This post is all about making irresistible hot lemon pepper chicken skewers, featuring a tangy, spicy, and zesty homemade sauce. Hot lemon pepper is a signature chicken wing flavor from Atlanta, and we’re using it to coat air fryer chicken tenders that are so juicy, they practically fall apart.
INGREDIENTS
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs. chicken tenders or thighs, cut into 2-3” pieces
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tsp cracked pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp salt
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (Crystal, Frank’s, Louisiana, etc.)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Hot Lemon Pepper Butter Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) stick salted butter, slightly melted
- 2 tsp cracked pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon (start with juice from half, adding more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Crystal, Frank’s, Louisiana)
- 2 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep and Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Add all of the seasonings, hot sauce, and olive oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate while you prepare the butter mixture.
- In a small bowl, microwave the butter until it’s slightly melted. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until you create a smooth paste. Set aside a portion of this butter mixture in a separate bowl to use for basting the cooked chicken (to prevent cross-contamination).
Skewer and Cook the Chicken:
- Skewer the chicken pieces onto wooden skewers, packing them tightly together to retain juiciness during cooking.
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray or use an air fryer liner. Cook the skewers in batches of 2-3 at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, then remove the chicken and baste with the butter mixture. Return to the air fryer for 4 minutes.
- Flip the chicken, baste again with the butter, and air fry for another 6 minutes.
- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove from the air fryer and baste with the butter mixture on both sides one last time.
Serve: Serve the hot lemon pepper chicken skewers over rice with roasted vegetables. Drizzle any remaining lemon pepper butter on top of the rice and veggies for extra flavor.
Notes: No air fryer? You can also grill or roast the chicken in the oven, basting it throughout the cooking process.
