These Easy Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers are juicy, zesty, and packed with fresh citrus flavor in every bite. They cook fast in the air fryer, making them perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or an easy party appetizer.
These Easy Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers are fresh, bold, and straight-up addictive.
Tender chicken gets soaked in a punchy cilantro lime marinade, then cooks up fast in the air fryer with juicy centers and lightly charred edges, no grill, no babysitting.
It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a busy weeknight as it does for meal prep or last-minute entertaining, and it tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Big flavor, zero grill required: You get that zesty, slightly charred skewer taste right from the air fryer.
- Juicy every time: The cilantro lime marinade keeps the chicken tender, not dry and sad.
- Fast enough for weeknights: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep: These reheat well and don’t turn rubbery.
- Goes with everything: Serve them in tacos, over rice, on salads, or straight off the skewer.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken breast: Boneless, tender protein that cooks juicy and fast
- Fresh cilantro: Bright herb adding fresh, citrusy flavor
- Lime juice: Adds tangy acidity that tenderizes chicken
- Olive oil: Keeps chicken moist and helps seasoning stick
- Garlic: Savory depth with bold, aromatic punch
- Chili powder: Mild heat with smoky, earthy flavor
- Cumin: Warm spice that adds rich, savory notes
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances seasoning
- Black pepper: Light heat for subtle bite and balance
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Cut boneless chicken breasts into even bite-sized cubes. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors infuse.
Step 2: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Step 3: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Remove the skewers from the air fryer and garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve with rice, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Easy Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers Recipe Tips
- Even Pieces Cook Best: Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the cilantro-lime marinade for 1–2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Avoid Crowding the Basket: Cook skewers in a single layer in the air fryer so they crisp up evenly.
- Flip for Golden Brown: Turn skewers halfway through cooking for consistent browning on all sides.
- Optional Extras: Sprinkle with extra chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or serve with a creamy dipping sauce.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave until heated through, maintaining juiciness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese
- Copycat Chick Fila Cole Slaw
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower Mash
Easy Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly since thighs can cook faster than breast meat.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using? Absolutely. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
How long can I marinate the chicken? For best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can refrigerate for up to 2 hours, but avoid longer than that to prevent the lime juice from making the chicken mushy.
Can I cook these without skewers? Yes! Simply place the marinated chicken cubes directly in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
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- EASY AIR FRYER ONE PAN HONEY LEMON CHICKEN AND ASPARAGUS
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Easy Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken Skewers
Description
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lime juice, about 2 limes
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into even bite-sized cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together 4 tablespoons olive oil, 4 tablespoons lime juice, ½ cup fresh cilantro, minced 6 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors infuse.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skewers from the air fryer and garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve with rice, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
- 10 Skewers, if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes
Nutrition
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