These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty meal! Juicy chicken is wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in yummy BBQ sauce. Who can resist that combo?
Making kabobs is like a tasty game, and trust me, the bacon does all the hard work of making everything extra delicious! I love serving these with fresh veggies on the side for a complete feast!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for tenderness. If you’re looking for a different texture, thighs work well too—they’re juicier, but a bit higher in fat.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives a good crisp and flavor. Turkey bacon is a lighter option, though it can cook faster, so watch it closely.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce or try homemade versions for a personal touch! Feel free to go with a spicy or mustard-based sauce for a twist.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder add great flavor, but fresh minced garlic and onions are a nice upgrade if you have them on hand. Smoked paprika adds depth; regular paprika can substitute if needed.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is best for its bright flavor. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always superior for taste!
How Do I Ensure the Bacon Wraps Stay in Place?
Keeping bacon wrapped around chicken can be tricky! Here’s how to make it simple:
- Start your wrap at one end of the chicken cube and spiral the bacon all the way around, overlapping slightly.
- If using wooden skewers, they can help keep the bacon in place. Just stick the skewer through the bacon after wrapping, before securing the other end.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space for even cooking and ensure that the bacon gets crispy on all sides.
What’s the Best Way to Cook These Kabobs in the Air Fryer?
The air fryer is great for crispy bacon and juicy chicken. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking. It helps the bacon become crispy while keeping the chicken moist.
- Place the kabobs in a single layer without stacking to allow hot air to circulate.
- Cooking in batches is totally fine; just keep the cooked kabobs warm in an oven until all are done.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 strips of bacon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30-40 minutes total, including marinating and cooking time. The marinating process helps enhance the flavor of the chicken, while the air fryer gives a delicious, crispy texture to the bacon.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer. If you’re using metal skewers, you’re good to go!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix everything well so that the chicken is fully coated in the seasonings. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
4. Wrap the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take each cube and wrap it with a strip of bacon. If you like, use a skewer to secure the bacon in place, then place the bacon-wrapped chicken onto the skewers. Make as many kabobs as you want!
5. Add BBQ Sauce:
Brush the skewers lightly with BBQ sauce on all sides, giving each kabob a delicious coating of flavor.
6. Cook in Air Fryer:
Place the kabobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Cook the kabobs for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through for even cooking. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
7. Final Touches:
After cooking, brush a little more BBQ sauce on the kabobs for added flavor. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle in.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the kabobs with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast works great for kabobs, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes, and keep an eye on the cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer.
What Can I Substitute for BBQ Sauce?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try using teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or a homemade sauce with ketchup and vinegar. Just adjust the amount to your taste, and feel free to mix in some spices for added flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which will help restore some crispness to the bacon.
Can I Make These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and assemble the kabobs up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover them tightly and keep them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying for more even cooking.
