Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs

This recipe for juicy Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs is made in minutes using an air fryer. They cook in no time with the bonus of easy clean-up to boot. I’ve included grilling instructions as well, and either way you choose to cook these barbecue chicken kabobs, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Easy Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs Recipe

I’ve truly come to love my air fryer, it’s become a staple countertop appliance in our kitchen and for good reason. Not only does it make cooking faster and healthier by using little to no oil, but it’s also incredibly easy to clean, making post-meal cleanup a breeze. Even better? My teenagers gravitate toward it too! They enjoy using it to whip up quick, crispy snacks and meals without the hassle of traditional frying.

One of our current favorite recipes is Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Kabobs. These kabobs are packed with flavor, easy to prep, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Whether you’re looking for a healthier twist on grilled skewers or a kid-approved air fryer meal, this recipe delivers.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
• Marinade – Honey, ketchup, olive oil, lime juice, light or dark brown sugar for sweetness.
• Spices – Ground chipotle pepper, dark chili powder, seasoned salt, granulated garlic or garlic powder and onion powder.
• Skewers – 8 wooden skewers soaked in water.
• Garnishes – Lime wedges and cilantro for serving

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Kabobs Recipe

• Make the Marinade – Whisk together honey, ketchup, olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, chipotle powder, chili powder, seasoned salt, garlic and onion powder.
• Add Chicken – Toss chicken with marinade coating thoroughly. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
• Prepare Air Fryer – Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray basket with cooking spray to prevent the skewers from sticking.
• Assemble BBQ Chicken Skewers – Thread chicken onto skewers and place in air fryer basket leaving room between for air to circulate.
• Air Fry – Cook per the recipe flipping the skewers halfway through. (Check for 165°F on a meat thermometer.)
• Let Rest – Plate skewers and let rest for 5 minutes. Squeeze a little lime juice on each skewer, top with chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy with dipping sauce.
• Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup prepared Ranch dressing, 2 tablespoons lime juice with 1 teaspoon lime zest and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro. Refrigerate until serving, then serve with chicken kabobs for dipping.

Kitchen Equipment to Make BBQ Chicken Skewers Air Fryer

• Large air fryer, either with a basket or a multi-function air fryer-toaster oven.
• Large bowl and whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Shallow 13×9-inch dish to marinate the chicken skewers.
• Long bamboo skewers soaked in water.
• Instant read thermometer.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Don’t Marinate Too Long – You’ll note the chicken only needs around 30 minutes to marinate. Because of the citrus, if you marinate too long the lime juice could make the chicken too tough.
• Soak the Bamboo Skewers – While the chicken marinades soak the bamboo skewers in water. You’ll need to do this for both the air fryer  and grilling.
• Protein – You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They may take a bit longer to cook so be sure they register 165°F on the meat thermometer.
• Vegetables – You could add onion or bell peppers to the chicken kabobs. When doing so, adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Stand Time – When cooking chicken in an air fryer, once cooked allow the chicken kabobs to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will give the cooking juices time to redistribute and make the chicken moist and tender on the inside.
• Grilling BBQ Chicken Skewers – You can enjoy these bbq chicken skewers on the grill, too! See the recipe card for instructions.
• Serving Options – You can serve also these chicken kabobs as an appetizer, dividing the chicken pieces into smaller portions using one or two on each bamboo skewer.
• Bonus Recipe for Dipping Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup prepared Ranch dressing, 2 tablespoons lime juice with 1 teaspoon lime zest and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro. Refrigerate until serving, then serve with chicken kabobs for dipping.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover barbecue chicken kabobs in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat gently in the microwave to prevent drying out.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftover chicken skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and gently reheat just before serving.

More Southern Chicken Recipes to the Make

Chicken is always in my freezer in many forms. Boneless skinless chicken breasts, chicken wings, chicken drumsticks, bone-in chicken and a whole chicken for roasting. More easy chicken recipes you may like to try:

• Roast vegetables alongside this recipe for Lemon Rosemary Roast Chicken for a complete meal.
• Family pleasing Chicken and Rice Casserole is just like the one I grew up eating.
• Crispy Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken recipe let’s you enjoy fried chicken without the guilt.
• Bourbon Chicken served over rice is better than takeout.
• Moist and tender Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are marinated in Greek yogurt.
• Chicken Burgers from Will Cook for Smiles.

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils