If you want an easy chicken dinner that always turns out great, these lemon pepper chicken skewers are for you.
They are juicy on the inside, a little golden on the outside, and full of bright lemon flavor. Simple and really tasty.
I love making these on busy nights because the air fryer does most of the work. You just prep the chicken, thread it, and let it cook.
The lemon and pepper together give the chicken a fresh, zesty taste that never feels boring. It is one of those flavors that works every time.
Let me show you how to make these skewers step by step so you can enjoy them any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Juicy and Tender – Chicken thighs stay incredibly moist and soft in the air fryer, giving you the juiciest bite every single time.
Bright Lemon Flavor – The fresh lemon juice and lemon pepper give this chicken a zesty, tangy taste that feels fresh and light.
Ready in Minutes – These skewers cook in just 12 to 14 minutes, making them perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
Golden and Crispy Edges – The air fryer gives the chicken beautiful golden edges while keeping the inside soft and juicy.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
How To Make
Step 1
Slice the chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks.
Step 2
In a large bowl, toss the chicken chunks with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until thoroughly coated.
Step 3
Thread the seasoned chicken tightly onto small wooden skewers that fit inside your air fryer basket.
Step 4
Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer.
Step 5
Cook at 380F for 12 to 14 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
Step 6
Serve warm with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.
Tips
Go With Thighs, Not Breasts
Stick with the chicken thighs here and don’t swap them for breasts. Thighs have a little more fat, so they stay juicy and tender even in the fast, dry heat of the air fryer.
From my experience, breasts tend to dry out and turn rubbery by the time they cook through. Thighs give you that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite every single time.
Soak Your Wooden Skewers First
Before you thread the chicken on, let your wooden skewers sit in water for about 20-30 minutes. Dry wood can scorch and turn dark inside the air fryer since it gets close to the heating element.
My favorite trick here is to soak them while the chicken is marinating, so you’re not wasting any time. Just pat them dry a bit before threading so they’re not dripping wet.
Let the Chicken Marinate for Extra Flavor
You can cook the chicken right after tossing it, but I’ve found that letting it sit in the seasoning for 30 minutes makes a big difference. The lemon juice and garlic powder really soak into the meat and give you way more flavor in every bite.
If you have the time, pop the bowl in the fridge for up to 2 hours. Any longer than that and the lemon juice can start to change the texture of the chicken, so don’t leave it overnight.
Related Recipes
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Air Fryer Honey Lemon Pepper Wings
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Shrimp Skewers
- Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp Skewers
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak the wooden skewers before using them in the air fryer?
Yes, it helps to soak the wooden skewers in water for about 10 to 15 minutes first so they hold up to the heat and stay sturdy.
If you skip this step the exposed ends can get too dark or brittle, so a quick soak keeps them in good shape while the chicken cooks.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers
- skewers
- air fryer
- 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Slice the chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken chunks with olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until thoroughly coated.
- Thread the seasoned chicken tightly onto small wooden skewers that fit inside your air fryer basket.
- Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Cook at 380F for 12 to 14 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is golden and fully cooked.
- Serve warm with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon if desired.