Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Lemon Butter Sauce (Air Fryer Recipe)

Why Make This Recipe

Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Lemon Butter Sauce are a delicious and easy dish to enjoy. Cooking these skewers in an air fryer cuts down on oil, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The bold spices in the marinade will make your taste buds dance, while the rich, creamy lemon butter sauce adds a lovely touch. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!

How to Make Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 chili pepper
• 1 small yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup reserved peri peri sauce
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Directions

1. Start by making the peri peri sauce. In a blender, combine the red bell pepper, chili pepper, yellow onion, garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, ground cumin, lemon juice, white vinegar, olive oil, and fresh basil. Blend until smooth.

2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large bowl and add ¼ cup of the peri peri sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. You can alternate with bell pepper pieces if you like.

5. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

6. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until combined and smooth.

7. Once the chicken skewers are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with the lemon butter sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Lemon Butter Sauce

These Peri Peri Chicken Skewers are great served with a side of fresh salad, rice, or even grilled vegetables. You can also serve them with extra lemon wedges for a refreshing twist. The creamy lemon butter sauce makes a perfect dipping sauce that enhances the flavors even further!

How to Store Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Lemon Butter Sauce

If you have leftovers, store the chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lemon butter sauce can also be stored separately in the fridge. Reheat the skewers in the microwave or air fryer for best results when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Tips to Make Peri Peri Chicken Skewers with Lemon Butter Sauce

• For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer than 30 minutes if you have time.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; this will ensure the skewers cook evenly.
• Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Add more cayenne for a hotter kick!

Variation

You can easily swap chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different take on these skewers. Tofu can also be a great choice for a vegetarian option, just ensure to adjust the marinating time accordingly.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought peri peri sauce?
Yes! If you don’t have time to make the sauce from scratch, feel free to use store-bought peri peri sauce for marinating the chicken.

2. How long do the skewers take in an air fryer?
Typically, the skewers will take around 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

3. Can I grill these skewers instead?
Absolutely! These skewers can be grilled on a barbecue. Just make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.