This air fryer chicken skewers recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a sweet chili, honey, garlic, and tamari blend. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these skewers are quick, easy, and packed with bold flavor. Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or appetizers, this recipe is gluten-free and customizable to your spice preference. Serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

For the Marinade

1 Tbsp minced chili garlic sauce
2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce (gluten-free)
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp tamari (gluten-free)
1 tsp sriracha
½ Tbsp garlic olive oil
1 Tbsp lime juice
½ tsp brown sugar
¼ tsp ground ginger

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into 2-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Marinade
In a separate bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Whisk until well blended.
Marinate
Pour the marinade over the chicken. Mix until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 3 hours.
Assemble the Skewers
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a bit of space at each end.
Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Place skewers in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Flip the skewers, brush with additional marinade, and cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F.
Finish (Optional)
For extra crispy edges, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot.

Table of Contents

Tips

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches at least 170°F for dark meat.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast or tofu for a lighter option.
Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha and chili garlic to taste for more or less heat.
Marinade Base: Replace tamari with soy sauce if gluten isn’t a concern.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance. Skewer and cook just before serving.

Can I cook these without skewers?
Yes, you can air fry the marinated chicken pieces directly in the basket—just don’t overcrowd.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice sear, but it’s optional depending on your model.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed or stir-fried vegetables.
Pair with jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Add to a salad or lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prep and cook in the air fryer.
Packed with bold, sweet and spicy flavor.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers.
Gluten-free and adaptable to different diets.