Air Fryer Harissa Chicken Skewers

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love recipes that are simple enough for a busy weeknight but still full of fresh flavor. These air fryer Harissa chicken skewers check all the boxes. They’re quick to prep, flavorful, and colorful on the plate. The only downside is that they’re so delicious the kids devoured them before I could even get seconds.

The combination of smoky and spicy harissa, fresh herbs, and juicy chicken combines together beautifully. I also love that this recipe uses wholesome, real-food ingredients. The air fryer keeps the chicken moist, plus you get the flavor of roasted red pepper and sweet red onion.

It uses a simple marinade that whisks together in just minutes. The harissa paste adds depth and a gentle kick (you can make it milder or spicier depending on your preference). While lemon juice, yogurt, and honey balance the heat with brightness and creaminess.

What Is Harissa?

New to Harissa? This North African chili paste is traditionally made with roasted red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway. It’s smoky, slightly sweet, and can range from mild to fiery. It adds instant depth and warmth to dishes. It’s kind of like the Mediterranean version of hot sauce, but with more complexity.

What to Serve With Harissa Chicken Skewers

These skewers are versatile and pair well with so many sides. For a simple weeknight dinner, I like serving them over white rice or quinoa to soak up all the juices. They’re also great alongside a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, roasted vegetables, or warm, toasty sourdough. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, they also taste great on top of a salad with some hummus. 

More Ways to Use Harissa Sauce

Harissa is really the star of the show here. Once I finally tried some, I found myself reaching for it often. You can stir it into soups or stews for a little kick, whisk it into salad dressings, or use it as a marinade for shrimp, lamb, or roasted vegetables. I even like mixing a little into mayonnaise to eat with parsnip fries.

Tzatziki Sauce

These skewers taste extra good slathered in tzatziki sauce. Here’s my easy recipe from my Greek meatballs post.

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 cucumber (finely chopped)

Combine all of the ingredients together. You can also blend them if you prefer it smooth.

Final Thoughts

These harissa chicken skewers have quickly become a family favorite in my house. They’re bold, colorful, and ready in under an hour. Plus, the air fryer keeps the chicken juicy without heating up the whole kitchen. It’s perfect for summer nights or busy weekdays. I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine does!

Have you ever used Harissa before? What are some of your favorite ways to use it? Leave a comment and let us know!