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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Skewer Recipe: A Perfect Summer Dish

As summer approaches and the days become longer and warmer, the thought of outdoor barbecues and family gatherings fills the air. However, you don’t need a full grill to enjoy delicious BBQ flavours. Enter the air fryer—the kitchen appliance that’s revolutionising the way we cook! This article presents a simple and mouthwatering recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Skewers that will impress your family and friends, without the fuss of outdoor cooking.

Why Choose Air Frying?

Air frying is a fantastic alternative to traditional frying and grilling. It allows you to achieve that lovely crispy texture with significantly less oil, making it a healthier option. Moreover, air fryers reduce cooking time, saving you precious minutes in the kitchen. This makes them perfect for quick weeknight meals or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g of chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 100ml BBQ sauce (choose your favourite brand or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Skewers:

• Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• Optional vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, red onions, courgettes), cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This allows the flavours to penetrate the chicken and keeps it juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to assemble the skewers. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If you’re using vegetables, alternate the chicken with pieces of bell pepper, onion, and courgette for added flavour and colour.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps achieve that desired crispy exterior while keeping the inside succulent.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Carefully place the assembled skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Set the timer for 10-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time for an even crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, a fresh salad, or some light couscous for a complete meal. These delicious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Skewers are sure to be a hit!

Tips for Success

• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to customise the marinade with your favourite herbs and spices. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a hint of chilli powder can give the skewers an exciting twist.
• Proper Soaking: If you use wooden skewers, soaking them beforehand prevents them from burning in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can use metal skewers for repeated use.
• Serve Hot and Fresh: These skewers are best served immediately after cooking. They retain their lovely crispiness and flavours when enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Skewers are a fantastic way to savour the tastes of summer all year round. They are quick to prepare, packed with flavour, and a healthier option for your BBQ cravings. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply wanting a tasty dinner, this recipe is a must-try. So, grab your air fryer and get cooking—you won’t be disappointed!