These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs are a fun twist on dinner! Juicy chicken pieces are wrapped in crispy bacon and drizzled with BBQ sauce, making each bite delicious.
Who doesn’t love bacon? I get so excited when these are ready. The smell is amazing, and they cook super fast in the air fryer, perfect for a quick meal or party! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like using chicken breasts for these kabobs because they stay juicy when cooked. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a bit more flavor and tenderness. They’re often juicier and less prone to drying out.
Bacon: Regular bacon gives a nice crispiness. Turkey bacon is a good alternative if you want a leaner option but be aware that it may not get as crispy. Also, prosciutto can offer a different taste but will be less sturdy.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce. Homemade is great if you have time! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try sugar-free barbecue sauce. You can also use marinades like teriyaki for a different twist.
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. Avocado oil is another excellent choice and has a higher smoke point, making it perfect for high-temperature cooking.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder add depth. If you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic and chopped onion work, but you may want to adjust the amounts slightly. For the smoked paprika, regular paprika will work too, just without the smokiness!
How Do I Ensure Even Cooking for My Kabobs?
Getting your kabobs to cook evenly requires a few tips. The key is to maintain space between them in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding means they won’t crisp up properly. Here’s how to set them up:
- Wrap each chicken piece snugly with bacon, but don’t overlap the bacon too much.
- Arrange kabobs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Remember to flip halfway through cooking for uniform frying.
Using a meat thermometer is also helpful. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. This guarantees both flavor and safety!
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for brushing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking in the air fryer takes around 12-15 minutes. Overall, you should plan for about 1 hour to get these delicious kabobs ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the kabobs cook evenly and get that perfect crispy bacon finish.
3. Wrap the Chicken with Bacon:
Take each slice of bacon and cut it in half. Wrap one half of bacon around each piece of marinated chicken, securing it with a skewer if you like. Repeat this process until all the chicken pieces are wrapped in bacon. It’s okay if they look a little messy; that just means they’re going to be delicious!
4. Air Fry the Kabobs:
Carefully place the bacon-wrapped chicken kabobs into the air fryer basket, making sure there’s some space between each kabob for air to flow. This helps them cook evenly and get extra crispy.
5. Cook Until Perfect:
Air fry the kabobs for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so the bacon gets crispy on both sides. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
6. Brush with Extra BBQ Sauce:
When the kabobs are done, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with a little more barbecue sauce if you want that extra tasty glaze.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the kabobs hot, with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs!
Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to your kabobs. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer, so make sure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can use teriyaki sauce for a different flavor or a homemade marinade made with soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Just adjust the quantity as per your taste preferences!
How Can I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Can I Prep These Kabobs the Night Before?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and wrap it in bacon the night before. Just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying for even cooking.
