Name: Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1½-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Wooden or metal skewers; Lemon wedges (for serving); Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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If you love bold, zesty flavors and minimal clean-up, this Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Juicy chicken breast cubes are coated in the iconic Old Bay blend, kissed with smoked paprika and garlic, then air-fried to golden perfection on skewers. In under 30 minutes, you’re rewarded with tender, flavorful chicken that’s crispy on the outside and succulent inside—a meal that’s crowd-pleasing, gluten-free, and easy enough for any busy night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create smoky, savory, and bright flavors, all elevated with a classic Old Bay kick. Here’s how each ingredient boosts taste or texture:

Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all those bold spices.
Old Bay seasoning: The star player here, lending its unmistakable Chesapeake Bay flair and a punch of savory heat.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling to the chicken and promotes golden, crispy edges in the air fryer.
Garlic powder: Brings a warm, robust note that rounds out the flavor profile.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a pop of color to every skewer.
Black pepper: Enhances depth and balances out the other spices.
Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for cooking evenly and serving up that fun, shareable presentation.
Lemon wedges: A fresh squeeze right before serving brings brightness and lifts all the flavors.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and vibrant color.

How to Make Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This simple step prevents any unwanted charring or burning in the air fryer, leaving all the attention on the perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, add the chicken cubes along with the Old Bay seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Don’t be shy—use your hands or a big spoon to make sure every bit of chicken gets a good dose of that flavorful spice mix!

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

Take your seasoned chicken and gently thread it onto the skewers, leaving just a bit of space between each piece. This ensures even cooking, allowing hot air to flow around each morsel and create those gorgeous golden edges you crave.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for extra-crispy results. Arrange the chicken skewers in the basket in a single layer—you might need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown outside and registers 165°F inside.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as the skewers are done, sprinkle them with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with a stack of lemon wedges for squeezing over top. That finishing touch gives the Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe its signature pop of color and brightness!

How to Serve Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A shower of fresh, chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon add not just flavor, but also eye-catching brightness to your plate. Other fun options: a dusting of extra Old Bay, or even some finely chopped green onions for a zippy finish.

Side Dishes

The savory, slightly smoky chicken pairs beautifully with fragrant rice, a cool cucumber salad, or your favorite grilled vegetables. If you’re feeling classic, go with creamy coleslaw or crispy air-fried potatoes for a comforting, well-balanced meal that celebrates the Old Bay magic.

Creative Ways to Present

The Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe isn’t just tasty—it’s fun to serve! I love arranging the skewers on a platter lined with fresh greens and lemon halves for a festive look. Pop them into pita pockets with crunchy lettuce and tomatoes, or pile them atop a salad for a power lunch. These skewers also make incredible party bites paired with a creamy dipping sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra skewers, simply transfer them to an airtight container (remove them from the sticks if needed for easier storage) and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days—making them perfect for next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked chicken skewers! Once cooled, wrap them tightly or place in a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For juicy, flavorful leftovers, reheat your skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp and the inside tender, much better than microwaving, which can dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness and flavor to the Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks and follow the same steps.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

Old Bay is classic, but you can substitute with a homemade blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and a dash of mustard powder. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get a delicious, zesty flavor.

Can I prep the chicken in advance?

Definitely! You can marinate your chicken with the seasoning up to 24 hours ahead. This not only saves time at dinner but also lets the flavors soak in even more deeply.

Are these skewers gluten-free?

Yes, the Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your Old Bay label, as some blends can vary in ingredients. Great news for anyone looking for a flavorful, allergen-friendly dinner!

How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest, most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer—once the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, your skewers are done. The outside should be golden and slightly crispy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to give the Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe a try! It’s quick, vibrant, and just the right kind of easy for busy nights or summer hangouts. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a fuss-free air fryer method—what more could you want? Grab your skewers, and let’s get cooking!

Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Old Bay Chicken Skewers are a delicious and healthy option for a quick meal. The chicken is seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in juicy, flavorful skewers that are perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Skewers:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1½-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

Wooden or metal skewers
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, Old Bay seasoning, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking.
Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.