Air-Fryer Chicken Skewers: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Chicken skewers are a great option for a quick and easy meal, and they can be made in an air fryer! This cooking method yields chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The air fryer also cuts down on cooking time, with most recipes taking less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

To make chicken skewers in an air fryer, you'll need to cut chicken into evenly-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. You can use either wooden or metal skewers, but if you're using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water first to prevent burning. You can also add vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.

When it comes to seasoning, you have a lot of options. A simple blend of spices like onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper can add a smoky, garlicky flavour with a bit of spice. For a more complex flavour profile, you can try a marinade with ingredients like lemon juice, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, ginger, yogurt, and chili powder.

Once your skewers are assembled, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F and cook the skewers for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you want to get creative, you can even add a smokey flavour to your chicken skewers by adding a piece of coal to the air fryer after cooking.

Can Chicken Skewers Go in an Air Fryer?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning

When preparing chicken skewers, it is important to consider the type of skewer you will be using. If you opt for wooden skewers, it is recommended to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. This process is crucial as wood is flammable, and soaking the skewers reduces the chance of them catching fire during cooking.

To effectively soak your wooden skewers, start by selecting a container that is large enough to accommodate the skewers. You can use a shallow glass casserole dish or a 2-liter plastic bottle. Ensure that your chosen container is long or tall enough to fit the skewers when they are fully submerged in water. If you're using a bottle, wash it out beforehand and make sure to keep the lid.

Once you have your container, place the wooden skewers inside. It is recommended to put in more skewers than you think you'll need, as you can always dry them off if they're not used. If you're using a dish, place a heavy metal object, such as a cooling rack or a serving spoon, on top of the skewers to keep them submerged. Fill the container with warm water, making sure that all the skewers are completely covered. Let the skewers soak for at least 30 minutes, but you can also leave them for longer.

After soaking, remove the skewers from the water as you assemble your chicken skewers. If you used a bottle, you may need to pour out the water first. You can lightly pat the skewers with a paper towel to remove any excess water before adding your chicken and other ingredients.

Soaking your wooden skewers in water is a crucial step to prevent them from burning during the cooking process. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can ensure that your chicken skewers turn out perfectly every time.

Additionally, if you're looking for a more permanent solution, you can try soaking a large batch of skewers and storing them in your freezer. After soaking and draining the water, wrap the skewers in aluminium foil, plastic wrap, or place them in a reusable container before freezing. This way, you'll always have pre-soaked skewers ready to go whenever you want to make chicken skewers.

Use boneless, skinless chicken for a lean and tender result

Chicken skewers are a great option for a quick and easy meal or appetizer. They can be made in an air fryer and are a healthier alternative to grilling. When making chicken skewers in an air fryer, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lean and tender result. This cut of chicken is ideal as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and efficiently.

Boneless, skinless chicken is a versatile option for skewers as it can be marinated and cooked to perfection in a relatively short amount of time. The chicken should be cut into uniform-sized pieces and marinated for at least 15-20 minutes, or ideally a few hours, to infuse the meat with flavour. A variety of spices and herbs can be used to create a delicious marinade, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

When threading the chicken onto skewers, it is important to leave a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation in the air fryer. Additionally, if using wooden skewers, they should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken to prevent them from burning.

Once the chicken is skewered, it can be placed in the air fryer and cooked for around 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of the skewers and the desired level of doneness. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for chicken skewers in an air fryer is a great option for those seeking a lean and tender meal that is quick and convenient to prepare.

Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to infuse it with flavour

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in infusing it with flavour. The longer you can leave the chicken to marinate, the more flavourful it will be. Ideally, you should leave the chicken to marinate for a few hours, but if you're short on time, 15 minutes is the minimum you should go for.

The ingredients you use for the marinade will depend on your personal preference and the flavour profile you want to achieve. A simple option is to use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. You can also experiment with different spices like onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

To prepare the marinade, simply mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, add the chicken to a large bowl or plastic bag, pour the marinade over it, and ensure all the pieces are well coated. Cover or seal the container and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to a few hours.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, you can thread it onto skewers and cook it in your air fryer. Don't forget to preheat your air fryer and lightly oil the skewers to prevent sticking.

Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking

Preheating your air fryer is an important step to ensure your chicken skewers cook evenly and efficiently. While some air fryers have a preheat setting, others require manual preheating. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you preheat your air fryer effectively:

• Consult your Air fryer's manual: Before attempting to preheat your air fryer, it is essential to refer to the product manual. The manual will provide specific instructions and recommendations for your particular model. Some manuals may advise preheating, while others might not mention it at all. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential issues.
• Preheat duration and temperature: Typically, preheating your air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at the temperature specified in your recipe is sufficient. This duration allows the hot air to circulate and ensures that your chicken skewers start cooking immediately once placed inside.
• Prepare the air fryer basket: Ensure that all removable parts, such as the basket, are clean and thoroughly dried before inserting them into the unit. This step is crucial for hygiene and to prevent any unwanted flavours or smells from transferring to your food.
• Use the preheat setting: If your air fryer has a dedicated preheat setting, simply select this option, set the desired temperature, and let the air fryer do the work. This setting is designed to automatically preheat the appliance to the optimal temperature for cooking.
• Manual preheating: If your air fryer lacks a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by selecting the "Air Fry" or a similar setting and setting the temperature recommended in your recipe. For most models, a preheat duration of around 3 minutes is sufficient. However, for larger oven-style air fryers, consider preheating for 5 minutes to ensure even heating.
• Achieving the perfect crisp: Preheating your air fryer is particularly beneficial when aiming for crispy results. The preheating process helps remove moisture from the surface of your chicken skewers, promoting that desirable golden-brown, crispy exterior.
• When to preheat: In addition to following recipe instructions, preheating is generally recommended when cooking foods like french fries, chicken wings, or any dish where a crispy texture is desired. Preheating can also be advantageous when reheating precooked or frozen foods, as it helps speed up the cooking process and ensures even heating.

Lightly oil the skewers to promote browning and prevent sticking

When cooking chicken skewers in an air fryer, it is important to lightly oil the skewers. This is because oiling the skewers will help to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket. By brushing or misting the skewers with a small amount of oil, you can achieve the desired level of browning without using excessive amounts of oil. This is in line with the health benefits of using an air fryer, which include cooking with minimal oil.

Lightly oiling the skewers can also help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the skewers themselves, making it easier to remove the cooked chicken when it is finished. This is especially important when using wooden skewers, as they can be more delicate than metal skewers and may break if the chicken is stuck to them.

In addition to promoting browning and preventing sticking, lightly oiling the skewers can also help to enhance the flavour of the chicken. This is because the oil can help to seal in the moisture of the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender. The oil can also act as a barrier between the chicken and the skewers, preventing the chicken from drying out during the cooking process.

When oiling the skewers, it is important to use a light coating of oil rather than drenching the skewers. This is because too much oil can cause the skewers to become greasy and difficult to handle. It can also affect the cooking time of the chicken, as the oil can slow down the cooking process. Therefore, a light coating of oil is all that is needed to achieve the desired results.

Overall, lightly oiling the skewers when cooking chicken in an air fryer is an important step that can help to promote browning, prevent sticking, and enhance the flavour of the chicken. By using a small amount of oil, you can achieve the perfect level of browning and moisture without compromising the health benefits of using an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions