One of the best ways to elevate chicken is with a bold and zesty peri peri marinade. This version is blended with roasted red pepper, garlic, lemon juice, and spices, then finished with a rich lemon butter sauce for a perfect balance of heat and tanginess. Air frying ensures delicious, juicy peri peri chicken skewers—without excess oil!

Ingredients

For the Peri Peri Marinade

• 1 red bell pepper, roasted, peeled, and blended
• 1 chilli pepper
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves (or ½ tsp dried basil)

For the Chicken Skewers

• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for coating before air frying)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 15 minutes)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

• ¼ cup reserved peri peri sauce
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peri Peri Marinade

1. Roast the red bell pepper over an open flame or in an oven at 400°F (200°C) until the skin blackens. Place in a bowl, cover, and let it steam for 5 minutes. Peel off the skin.
2. In a blender or food processor, blend the roasted red pepper, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, oregano, cumin, lemon juice, vinegar, oil, and basil until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken cubes in a bowl and coat with the peri peri marinade (reserve ¼ cup for the sauce).
2. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (for best results, marinate overnight).

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Skewers

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
2. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden skewers.
3. Lightly brush with olive oil and place in the air fryer basket.
4. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 75°C).

Step 4: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Stir in the reserved peri peri sauce, mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the hot peri peri chicken skewers.
• Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of extra lemon juice.
• Serve with grilled veggies, rice, or flatbread for a complete meal!

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest and share it with friends! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out! 😊

Tips & Tricks for the Best Peri Peri Chicken Skewers

✔ Roast the Red Pepper Properly – Char the red pepper well before peeling. This enhances the smoky depth of your peri peri marinade.

✔ Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor – While 30 minutes works, marinating overnight deepens the flavor and makes the chicken extra juicy.

✔ Soak Wooden Skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.

✔ Preheat Your Air Fryer – Always preheat your air fryer for the crispiest results. This ensures even cooking and a nice char on the chicken.

✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Arrange the skewers in a single layer with space between them for even airflow and crispiness.

✔ Flip Halfway for Even Cooking – This helps brown the chicken evenly on all sides, giving it that grilled-like finish.

✔ Adjust Spice Levels – If you prefer milder heat, reduce the cayenne or omit the chili pepper. If you love extra spice, add more chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

✔ Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness – While chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, boneless chicken thighs stay even juicier and more flavorful.

✔ Make Extra Sauce – The peri peri butter sauce is addictive! Double the batch and use it as a dip for fries, veggies, or even spread it on sandwiches.

✔ Try Different Cooking Methods – No air fryer? No problem! You can also:

• Grill: Cook on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

These tips ensure your Peri Peri Chicken Skewers come out perfectly every time!

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

There’s a special place in my heart for meals that are both comforting and bursting with flavor. This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sesame Glaze is one such dish that never fails to delight.

I remember the first time I whipped it up on a busy weeknight, rummaging through my fridge for ingredients and hoping to create something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The result was a harmonious blend of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glaze so good I found myself licking the spoon.

Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, and it’s become a beloved staple in my household. It’s quick to prepare, it takes less than 30 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve spent much more time on it—a perfect meal for sharing with family and friends. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Garlic Sesame Glaze:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Cook the Beef:

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil.
5. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add broccoli florets and bell pepper slices. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Combine Everything:

7. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
8. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and veggies.
9. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve:

10. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
11. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

If this beef and broccoli stir-fry had you double-checking that you really made it yourself, it’s only fair to share the magic. Save the image to your Pinterest board and share the joy of cooking together.

Tips & Tricks for the Recipe

• Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and slice the beef before you start cooking. Having everything ready to go makes the stir-fry process quick and seamless.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Although not required, marinating the beef in a bit of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 20 minutes can enhance its flavor.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is thoroughly heated before adding the beef to get a nice sear.
• Cook Beef in Batches: To avoid steaming and ensure even browning, cook the beef in small batches without overcrowding the pan.
• Blanch Broccoli: For even more vibrant and tender-crisp broccoli, consider blanching it in boiling water for 1 minute before adding it to the stir-fry.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots based on your preference.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
• Taste and Season: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want a bit more soy sauce, sweetness, or spice.
• Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh off the stove while the flavors are vibrant, and the vegetables are still crisp.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the beef and veggies.