If you’re craving a dish bursting with bold flavors and irresistible aroma, the Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned with that classic Old Bay blend and zesty lemon pepper, these skewers come out juicy, tender, and packed with flavor thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Whether you’re serving these up for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend gathering, this recipe brings the perfect balance of spice, freshness, and convenience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role to create a vibrant flavor profile and an inviting texture. The chicken tenderloins provide tenderness, while Old Bay seasoning and lemon pepper pack the punch. The buttery, tangy glaze ties everything together and adds a silky finish that is totally addictive.
- Chicken tenderloins (1 ½ lbs): Choose tender and fresh chicken for juicy results when air fried.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon): The quintessential blend of spices that delivers that iconic flavor.
- Lemon pepper seasoning (2 teaspoons): Provides a bright, citrusy kick complementing the Old Bay spices.
- Wooden skewers (6, 8-inch): Soaked to prevent burning and perfect for serving finger food.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich and smooth base for the delightful sauce.
- Mayonnaise or sour cream (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and tang to the glaze.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Infuses the sauce with fresh acidity to brighten the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 teaspoons): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
- Garlic paste or minced garlic (1 heaping teaspoon): Brings a savory depth to the sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry and cutting them into 3-4 bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes them perfect for skewering. Toss your chicken in a bowl with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning. Don’t rush this step; letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes lets those wonderful spices penetrate deeply, guaranteeing every bite bursts with flavor. Meanwhile, soak your wooden skewers in water to prevent burning in the air fryer.
Step 2: Thread and Air Fry the Skewers
Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even air circulation. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers inside in a single layer—crowding can prevent crisping. Cook for about 18 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure each side gets beautifully golden and cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The air fryer works its magic here, creating a crisp exterior and juicy interior that’s simply irresistible.
Step 3: Whip Up the Flavorful Sauce
While your skewers are finishing up, melt butter on low heat in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in mayonnaise (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, and your garlic paste. This sauce is the secret to taking your Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with fragrant garlic and herbs that complement the spices perfectly.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
When your skewers are done, generously brush them with the luscious sauce while still hot. This glaze clings to every nook and cranny, sealing in moisture and upping the flavor game. Serve immediately for the best experience, savoring the harmony of spices, tender chicken, and velvety sauce in every bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the vibrant flavors, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning right before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side offers guests the chance to add a refreshing citrus squeeze that brightens each skewer perfectly.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a cozy side of buttery mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, try them alongside a quinoa salad or simple steamed rice—both absorb the sauce wonderfully and balance the bold spices.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the skewers on a rustic wooden platter lined with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Or, create a fun interactive experience by providing small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. You can also thread the skewers into pita pockets with fresh veggies for a delightful handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered ensures they retain moisture and flavor so you can enjoy a tasty, quick meal later.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for longer, remove the chicken from the skewers, wrap pieces tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze in freezer bags for up to 2 months. This way, you can thaw and reheat whenever cravings strike without losing that signature flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers in your air fryer or oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness better than a microwave. If reheating frozen pieces, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, chicken breasts can work! Just cut them into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and marinate as directed. Keep in mind tenderloins tend to be juicier and more tender, so watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the breasts.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before air frying?
Absolutely! Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire in the air fryer, making them safer and easier to handle.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a mayonnaise-based sauce without butter or choose a plant-based butter substitute. The sauce will still be flavorful and creamy without the dairy.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these skewers in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for around 20-25 minutes, turning once, or grill them for a smoky char. Just keep an eye to maintain juiciness and avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe has a flavorful kick from the Old Bay and lemon pepper, but it’s mild on heat—perfect for those who enjoy zest and warmth without intense spiciness. You can always add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce if you want more heat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a longtime Old Bay fan or new to this iconic seasoning, the Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy juicy, perfectly spiced chicken in a snap. Quick to prepare and endlessly satisfying, this dish is bound to become a staple for you and your loved ones. Don’t hesitate—grab those skewers and get cooking. Your next favorite meal is just one air fryer away!
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Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers are perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken tenderloins cooked quickly in an air fryer and served with a flavorful Old Bay butter sauce. This recipe combines a zesty blend of Old Bay and lemon pepper spices, offering a deliciously easy appetizer or main dish that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins (about 12 tenderloins), cut into 3-4 pieces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 6 (8-inch) wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
For the Chicken Skewer Sauce/Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 heaping teaspoon garlic paste (or minced garlic)
Instructions
- Prep and Marinate Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry and cut them into chunks. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Meanwhile, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Air Fry Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers, distributing the pieces evenly. Arrange the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 18 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to brown all sides, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat during the last 5 minutes of air frying. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in mayonnaise (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic paste. Mix well to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Once the chicken skewers are cooked through and golden, brush them generously with the prepared Old Bay butter sauce. Serve immediately while hot for a deliciously saucy and flavorful meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with sour cream in the sauce for a different creamy flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- These skewers can also be grilled or baked, but air frying ensures a crisp exterior with juicy interior quickly.
