Air-Fryer Chicken Skewers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken skewers are a delicious and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They can be made in less than 30 minutes and are a great option for a quick weeknight dinner. The chicken is typically cut into evenly-sized chunks, marinated, and threaded onto skewers with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. The skewers are then cooked in the air fryer for around 15 minutes, depending on the recipe and air fryer model, and can be served with a variety of sides such as rice, potatoes, or a green salad.

Marinating the chicken

There are many different marinade recipes to choose from, but a simple one includes olive oil or vegetable oil, and seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and ingredients like ketchup and vinegar, which can add a unique twist to your chicken skewers.

To prepare the marinade, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Then, place the cubed or evenly-sized chicken pieces into a large bowl and pour the marinade over them, stirring or using your hands to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated.

If you're using wooden skewers, it's important to soak them in water for at least 10-30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer. Metal skewers, on the other hand, do not need to be soaked before use.

Preparing the skewers

Preparing chicken skewers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Firstly, decide on the type of skewer you want to use. You can choose between wooden and metal skewers. If you opt for wooden skewers, it is recommended to soak them in water for at least 10 to 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers do not require soaking and are easy to clean and reuse, but they retain heat, so be mindful of that to avoid overcooking your chicken. If needed, cut the skewers down to fit your air fryer.

Next, prepare the chicken by cutting it into uniform-sized pieces. It is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a tender and juicy result. Cut the chicken into cubes or chunks, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking. You can also add vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, or any other vegetables of your choice. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces as the chicken.

Now, it's time to assemble the skewers. Thread the chicken and vegetable pieces onto the skewers alternately, leaving a little space between each piece. This gap ensures proper air circulation and even cooking. Be careful not to push the chicken pieces too close together on the skewer. You can add around 6 to 7 pieces to each skewer, depending on its length.

Before placing the skewers in the air fryer, lightly brush them with oil or cooking spray. This step promotes browning and prevents sticking to the air fryer basket. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or a simple cooking spray. Ensure you cover all sides of the skewers with a light coating of oil or spray.

Air fryer preparation:

Place the skewer holder inside the air fryer basket if you have one. If not, carefully lay the skewers directly inside the basket. Ensure that the skewers are arranged in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, which can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the skewers in batches.

Finally, preheat your air fryer if needed. Set the temperature to 380°F to 400°F, or refer to your specific recipe for the recommended temperature. Preheat for about 5 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and helps with even cooking.

Cooking the skewers

Cooking chicken skewers in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving delicious, juicy results:

Soaking the Skewers

If you are using wooden skewers, it is recommended to soak them in water for at least 10 to 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This step prevents the skewers from burning in the air fryer. Metal skewers do not require soaking.

Preparing the Chicken

For juicy and tender chicken skewers, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking. You can also add vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or mushrooms. Cut the vegetables into similar sizes as the chicken pieces.

Marinating

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and coat them with olive oil or cooking spray, and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or a pre-made seasoning mix. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. For maximum flavour, marinate the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time.

Threading the Skewers

After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly, leaving a little space between each piece. This space allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If using vegetables, you can alternate between chicken and vegetable pieces or create separate veggie skewers.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at the recommended temperature for your recipe. Most recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the chicken start cooking immediately.

Place the skewer holder inside the air fryer basket and lay the chicken skewers on top. If using a cooking spray, spray the skewers, or lightly brush them with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding, as this can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking.

Cook the chicken skewers for 6 to 9 minutes, depending on your air fryer's settings and the size of the skewers. For thicker skewers, you may need to cook them for a longer time. Halfway through the cooking time, flip and rotate the skewers to ensure even browning on all sides. If your air fryer has a rotating basket, use it for more even cooking.

To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the air fryer and brush with butter sauce or garlic herb butter for extra flavour. Serve the chicken skewers warm with your choice of sides, such as rice, potatoes, or a green salad.

Adding a smokey taste

If you're looking to add a smokey taste to your chicken skewers, there's a simple trick you can use with a piece of coal. First, add a piece of coal to an open flame and let it turn completely white on one side. Flip it over and repeat on the other side. Transfer the coal to a small bowl made of foil, place it in the air fryer, and drizzle a bit of oil on the coal to create smoke. Seal the air fryer shut and leave it covered for about 10 minutes. Then, take out the coal and serve the skewers warm.

It's important to note that the air fryer should be off when you put the coal inside. This method will give your chicken skewers a nice smokey taste without the need for a grill or perfect weather for outdoor cooking.

When preparing the chicken skewers, it's recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lean and tender result. Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Marinate the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes, or preferably a few hours, to infuse it with flavour. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.

Additionally, preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes at the recommended temperature for your recipe is advisable. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly, leaving a little space between each piece for proper air circulation. Lightly brush the chicken skewers with oil or cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking. Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking.

Storing leftovers

To freeze the leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers, allow it to cool to room temperature, and place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. You can store the chicken in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken to maintain its juiciness.

Now, let's go through the process in a step-by-step manner:

Step 1: Prepare the Leftovers

If you have used wooden skewers, start by removing the chicken pieces from them. This is important because the wooden skewers can become soggy and affect the texture of the chicken during storage.

Step 2: Cool the Chicken

Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can compromise food safety.

Step 3: Choose Your Storage Container

For refrigerator storage, use an airtight container or a resealable bag. Make sure the container is clean and dry to prevent any bacterial growth.

For freezer storage, use a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. You can portion out the chicken into multiple bags or containers if you plan to enjoy the leftovers at different times.

Step 4: Store in the Fridge or Freezer

Place the container or bag of chicken in the refrigerator or freezer, depending on your preference. Label the container or bag with the date of storage so you know how long it has been stored.

Step 5: Reheat and Enjoy

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, take the container out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Reheat the chicken in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken and affect its texture and taste. Serve and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions