Air Fryer Kabobs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Kabobs, or kebabs, are a summer cookout classic, but they can also be made in an air fryer. This method is especially useful when the weather is uncooperative. You can make chicken, beef, or even pork kabobs in an air fryer, and the process is simple. First, prepare a marinade and let the meat sit in it for at least 30 minutes. Then, cut up your vegetables and thread the meat and veggies onto skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water first so they don't burn. Finally, place the skewers in the air fryer and cook for around 10 minutes, or until the meat is cooked to your liking.

Choosing the right skewers

Skewer Material: You can use either wooden or metal skewers in an air fryer. Wooden skewers, especially bamboo skewers, are a popular choice for kabobs as they are inexpensive and readily available. However, they need to be soaked in water for at least 10 minutes, or even up to 30 minutes, before use to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers, on the other hand, do not require soaking and can be reused, making them a more convenient and environmentally friendly option. Check with the manufacturer of your specific air fryer model for their recommendation on skewer type.

Skewer Length: It is crucial to select skewers that fit inside your air fryer. The standard bamboo or wooden skewers are typically too long and may need to be trimmed with scissors. For most air fryers, 6-inch or 8-inch skewers are recommended. Measure your air fryer basket before purchasing skewers to ensure they fit properly. If your skewers are too long, you can always place the meat and vegetables directly into the air fryer without skewering them.

Skewer Thickness: The thickness of the skewers is also an important consideration. Thinner skewers are more susceptible to burning, especially if they are wooden. Thicker skewers, whether wooden or metal, can hold more food and provide better stability. They are also less likely to overcook or burn.

Number of Skewers: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may be able to cook multiple skewers at once. Larger air fryers can accommodate 4 to 5 skewers in a single layer, while smaller models may only fit 2 or 3. Cooking multiple skewers at once can save time, but ensure they are spaced out evenly and do not touch each other to promote even cooking and browning.

Skewer Placement: When placing the skewers in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they do not touch the sides or the heating element. This can cause uneven cooking and may even be a fire hazard. Always leave some space between the skewers and the walls of the air fryer for optimal results.

By considering these factors when choosing skewers for your air fryer kabobs, you can ensure that your meal turns out perfectly cooked and delicious.

Marinating the meat

Choosing the Meat

Select your preferred cut of meat. Chicken breast, chicken thighs, sirloin steak, and beef chuck ribs are popular choices. Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.

Preparing the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine your choice of marinade ingredients. Common ingredients include olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, spices, and yogurt. You can also add some vegetables to the marinade, such as bell peppers and onions, for extra flavour.

Place the diced meat into the bowl with the marinade and mix well to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator. The meat can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, depending on how much time you have and how intense you want the flavour to be.

Skewering the Meat

After the meat has finished marinating, it's time to thread it onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers can also be used if they fit in your air fryer. Leave a little space between each piece of meat on the skewer to allow for even cooking.

Cooking the Kabobs

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F. Place the skewers inside, making sure they are spaced out and not touching each other. Cook for 8-15 minutes, depending on the type of meat and your air fryer settings. For best results, turn the kabobs halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

Preparing the vegetables

Once your vegetables are cut, you can choose to marinate them for extra flavor. Place the vegetables in a bowl and coat them with your chosen marinade, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. You can then place the bowl in the fridge and let the vegetables marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

If you're using wooden skewers, it's important to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before assembling your kabobs. This will prevent them from burning during the cooking process.

Now you're ready to assemble your kabobs! Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a small amount of space between each piece to promote even cooking. You can arrange the vegetables in any order or pattern you like, but be careful not to overcrowd the skewer, as this may affect how well the veggies cook.

Finally, place the skewers into your preheated air fryer, making sure they are spaced out evenly and not touching each other. Cook at the recommended temperature and time for your chosen protein, and enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer vegetable kabobs!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your kabobs will depend on the type of meat you are cooking, as well as the size of the pieces.

For chicken kabobs, cut the meat into 1-inch cubes and thread onto skewers with vegetables. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning once after 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F.

For beef kabobs, cut the meat into 1-inch chunks and thread onto skewers with vegetables. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, or until the outside is charred and the inside is tender.

If you are cooking steak kabobs, a higher temperature of 400°F is recommended. Cook for 6 minutes on each side for medium-rare steak, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. For well-done steak, you may need to cook for a few minutes longer.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check on your kabobs periodically to ensure they are cooking to your desired level of doneness. Additionally, if you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before adding them to the air fryer to prevent burning.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve kabobs made in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Complete Meal

Kabobs made with meat and vegetables can be a great complete meal. The lean protein from the chicken or beef, and the fibre and vitamins from the vegetables, make for a well-rounded and nutritious dish.

With a Dipping Sauce

You can serve the kabobs with a dipping sauce on the side. Some options include a zesty dill aioli, tzatziki, homemade ranch dip, or BBQ sauce.

With a Side Dish

If you want to serve your kabobs with a side dish, some options that would complement the flavours well include a side salad, such as a Greek chickpea salad, Mediterranean red lentil pasta salad, spinach strawberry caprese salad, or a beet and feta salad with walnuts.

For a starchier option, you could try Mediterranean yellow rice, air fryer sliced potatoes, or no-milk biscuits.

For a low-carb side, cauliflower rice would be a great choice.

As a Wrap

Another way to serve the kabobs is to take the pieces off the skewer and wrap them in pita bread with lettuce and ranch or tzatziki, gyros-style.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover kabobs, you can pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until hot, or enjoy them cold in a salad.

Frequently asked questions