If you’re searching for a weeknight-friendly dinner that packs big, bold flavor with almost no fuss, you need these Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers in your life. Juicy chunks of chicken get tossed with zesty Old Bay and a handful of pantry staples, then quickly crisped up to golden perfection. It’s a dish that delivers serious flavor, thanks to the iconic seasoning blend — and the fact that it cooks up so fast in the air fryer means you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re serving these skewers at a casual cookout or just need a protein-rich meal to please the family, Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers deserve a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers is refreshingly short, but each item brings something special to the table. Every component — from the Old Bay spice to the olive oil — works together to create juicy, golden chicken with a showstopping flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus the secret to getting the very best from each ingredient:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for maximum juiciness and quick cooking; thighs add extra richness while breasts stay wonderfully tender.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives the chicken a gorgeous, lightly crisped exterior straight from the air fryer.
- Old Bay seasoning: The star of this recipe, Old Bay brings that classic mix of savory, herbal, and just a touch of heat — it’s what makes these skewers unmistakable.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and a hint of garlicky warmth that plays beautifully with the other spices.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and a vibrant reddish color for appetizing skewers every time.
- Black pepper: A humble pinch sharpens all the flavors and gives a gentle peppery kick.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Metal can go in straight away, but if you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them so they don’t burn during air frying.
- Lemon wedges and chopped parsley (optional): The finishing touch that adds brightness and a pop of green — don’t skip if you love a fresh, tangy note!
How to Make Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning or scorching in the air fryer as your chicken cooks. Metal skewers are a bit more user-friendly and can go straight into the marinade and air fryer!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Grab a large bowl and toss in your chicken pieces. Drizzle in olive oil, then sprinkle all the Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper right on top. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to mix until every piece is beautifully coated — this is where the flavor magic happens! Letting it sit for just 10 minutes is great if you have the time; the spices will soak in and make the chicken extra tasty.
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
Thread the seasoned chicken onto your soaked skewers. Leave a little space between each chunk so the hot air can circulate and cook everything evenly. If you like, add chunks of bell pepper or onion between chicken pieces for extra flavor and color!
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating is key for ultra-juicy and perfectly browned chicken. Set your air fryer to 375°F. This gives it just the right amount of heat to caramelize the seasonings and cook the chicken through without drying it out.
Step 5: Air Fry the Skewers
Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them — cook in batches if needed. Let them cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through so every side gets that golden, flavorful crust. The chicken is ready when it’s deeply golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once your Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers are done, let them rest for a couple minutes on a plate. This keeps the juices locked in and the chicken succulent. Squeeze over some fresh lemon and sprinkle with parsley, then bring them right to the table for instant applause!
How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
A spritz of fresh lemon juice brightens each bite while a handful of chopped parsley adds a gorgeous emerald color. You can even try a dusting of extra Old Bay for spice lovers or a swirl of tangy Greek yogurt as a dipping sauce.
Side Dishes
These skewers are fantastic with so many sides! Creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp green salad all work beautifully. For a heartier meal, I love to pair them with garlic rice or roasted potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slide the chicken off the skewer and pile it onto a platter as a flavorful filling for wraps or sliders. You can also tuck the skewers upright into a loaf of bread or arrange over a big salad for a colorful, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Pop any extra Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers into an airtight container once they’ve cooled. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days — they make the best high-protein lunch the next day.
Freezing
Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers freeze surprisingly well! Remove from skewers, wrap tightly in plastic, and stash in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To bring your chicken skewers back to crispy, juicy life, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. You can also microwave if you’re rushed, but the air fryer is best for preserving those golden edges.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and rich flavor to Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers. They’re slightly more forgiving, so you don’t have to worry about them drying out during cooking.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
If you’re out of Old Bay, try a homemade blend of paprika, celery salt, a pinch of cayenne, and a little dried mustard. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but it will bring a similar zesty, savory kick to the chicken skewers.
How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading your chicken pieces. This adds enough moisture to protect them from the hot air fryer and keeps your skewers intact (and not scorched!).
Can I add vegetables to my Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes all work beautifully and roast up perfectly in the same cooking time. Just alternate pieces with the chicken as you assemble your skewers for a tasty, colorful twist.
What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The surest method is to use a meat thermometer — you want the thickest part of the chicken to hit 165°F. The pieces will also be firm to the touch and the juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers are the answer. They’re juicy, crazy-flavorful, quick to prep, and destined to become a new staple at your table. Try them tonight — your taste buds (and whoever’s lucky enough to eat with you) will be so glad you did!
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Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of Old Bay, garlic, and paprika, then cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer. Serve with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- wooden or metal skewers
- lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- These skewers pair well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple salad.
- Add bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- Try the same seasoning blend on shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
