Name: Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 - 8oz. stick salted butter slightly melted; 2 tsp cracked pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 lemon, zest and juice start with juice form half the lemon, add more if needed for the right tangy balance; 2 tablespoon hot sauce Crystal, Frank's, Louisana; 2 tsp honey; pinch of salt; 2 lbs. chicken tenders or thighs cut in 2-3” pieces; 1 tablespoon Lemon pepper seasoning; 1 tablespoon Paprika; 2 tsp cracked pepper; 1 lemon zest only; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tsp salt; 1-2 tablespoon hot sauce Crystal, Frank's, Louisana, etc.; 2-3 tablespoon olive oil

This post is all about how to make mouthwatering Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers right in the air fryer. Inspired by Atlanta’s iconic wing flavor, these juicy chicken tenders are coated in a tangy, spicy, buttery sauce that packs a serious punch. It’s a bold and zesty twist you’ll want to make on repeat.

Hot lemon pepper is a flavor that’s all about balance—super lemony, peppery, garlicky, and slightly sweet. The homemade sauce combines fresh lemon, cracked pepper, garlic, and a touch of butter for a rich finish. It’s just the right mix of heat, tang, and savory goodness.

In Atlanta, you’ll find this flavor at nearly every wing spot, and locals take their lemon pepper seriously. There are even friendly rivalries over who serves the best version. This homemade take brings that bold flavor to your kitchen in a fun, easy-to-make skewer form.

Whether you’re making them for game day, dinner, or a weekend cookout, these air fryer chicken skewers deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and dripping in that irresistible sauce.

Hot Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken:

2 lbs. chicken tenders or thighs cut in 2-3” pieces
1 tablespoon Lemon pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon Paprika
2 tsp cracked pepper
1 lemon zest only
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp salt
1-2 tablespoon hot sauce Crystal, Frank's, Louisana, etc.
2-3 tablespoon olive oil

Hot Lemon Pepper Butter Mixture:

1 - 8oz. stick salted butter slightly melted
2 tsp cracked pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 lemon, zest and juice start with juice form half the lemon, add more if needed for the right tangy balance
2 tablespoon hot sauce Crystal, Frank's, Louisana
2 tsp honey
pinch of salt

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

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Notes

Don't have an air fryer? You can grill or roast in the oven, basting throughout the cooking process.

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