These Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are juicy, full of bright citrus flavor, and wonderfully simple to prepare. I find the combination of lemon and butter to be deeply satisfying—it brings richness, tang, and a touch of indulgence to tender pieces of chicken. Whenever I make these skewers, they disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes such basic ingredients and turns them into something that feels restaurant-worthy. The marinade infuses the chicken with flavor in just 30 minutes, the air fryer gives it a light char without drying it out, and the lemon butter adds an irresistible gloss and richness at the end. It’s a simple, no-fuss meal that’s as easy for a weeknight as it is impressive for guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Lemon zest and juice
Mayonnaise
Olive oil
Garlic
Dried oregano
Paprika, salt, and black pepper
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter
Fresh parsley
Additional lemon juice for the butter
Directions
In a mixing bowl, I whisk together the marinade ingredients—lemon juice and zest, mayo, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. I stir in the chicken until it’s evenly coated and let it marinate for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
I thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps at both ends. I make sure the pieces are compact so they stay juicy while cooking.
I air fry the skewers at 200°C (400°F) for about 13 minutes, brushing over any remaining marinade.
While the chicken cooks, I mix together softened butter, parsley, lemon juice, and a touch of seasoning to make the lemon butter.
After 13 minutes, I flip the skewers, baste with a little of the butter, and cook for 1 minute. I flip again, baste with more butter, and cook for another minute until the chicken is lightly charred and reaches 74°C (165°F).
Once done, I brush the skewers with the remaining lemon butter and, if I want a stronger lemon flavor, I squeeze over a bit more lemon juice before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 skewers and serves 2 people. It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, and 30 minutes of marinating—so about 1 hour total.
Variations
I sometimes use chicken breast instead of thighs, but I watch the timing closely to avoid overcooking.
For a smoky twist, I grill the skewers on the barbecue instead of the air fryer.
I add a pinch of chili flakes to the butter for a little heat.
If I want a Mediterranean spin, I stir a bit of chopped dill or mint into the lemon butter.
Storage/Reheating
I like to store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I use the air fryer or oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5–7 minutes to keep the chicken from drying out. I don’t recommend freezing them after cooking, but the raw marinated chicken can be frozen for up to a month.
FAQs
How lemony are these chicken skewers?
The lemon flavor is noticeable but balanced. If I want a stronger citrus punch, I simply squeeze more lemon juice over the cooked skewers.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, I can. I just keep an eye on the cook time since chicken breast tends to dry out faster.
Do I have to soak wooden skewers?
I usually don’t since they cook quickly in the air fryer, but soaking them for 20 minutes can add peace of mind if I’m using bamboo skewers.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I prefer to cook them fresh, but I can prepare the marinade and the butter a day in advance and keep both refrigerated until ready to use.
How do I serve lemon butter chicken skewers?
I love serving them with orzo tossed in butter and Parmesan, or with a side of roasted asparagus. The lemon butter seeps into everything and ties the dish together beautifully.
Conclusion
I find these Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers to be one of those go-to recipes that always impress. The chicken stays juicy, the butter adds richness, and the lemon keeps it all feeling light and fresh. It’s an easy way to make something special with minimal effort—perfect for busy evenings or when I want a simple yet elegant meal.
These Air Fryer Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are juicy, citrusy, and rich, with a bright marinade and buttery finish. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they’re quick, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly.
Total Time:1 hour (including marinating)
Yield:2 servings (4 skewers)
Ingredients
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice (for lemon butter)
Optional: extra lemon juice to serve
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, mayo, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Thread chicken onto skewers tightly but with slight spacing at ends.
Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 13 minutes, brushing with remaining marinade.
Meanwhile, mix butter, parsley, lemon juice, and seasoning in a small bowl.
After 13 minutes, flip skewers, baste with lemon butter, and cook 1 more minute. Flip and baste again, cook an additional minute until golden and chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
Brush with remaining butter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over skewers before serving.
Notes
Use chicken breast if preferred, but reduce cook time slightly.
Add chili flakes to butter for a hint of spice.
Skewers can be grilled for a smoky version.
Marinated chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month before cooking.
Serve with orzo, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
