Make Shish Kabobs In An Air Fryer: Easy And Delicious!

Shish kabobs can be made in an air fryer and are a great alternative to grilling, especially if you are short on time or don't have access to a grill. They are also a good option if you want to avoid the summer heat or are looking for an indoor cooking method. You can use a variety of meats and vegetables to make shish kabobs in the air fryer, including chicken, beef, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and more. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of meat and vegetables you use, but it typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes in the air fryer.

Choosing the right skewers

Skewer Material:

• Wooden Skewers: Wooden skewers, typically made of bamboo, are a popular choice for shish kabobs. They are easily available and affordable. However, they need to be soaked in water for at least 10 minutes before use to prevent burning. You can also trim them with scissors if they are too long for your air fryer.
• Metal Skewers: Metal skewers are sturdier and more durable than wooden ones. They are less likely to burn, so there is no need for soaking. Metal skewers are usually flat and come in various lengths, with 6-inch and 8-inch sizes fitting most air fryers.

Skewer Size:

• Skewer Length: Ensure that the skewers you choose fit inside your air fryer. Measure the dimensions of your air fryer before purchasing skewers. If the skewers are too long, they may not fit properly, affecting the cooking process.
• Spacing Between Pieces: When threading the ingredients onto the skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This allows heat to circulate and ensures even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the skewers.

Skewer Type:

• Single Skewers: Typically, one skewer is used per kebab, with a combination of meat and vegetables. However, for easier handling and even cooking, consider using two skewers for each kebab, especially for ingredients that tend to rotate on the skewer.
• Double Skewers: Using two skewers instead of one can provide more stability and make it easier to turn the kebabs on the grill or in the air fryer.

Skewer Usage:

• Separate Skewers for Meat and Vegetables: To ensure optimal cooking, consider using separate skewers for meat and vegetables. This is because meat and vegetables have different cooking times. Using separate skewers allows you to cook each ingredient to its ideal doneness without overcooking or undercooking.
• Skewer Arrangement: When arranging the ingredients on the skewers, consider alternating between meat and vegetables or grouping similar items together. For example, you can skewer all the meat pieces together and then create separate skewers for each type of vegetable.

By selecting the appropriate skewers and following these tips, you can ensure that your shish kabobs turn out perfectly cooked and beautifully presented every time.

Marinating the meat

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat:

• For beef kabobs, consider using economical cuts such as sirloin steak tips, tri-tip, or other similar cuts. These options offer great beef flavour and hold their shape well when cubed.
• If your budget allows, you can also use premium cuts like beef fillet or sirloin steak.
• For chicken kabobs, boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts are ideal. Chicken thighs are preferred due to their higher fat content, resulting in juicier kabobs.

Preparing the Marinade:

• A good marinade infuses the meat with flavour and helps tenderise it.
• For beef kabobs, a simple marinade can be made using pantry essentials such as soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, pepper, and oil.
• You can also add a hint of sweetness with soy sauce or ketchup.
• For chicken kabobs, a marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme), onion powder, salt, and pepper works well.

Marinating Tips:

• Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours, in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the more flavourful it becomes.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning.
• Cut the meat and vegetables into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Thread the meat and vegetables loosely onto the skewers, leaving some space between the pieces to allow heat to circulate.
• You can also add two pieces of vegetables between each piece of meat to make the meat go further and ensure even cooking.

Cooking the Kabobs:

• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 380°F to 400°F.
• Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
• Cook the kabobs for 8 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness.
• For chicken kabobs, ensure the internal temperature of the meat reaches 160°F.

Preparing the vegetables

Once the vegetables are cut, you can place them in a bowl and add your desired seasonings or marinade. Mix well to ensure that all the vegetables are coated evenly. You can then thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between different types of vegetables or placing multiple pieces of the same vegetable on each skewer. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before adding the vegetables to prevent them from burning. You may also need to trim the skewers to fit your air fryer. Metal skewers can be used as well, but be sure to use tongs or oven mitts when handling them as they will get very hot.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for shish kabobs in an air fryer will depend on the type of meat and vegetables used, as well as the desired level of doneness for the meat. Here are some general guidelines:

• For steak kabobs, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes on each side for a total of 12 minutes.
• For chicken kabobs, cook at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes on each side for a total of 10-15 minutes.
• It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• For rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F-130°F with a red center.
• For medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F-135°F with a pink center.
• For medium steak, the internal temperature should be 135°F-145°F with very little pink.
• Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ensure that the kabobs are spaced out evenly in the air fryer basket and not layered on top of each other to promote even cooking and browning.
• If cooking in batches, be sure to preheat the air fryer again before adding the next batch.
• It is recommended to flip the kabobs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• For a smokey BBQ flavor, add a piece of coal to the air fryer after cooking the kabobs (with the air fryer turned off). Drizzle oil on the coal to create smoke and leave the air fryer sealed for about 10 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Sides

• Rice
• Parmesan garlic rice
• Quinoa
• A green vegetable
• Pita bread
• Yellow rice
• Vermicelli rice
• Fattoush
• Tabouli
• Lemony cabbage malfouf salad
• Greek Chickpea Salad
• Mediterranean Red Lentil Pasta Salad
• Spinach Strawberry Caprese Salad
• Beet and Feta Salad with walnuts
• Mediterranean Yellow Rice
• Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes
• No Milk Biscuits
• Cauliflower rice

Sauces

• Toum (a Middle Eastern garlic sauce)
• Tahini-based sauce (mix tahini with lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper)
• Tzatziki
• Ranch dip
• BBQ sauce
• Dill Aioli
• Homemade Greek Salad Dressing

Frequently asked questions