:

Flip the skewers using tongs, brush with about a quarter of the butter mixture, and cook for one minute. Flip again, brush with another quarter of butter, and cook for a final minute until chicken reaches 165°F internally and has a light char.

Final butter application:

Remove skewers from air fryer and brush with remaining butter mixture, capturing any melted butter from the air fryer basket for maximum flavor. The hot chicken will melt the butter, creating a luscious sauce that coats each piece.

Save This

The mayonnaise in this recipe is my secret weapon. Most people worry it will make the chicken taste strange, but it actually disappears completely during cooking while helping the chicken stay incredibly tender. I discovered this trick after years of trying different marinades, and it never fails to surprise skeptical friends when I reveal the ingredient list.

Storage and Reheating

These chicken skewers maintain their juiciness surprisingly well as leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The butter solidifies when cold, creating a protective layer around the chicken that helps prevent it from drying out.

For reheating, I recommend warming them in the air fryer for just 3-4 minutes at 350°F rather than using a microwave. This restores the exterior crispness while gently warming the interior. You can also remove the meat from the skewers and toss it into salads or wraps for a quick lunch without reheating at all.

Perfect Pairings

While I love serving these skewers with orzo as mentioned in the notes, they truly shine alongside Greek-inspired sides. Try them with a simple Greek salad of cucumber, tomato, red onion, feta and olives dressed with olive oil and oregano. The cool, crisp vegetables contrast beautifully with the warm, buttery chicken.

For a complete meal that impresses guests, serve with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of lemon-roasted potatoes. The skewers can also be removed from their sticks and stuffed into pita pockets with fresh vegetables for a handheld meal that's perfect for casual gatherings.

Flavor Variations

The basic framework of this recipe lends itself beautifully to different flavor profiles. For a Spanish twist, substitute the oregano with smoked paprika and add a pinch of saffron to the butter. Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary work wonderfully in place of oregano for a different aromatic direction.

For a spicy version, add a teaspoon of harissa paste to the marinade and a pinch of cayenne to the butter mixture. You could also explore Asian flavors by replacing the lemon with lime, adding ginger to the marinade, and stirring a bit of honey and soy sauce into the butter for a sweet and savory finish.

Common Queries

→ How do you keep the chicken juicy in the air fryer?

Use chicken thighs and marinate for about 30 minutes. Skewer tightly and don't overcook—air fry until just done for maximum juiciness.

→ Can I substitute mayonnaise in the marinade?

Yes, use plain yogurt or a bit more olive oil instead. Mayonnaise helps tenderize and bind the marinade but can be swapped easily.

→ What sides complement these skewers?

Orzo tossed with butter, parmesan, and pasta water works well, as do grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or peppers.

→ How can I make the lemon flavor stronger?

Squeeze extra fresh lemon juice over the cooked skewers just before serving for an extra zing, or add more zest to the marinade.

→ What's the ideal marinating time?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature if the chicken is cold. Don't exceed an hour to prevent tough texture.

→ Can I cook these without an air fryer?

You can cook the skewers on a grill or under the broiler, adjusting time to ensure they’re fully cooked and nicely charred.