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Healthy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Skewers

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These Healthy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Skewers offer a bright zing of fresh lemon and a crispy texture, delivering juicy, flavorful chicken with a healthy twist. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • Juice of 2 medium lemons (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml)
  • Lemon zest from 2 lemons
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
  • Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken chunks to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
  3. Prepare the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Cook the skewers: Place chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and garnish: Remove skewers from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.

Notes

If chicken browns too quickly, lower air fryer temperature by 10-15°F and increase cooking time slightly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket for best crispiness. Wooden skewers must be soaked for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 2 hours to avoid mushy texture. Optional: add cayenne or chili flakes for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, lemon chicken skewers, healthy chicken recipe, crispy chicken, quick dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free

Find it online: https://avabake.com/healthy-air-fryer-lemon-chicken-skewers-easy-crispy-recipe-for-perfect-flavor/