Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Lemon Butter Sauce (Air Fryer Recipe)

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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!

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