If you’re looking for a dish that packs punchy flavors and cooks up quickly without sacrificing any tenderness or zest, the Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These skewers are juicy, perfectly seasoned with that iconic Old Bay blend, and get an irresistible bright finish from the zesty lemon garlic sauce. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner or something to wow guests at your next get-together, this recipe delivers mouthwatering satisfaction with an easy, breezy approach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, straightforward, and each one plays a vital role in balancing flavor and texture to make these skewers absolutely phenomenal. From the savory spices to the creamy, citrusy sauce, it’s all about harmony and freshness.
- Chicken tenderloins: The star of the dish, tender and quick-cooking, perfect for skewering and air frying.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken juicy during cooking.
- Old Bay seasoning: That unforgettable blend of herbs and spices that adds deep, layered savory notes.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Adds a sharp, peppery citrus kick complementing the Old Bay.
- Wooden skewers: Soaking them prevents burning and makes turning the skewers in the air fryer easy and safe.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce, enhancing flavor and mouthfeel.
- Mayonnaise or sour cream: Adds creamy tang to the sauce, perfectly balancing lemon and garlic.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity that wakes up the entire dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of green color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- Garlic paste or minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and warmth.
How to Make Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
The magic begins by patting your chicken tenderloins dry and cutting them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them in olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses flavor but helps tenderize the chicken for juicier bites. While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water — this will keep them from burning when air frying.
Step 2: Thread Chicken onto Skewers and Preheat the Air Fryer
Once the chicken has soaked in all those flavor-packed spices, thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers. It’s best to space them just enough so heat can circulate. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for that quick, crispy finish.
Step 3: Air Fry the Skewers
Place the skewers in a single layer inside the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure an even golden crust on each side. Your chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally, delivering juicy and safely cooked bites every time.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
While the skewers finish cooking, melt butter over low heat and then remove from heat to mix in mayonnaise (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic paste. This sauce is a creamy, tangy, aromatic powerhouse that gives your skewers that extra wow factor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Brush the warm skewers generously with the luscious lemon garlic sauce right after they come out of the air fryer. Serve immediately to enjoy the richest flavors and juiciest texture. This final touch turns these simple chicken skewers into a dinner you’ll remember.
How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges alongside the skewers to brighten up the plate and invite an extra zing with every bite. A light dusting of extra Old Bay seasoning on top can also give a delightful kick for those who love that signature spice.
Side Dishes
Complement these skewers with a light and refreshing side such as a crisp garden salad, garlic buttered asparagus, or even some fluffy rice to soak up all of the saucy goodness. Roasted potatoes or grilled corn are fantastic choices for a heartier meal that still keeps the flavors balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Use a wooden serving board with the skewers arranged in a fan shape accompanied by small bowls of extra lemon garlic sauce for dipping. Add colorful pickled veggies or a vibrant slaw on the side to create a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. These touches make the dish perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, pop the cooked chicken pieces off the skewers, wrap tightly, and freeze. They keep well for up to 2 months. Tip: Freeze the sauce separately in small containers to thaw fresh when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispness and juiciness. Warm the lemon garlic sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave before brushing it back onto the chicken for that fresh, bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cut the chicken breasts into similar-sized pieces and watch the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through compared to tenderloins.
Do I need to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking the skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire during air frying, making it safer and easier to cook your skewers evenly.
What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can create a similar flavor by combining celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and a few herbs like thyme and bay leaf. However, the classic Old Bay blend is pretty unique and worth tracking down!
Can I make the lemon garlic sauce dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter, and use a dairy-free mayo alternative. The sauce will still turn out luscious and vibrant.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken longer than 30 minutes?
Yes, marinating for up to 2 hours is perfectly fine and can deepen the flavors, but avoid going much longer to prevent the acidity in the lemon pepper seasoning from breaking down the chicken texture excessively.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into the juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe after a busy day. It’s fast, fuss-free, and indulgently tasty — a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try, and I promise these skewers will soon become one of your favorites to serve at home or share with friends.
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Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers with Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty blend of Old Bay and lemon pepper seasoning, then air fried to juicy perfection. Served with a buttery, tangy sauce that complements the smoky spices, these skewers make a perfect appetizer or main dish for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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. Place the chicken in a bowl, then add olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lemon pepper seasoning. Mix thoroughly to coat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Meanwhile, soak the 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, ensuring even distribution. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking. Cook for 18 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat during the last 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, Old Bay seasoning, and garlic paste to create a flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Once the chicken skewers are cooked, brush them generously with the prepared sauce. Serve the skewers hot for a delicious meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- Flip skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even air frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Mayonnaise or sour cream can be used interchangeably in the sauce according to preference.
- Fresh herbs like parsley enhance the flavor of the sauce but can be substituted with dried parsley if needed.
