Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce

These air fryer chicken skewers with bbq sauce are one of my go-to weeknight meals when I want something juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy. Tender chunks of chicken are seasoned, threaded onto skewers, air-fried until golden, then brushed in a sticky, smoky BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully. They cook fast, taste like backyard barbecue, and require almost no effort.

If you love quick, flavor-packed protein recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy this Air Fryer Spicy Orange Chicken. Now for the full air fryer chicken skewers with bbq sauce recipe below!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Video Instructions
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Instructions
• Pro Cooking Tips
• FAQs
• Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with BBQ Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and tender every time: The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly while sealing in moisture.
• Sticky BBQ glaze: Sweet, smoky, and slightly caramelized — the perfect finish.
• Super fast: Timing is everything! From prep to plate in about 20 minutes.
• Versatile: Serve with rice, salad, wraps, or enjoy straight off the skewer.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Simple seasoning + BBQ sauce = guaranteed win.

Video Instructions

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Chicken breast: I like using chicken breast because it cooks quickly and stays tender when cut into chunks. I like to use chicken thighs at times for even juicier skewers.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning coat the chicken and prevents dryness. You can use Avocado oil or vegetable oil, depending on your own preference.
• Salt, pepper, paprika & garlic powder: This simple blend gives great flavor without overpowering the BBQ sauce. When I want a bit of extra spice, I like to switch to smoked paprika for extra BBQ depth, or a premade chicken seasoning.
• Bell pepper: Adds sweetness, tenderness, and color to the skewers. If you don’t like bell peppers, you can swap them with red onion, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• BBQ sauce: Use your favorite — sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy. I find that sweet BBQ sauce works the best for me. You can even use your own homemade BBQ sauce or bottled balsamic glaze.
• Honey: This adds shine and extra caramelization. If you can’t do honey, maple syrup or brown sugar works just as well.
• Soy sauce: I find this deepens the flavor and balances the sweetness. As a gluten-free option, use Tamari instead.

Instructions

Step 1 – Season the Chicken

Add the chicken chunks to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until fully coated.

Step 2 – Skewer the Chicken

Thread the chicken and bell pepper pieces tightly onto wooden skewers.

Step 3 – Air Fry

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange skewers in a single layer. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4 – Make the BBQ Glaze

Stir together BBQ sauce, honey, and soy sauce until smooth.

Step 5 – Glaze & Finish Cooking

Brush the skewers generously with glaze. Return to the air fryer for 2 minutes, so the sauce caramelizes.

Step 6 – Serve

Brush with extra sauce if you love them extra sticky. Sprinkle parsley if you like a fresh finish.

If you enjoy simple, naturally sweet sides, you might also love Air Fryer Japanese Sweet Potato (Murasaki) — tender inside with lightly crisp skin.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Airflow is everything. When I cram them in, they steam instead of crisping up.
• Glaze at the end: Adding BBQ sauce too early can burn. Finishing it at the end gives the perfect sticky coating.
• Soak wooden skewers:  I always soak them for around 20 minutes so they don’t darken too quickly in the air fryer.
• Cut chicken evenly: Even pieces cook evenly — no dry bits.
• Want deeper char? I like mine more crispy, so I cook these air fryer chicken skewers with BBQ sauce an extra 1–2 minutes.

If you’re looking for a lighter, air fryer–friendly meal, you might also enjoy these healthy Air Fryer Chimichangas with Chicken — crispy on the outside and packed with flavor.