The Best Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken thigh skewers with a spicy honey garlic lemon pepper glaze. Perfect for healthy meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
When people talk about weight loss and meal prepping, the meals that come to mind are often repetitive and bland, like the classic “chicken breast, rice, and broccoli” combo. I used to think the same thing when I first started my health journey.
But here’s the truth: If the food isn’t delicious, I’m not sticking with it. That mindset changed everything for me. Over the past year, I’ve lost more than 70 pounds, and this Spicy Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers recipe has been one of my favorite go-tos throughout that transformation.
The chicken comes out incredibly juicy, the lemon in the sauce adds brightness, and the hot honey gives it just enough sweet heat to keep every bite exciting. Even better? This same air fryer method can be used for endless flavor variations. I love pairing it with my arroz verde for a balanced, flavorful meal prep option that’s far from boring. Grab the recipe below or check out the video here!
Why I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts For Skewers?
When it comes to making juicy, flavorful chicken skewers, especially in the air fryer, chicken thighs are my go-to. Dark meat is naturally more tender, more forgiving, and stays moist no matter how you cook it. That’s exactly what you want when making meals in bulk or prepping for the week. In this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal. The small amount of fat melts during cooking, locking in moisture and boosting flavor. Even after reheating, the chicken stays juicy.
Don’t love dark meat? You can still use chicken breasts! Just reduce the cook time. Cook the chicken to 150°F, add the sauce, then cook until the internal temp hits 155–160°F. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps your breast meat tender and enjoyable.
Can You Use Wooden Skewers in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can use wooden skewers in the air fryer — just make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand. This prevents splintering and keeps them from burning during cooking (the same goes for grilling).
If you’re looking for a reusable option, metal skewers work perfectly and don’t require soaking. Just be careful — they hold heat and can burn your hands after cooking!
And in case you’re wondering — you don’t have to use skewers at all. Simply season your chicken cubes and place them directly into the air fryer basket. Same great results, minus the stick.
TIPS FOR MAKING CHICKEN SKEWERS
1. Use thighs with a little of the fat on.
It renders down as it cooks, keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.
2. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.
You can fill them up, but make sure you don’t squish them down to fit. This will help them cook evenly and get that slight char on the edges.
3. Season generously.
Be generous! Chicken thighs can handle bold flavor, and you want that seasoning to shine through the glaze.
4. Make extra sauce.
It’s that good and perfect for drizzling over rice, veggies, or dipping extra pieces.
5. Let them rest a minute before serving.
This helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Answer: Yes, but thighs are more forgiving and juicy, especially at high heat. If using breasts, reduce cook time slightly to avoid drying them out.
2. I don’t have hot honey. What can I use instead?
Answer: Mix regular honey with a little hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne to mimic the heat-sweet balance.
3. Can I grill these instead of air frying or baking?
Answer: Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until the internal temp reaches 170–175°F. Baste with the sauce in the final minutes.
4. How do I make them less spicy?
Answer: Use regular honey instead of hot honey, and skip the black pepper in the sauce.
5. Do I need to soak wooden skewers first?
Answer: If you’re cooking in the oven or on a grill, yes. soak for at least 30 minutes. If using an air fryer, it’s optional but can help prevent scorching. You can also opt for metal skewers!
Love This Recipe?
If you make these Spicy Honey Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers, I need to see it! Whether you’re meal prepping or just cooking something easy and delicious for dinner, tag me on Instagram or TikTok so I can hype you up and share your creations. I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. And trust me, once you taste that sauce, you’ll be making it on repeat too.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 5 oz boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into even sizes
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 tsp salt-free all purpose seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
For The Sauce:
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp hot honey
- 2 tsp garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- salt to taste
- parsley for color optional
Instructions
- Cut up the meat in cubes. Drizzle with oil, season with all spices listed.
- Put on skewers. Air fry for 12 minutes at 400 or until thighs are 165.
- While skewers are in the oven, mix all sauce ingredients until thoroughly combined. I find shaking ingredients together works best.
- Brush some sauce on skewer and cook another 5 mins, until thighs are 170-175.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes. Brush/drizzle with additional sauce when serving if desired. Enjoy!
