Description
Juicy air fryer chicken skewers layered with sweet peaches and spicy jalapeños, then finished with a glossy homemade peach glaze. A delicious sweet, spicy, and savory meal perfect for summer gatherings or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
15 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 yellow peaches, quartered and halved into 32 pieces
3 medium jalapeño peppers, halved, seeded, and cut into chunks
A little extra olive oil for brushing, if needed
For the Peach Glaze:
½ cup (160 g) peach preserves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the cubed chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, chili powder, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the peaches, chicken, and jalapeños onto the soaked wooden skewers in this order: peach, chicken, jalapeño, chicken, jalapeño, chicken, and peach. Repeat to assemble approximately 15 skewers, distributing the ingredients evenly and leaving small spaces between pieces for air circulation.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the assembled skewers with additional olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
- Cook the skewers: Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Air fry for 11–12 minutes, turning if necessary, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if needed.
- Prepare the peach glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the peach preserves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth, warm, and glossy.
- Glaze the skewers: Carefully remove the fully cooked skewers from the air fryer. Generously brush the warm peach glaze over the chicken, peaches, and jalapeños until evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and juicy. Drizzle with additional reserved peach glaze if desired, and pair with rice, salad, grilled vegetables, or couscous.
Notes
Skewer preparation: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before cooking. This soaking time is not included in the stated preparation time.
Peach selection: Choose ripe but firm yellow peaches so they maintain their shape during air frying.
Adjust the spice: For a milder version, remove all jalapeño seeds and membranes or substitute bell peppers. For extra heat, leave some seeds intact or add cayenne pepper or additional red pepper flakes.
Honey variation: Add 1 tablespoon honey to the peach glaze for extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
Pineapple variation: Replace some peach pieces with fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical flavor.
Chicken thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred. Adjust cooking time as necessary.
Grilling option: Cook the assembled skewers on an outdoor grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Food safety: Always use a meat thermometer to verify that the thickest chicken pieces reach 165°F (74°C).
Make ahead: Prepare the chicken and vegetables in advance, keeping raw chicken refrigerated separately. The peach glaze can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Storage: Refrigerate cooked leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Remove cooked ingredients from the skewers and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Peaches may soften after thawing.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly heated.
Serving suggestions: Pair with coconut rice, steamed rice, cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, couscous, or garlic butter potatoes. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness.
Timing: The stated cooking time applies to one air fryer batch. Additional batches will increase total cooking time.
Nutrition: Nutritional values are approximate per skewer and depend on ingredient brands, skewer size, and the amount of glaze used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 185 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 44 mg
