Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you crave juicy, zesty chicken bursting with spice and tang, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers. This dish puts a bold, breezy twist on classic chicken skewers, infusing every morsel with that unmistakable Old Bay seasoning—and thanks to the air fryer, you get craveable crispiness with a fraction of the effort or mess.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers is their simplicity—every ingredient has a clear, delicious role. These staples always deliver bold flavor, juicy texture, and just the right touch of brightness and punch for the ultimate skewer experience.

• Chicken tenderloins: These are super tender and cook evenly; chunking them up keeps the meat extra juicy and perfect for skewering.
• Olive oil: Helps the Old Bay and lemon pepper stick to every piece, while also ensuring a golden, crisp exterior in the air fryer.
• Old Bay seasoning: The star of the show, Old Bay brings a signature blend of herbs and spices—the perfect combo of savory, peppery, and just a touch of smokiness.
• Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds lively citrus notes that really brighten up the savory profile of the skewers.
• Unsalted butter: Rich and melty, this is the base for the luscious glaze you’ll brush on the hot skewers.
• Mayonnaise (or sour cream): For that silky texture and tang; it helps the sauce cling and adds a mild creaminess.
• Fresh lemon juice: A little acid wakes up all those flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Chopped parsley: Brings a fresh, herby lift and gives your skewers a pop of green color.
• Garlic paste: Or use minced garlic for aromatic oomph—so good, especially in the buttery glaze.
• Wooden skewers: Soak them well to prevent burning and help with even cooking in the air fryer.

Variations

Every cook loves a blank canvas, and these Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers are just begging for a personal touch. It’s so easy to swap, skip, or add ingredients to fit your mood, your pantry, and your eating style—make it your own!

• Swap the protein: Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu cubes seasoned just the same—Old Bay loves them all.
• Spice it up: Toss a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the marinade for a little extra heat or smokyness.
• Add veggies to the skewers: Alternate with chunks of bell pepper, red onion, or zucchini for added color and crunch.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo: For a tangy, lighter sauce that’s just as creamy and satisfying.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute olive oil or vegan butter for the glaze and skip the mayo or use a plant-based alternative.

How to Make Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken tenderloins dry and cutting them into chunky, even pieces. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning. Get your hands in (use gloves if you like)—giving the chicken a good massage helps the flavor coat every nook and cranny. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes so the spices really soak in while you soak your wooden skewers in water.

Step 2: Thread the Skewers

Once your chicken has taken in all that zesty seasoning, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto each soaked skewer—about 8 pieces per stick. Lay them out in your air fryer basket, spacing each skewer so hot air can work its magic all around. If you have a smaller air fryer, just work in batches for best results.

Step 3: Air Fry to Juicy Perfection

Time for the quick cook! Set the air fryer for 18 minutes at 400°F, flipping the skewers halfway through to get even color and crispness. The chicken is ready when golden and sizzling, or when an instant-read thermometer says 165°F. It’s normal if a little bit of seasoning darkens during air-frying—it means extra flavor!

Step 4: Whip Up the Buttery Glaze

With five minutes left on the chicken, start the dazzling sauce. Melt the butter gently on low heat, then stir in mayo (or sour cream), lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay, and garlic until smooth and velvety. This sauce is what takes your Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers over the top!

Step 5: Brush and Serve

Transfer the piping hot skewers to a platter and brush that flavorful glaze all over, making sure every bite is glistening and coated in goodness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear—these are irresistible straight from the air fryer!

How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, extra lemon wedges for squeezing, or a pinch more Old Bay across the top adds a burst of color and zing. Serving with a flaky finishing salt or a drizzle of tangy hot sauce takes these skewers to the next level!

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers with a crisp green salad, buttery corn on the cob, or fluffy jasmine rice. They’re also heavenly alongside potato salad, coleslaw, or grilled veggies for a full-on cookout vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the skewers on a wooden board with dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread, stuff them into warmed pita bread with fresh greens for a killer sandwich, or slice the chicken off the skewers for vibrant grain bowls. However you serve them, they catch the eye—thanks to their gorgeous golden color and pop of herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers keep beautifully in the fridge! Once cooled, remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll stay juicy and bold, perfect for quick lunches or wraps.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces (off the skewers, sauce and all) in a resealable bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for quick protein in salads or grain bowls whenever you want that Old Bay kick.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for just 3–4 minutes for juicy, just-cooked texture, or use the microwave for a gentler reheat. Add a splash of lemon juice or brush with extra sauce to revive flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a flavor-packed twist on chicken that’s ultra-easy and sure to impress, these Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers deliver every single time. Treat yourself—or your favorite people—to this zesty, juicy, effortlessly crowd-pleasing recipe. I can’t wait for you to bring a little bit of Chesapeake magic to your table!

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