Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers

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Craving a quick, comforting meal without drowning in leftovers? These small-batch Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers are the answer. Each tender piece is marinated for extra flavor, then coated in crisp breadcrumbs that turn golden and irresistible after just a few minutes in the air fryer. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but uses a fraction of the oil you’d need to pan-fry.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch fix, this simple dish has you covered. The marinade keeps the chicken moist, the air fryer locks in that crunch, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to pull everything together. No more wrestling with big pans of hot oil—just assemble, air fry, and serve.

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

• 1 lbs chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch strips
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup real mayonnaise
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 6 small wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden)
• Cooking spray (or a light drizzle of oil)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• (Optional) pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and your custom seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme, plus an optional pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat).
   2. Add the chicken strips to the bowl, making sure they’re fully coated.
   3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Thread onto Skewers
   1. Remove the chicken from the fridge.
   2. Carefully thread each strip onto the skewers, keeping the flat sides facing roughly the same way for even air frying.
3. Bread the Skewers
   1. Pour the Italian breadcrumbs onto a large plate or shallow dish.
   2. Press or roll each chicken skewer into the breadcrumbs, patting gently so they stick.
   3. Shake off any excess crumbs.
4. Preheat and Arrange
   1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
   2. Lightly mist the basket with cooking spray or use a small drizzle of oil.
   3. Place the skewers in a single layer. If they don’t all fit, it’s best to cook them in batches so they turn out crisp and evenly cooked.
5. Air Fry the Chicken
   1. Lightly spray the tops of the skewers with cooking spray to help brown the crumbs.
   2. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, then use tongs to carefully flip each skewer.
   3. Continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   1. Let the skewers rest for a minute on a plate.
   2. Serve hot. They’re fantastic on their own or paired with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or even a zesty sriracha-mayo combo.

If these chicken skewers hit the spot, I’d love for you to share them on Pinterest and let everyone in on this crispy, savory goodness!

Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers

Feel free to get creative with your seasonings to match any craving or occasion. Below are a few ideas to switch up the taste while keeping the same simple process:

1. Zesty Lemon-Herb
   • Marinade Boost: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of lemon zest to your mayo mixture.
   • Herb Swap: Replace the oregano and basil with dried rosemary and parsley for a bright, citrusy spin.
   • Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of lemon-garlic aioli or drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.
2. Spicy Cajun Kick
   • Seasoning Twist: Swap the Italian breadcrumbs for plain breadcrumbs, and blend in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
   • Amp Up the Heat: Stir a bit of cayenne pepper into the marinade if you really want to bring the fire.
   • Dipping Sauce: Cool things off with ranch or a creamy chipotle sauce on the side.
3. Savory Garlic-Parmesan
   • Cheesy Crumbs: Mix half a cup of grated Parmesan into your breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
   • Garlic Punch: Mince one or two garlic cloves into the marinade, or sprinkle garlic powder into the breadcrumb mixture.
   • Finishing Touch: Top the skewers with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving.
4. Sweet BBQ Glaze
   • Before the Breadcrumbs: Brush each chicken strip with a thin layer of barbecue sauce before coating in breadcrumbs.
   • Flavor Tip: Opt for a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce to complement the mayo marinade.
   • Post-Cook Glaze: Lightly dab extra BBQ sauce on the skewers once they’re done to give them a fresh, tangy finish.
5. Mediterranean-Inspired
   • Mediterranean Marinade: In place of the custom seasoning blend, add a teaspoon of dried oregano, a sprinkle of dried dill, and a hint of lemon zest to the mayo mixture.
   • Breadcrumb Mix-In: Consider folding in some crumbled feta or a little dried thyme for a bolder Mediterranean vibe.
   • Serving Suggestion: Pair with tzatziki sauce or a light cucumber and tomato salad.

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers Video Recipe

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