These air fryer lemon pepper chicken skewers are juicy, zesty, and packed with bold flavor. Marinated in garlic, lemon zest, and spices, then air-fried to crispy perfection, each bite is basted in a luscious lemon pepper butter for an irresistible finish. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a gathering, or just craving something flavorful, these skewers are a must-try!

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Made in the air fryer for fast, hassle-free cooking.
• Bold & Zesty – A perfect balance of fresh lemon, garlic, and buttery richness.
• Juicy & Tender – Chicken thighs stay incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Versatile – Serve over rice, in wraps, or with your favorite sides.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Garlic
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Salt

Lemon Pepper Butter

• Unsalted butter
• Black pepper
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Paprika
• Sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix the chicken with garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.

Step 2: Skewer & Cook

Tightly pack the marinated chicken onto skewers. Air fry at a high temperature, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Pepper Butter

Combine partially melted butter with lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, salt, paprika, and sugar. Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Baste & Serve

Once the skewers are done, generously brush with lemon pepper butter and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Over a bed of fluffy rice with roasted vegetables.
• Wrapped in warm pita with tzatziki and fresh herbs.
• Alongside a crisp salad for a light and refreshing meal.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to three days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked skewers in a sealed bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Air Fryer: Heat for a few minutes until warm.
• Oven: Bake at a low temperature until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet with a little butter or oil.

Print

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers! Juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly crisped to perfection. These skewers start with tender, marinated chicken thighs, kissed with garlic, lemon zest, and warm spices. Air-fried until golden and basted in a luscious lemon pepper butter, each bite bursts with citrusy richness and a touch of heat. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer, chicken, lemon pepper

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Author kingcooks

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 3-4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tbsp garlic minced or grated
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper fresh ground
• 1/4 tsp paprika

Lemon Pepper Butter

• 1 stick unsalted butter partially melted
• 1 tsp black pepper fresh ground
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp sugar

Instructions

• In a bowl add in the chicken thighs, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika and olive oil. Mix everything until thoroughly combined.
• Skewer your marinated chicken thighs packing the meat onto each skewer tightly.
• Once all your meat is skewered, air fry for 12 mins @400F.
• Flip and air fry for 8-10 mins @400F or until the internal temperature reaches 165F

Lemon pepper butter

• Add in a bowl the partially melted unsalted butter, salt, black pepper, lemon zest, paprika, sugar, lemon juice
• Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Once the skewers are cooked, baste with the lemon pepper butter and serve immediately.
• Enjoy!