These Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with sweet BBQ sauce. Yum!
Who can resist that heavenly combo? It’s like a barbecue party on a stick! I love making these for game nights—just pop them in the air fryer and they’re ready to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness. If you prefer a richer flavor, thigh meat would work well too. Alternatively, you can use ground chicken for a different texture.
Bacon: Regular bacon adds a wonderful smokiness, but turkey bacon is a lighter choice. Just be aware that it may not get quite as crispy. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use marinated tofu or tempeh cut into cubes as a substitute!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought brand or make a quick homemade version. If you’re watching your sugar intake, look for sugar-free BBQ sauce or make your own using tomatoes and spices. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce to your BBQ sauce.
Spices: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder boost flavor; feel free to experiment with your favorites. For example, cumin or chili powder can add an extra layer of depth.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken is Cooked Through and the Bacon is Crispy?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken with crispy bacon can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- Do Not Overcrowd: Make sure kabobs are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This helps air circulate and cooks everything evenly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should be 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Flip Midway: Flip the kabobs halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.
- Brush with BBQ Sauce: Adding BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of cooking helps to prevent burning while still adding flavor and moisture.
With these tips, you’ll achieve delicious kabobs every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. So, in just about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken chunks with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. This will give your kabobs tons of flavor!
2. Assembling the Kabobs:
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each piece of seasoned chicken snugly. After wrapping each piece, thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto skewers. Repeat until all the chicken is wrapped and on skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between pieces for even cooking!
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps the kabobs cook evenly and get that crispy bacon you’re looking for.
4. Air Fry the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they crisp up nicely on both sides.
5. Glaze with BBQ Sauce:
After the initial cooking time, carefully open the air fryer and brush each kabob generously with BBQ sauce using a basting brush. This adds a tasty glaze that caramelizes perfectly.
6. Finish Cooking:
Put the kabobs back into the air fryer and cook for another 3-5 minutes. This final cooking time will help the bacon get crispy, and you’ll want to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), so it’s safe to eat!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your kabobs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch that pairs perfectly with the sweet BBQ flavor!
Enjoy your juicy, smoky, and vibrant bacon-wrapped BBQ chicken kabobs made effortlessly in the air fryer!
FAQ for Easy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tenderness, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can make a homemade BBQ sauce with ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. Alternatively, teriyaki sauce or a spicy marinade can add a different flavor twist if you’d like to experiment!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help maintain that crispy texture!
Can I Make These Kabobs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the kabobs in advance by assembling them and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before air frying for even cooking.
