Air Fryer Chicken Skewers: How Long To Cook?

Chicken skewers are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces and vegetables, the power of the air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. In general, chicken skewers will take around 10-15 minutes to cook in an air fryer, with some recipes suggesting a cooking time of up to 30 minutes.

Chicken skewer cooking time and temperature

Chicken skewers are a great, quick meal to make in your air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the type of air fryer you have, the size of your chicken pieces, and the type of skewer you use. Here is a guide to help you cook delicious chicken skewers in your air fryer.

Marinating the Chicken

Before cooking your chicken skewers, it is recommended to marinate the chicken pieces. You can use a variety of ingredients for your marinade, such as olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken and marinade in a bowl, or Ziploc bag, and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to enhance the flavour.

Preparing the Skewers

You can use either wooden or metal skewers for your chicken skewers. If using wooden skewers, cut them to fit into your air fryer basket and soak them in water for at least 20 minutes before adding the chicken pieces. This will prevent them from burning during cooking. If your skewers are too long, they may not fit properly in the air fryer, so be sure to check the size before you begin.

Once your skewers are ready, thread the chicken and any vegetables you wish to include onto the skewers, alternating between the two. Leave a short space at each end of the skewer for easier handling.

Cooking the Chicken Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 390°F/195°C and 400°F/200°C. Spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking oil or olive oil, and then place the chicken skewers inside, making sure they are not overcrowded.

Cook the chicken skewers for around 10-15 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the power of your air fryer. To ensure your chicken is cooked properly, check that the internal temperature of the thickest chunks of chicken reaches at least 165°F/74°C. If the chicken has not reached this temperature, continue cooking in 2-3 minute intervals until it is done.

Serving the Chicken Skewers

Your chicken skewers will go well with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with pita pockets, Greek salad, couscous salad, sweet potato wedges, corn on the cob, or a rice bowl. You can also pair them with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or hummus.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers

• If using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water before cooking to prevent burning.
• Cut your chicken and vegetables into even sizes so they cook evenly.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken skewers, as this will make them tough and dry.
• Brush the chicken with oil before cooking for extra moisture and browning.
• If desired, marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavour.
• Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is safely cooked.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to cook delicious and juicy chicken skewers in your air fryer every time!

Marinating the chicken

Choosing the Chicken

The type of chicken you use can impact the overall taste and texture of your skewers. You can opt for chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and have a milder flavour, while chicken thighs have a higher fat content, resulting in juicier and more flavourful skewers.

Preparing the Chicken

Before marinating, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or cubes. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch in size. This ensures even cooking and easy threading onto the skewers.

Creating the Marinade

There are endless options for creating a delicious marinade for your chicken skewers. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own. Here are some common ingredients used in marinades:

• Olive oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or avocado oil.
• Spices and seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
• Acids like lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to add a tangy flavour.
• Sweeteners such as honey or brown sugar.
• Sauces like teriyaki sauce, BBQ sauce, or sweet chilli sauce.

Simply combine your chosen ingredients in a mixing bowl or a Ziploc bag. You can adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.

Now it's time to coat the chicken pieces with your marinade. Place the chicken in the marinade and ensure all pieces are well coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to distribute the marinade evenly. Once the chicken is coated, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Marinating Time

The length of time you marinate the chicken can vary depending on your schedule and desired flavour intensity. The minimum recommended marinating time is 30 minutes. However, for deeper flavours, you can marinate the chicken for several hours or even overnight. The longer the marinating time, the more intense the flavours will be.

Storing Marinated Chicken

If you plan to marinate the chicken overnight or for an extended period, it's essential to store it in the refrigerator. This helps to prevent bacterial growth and keeps the chicken safe to consume. Place the covered container or sealed bag in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the skewers.

Final Thoughts

Remember, marinating the chicken is a versatile process, and you can experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your perfect combination. Always keep food safety in mind, and don't leave the chicken at room temperature for extended periods. Now you're ready to move on to the next step of assembling and cooking your delicious chicken skewers in the air fryer!

Preparing the skewers

Firstly, decide on your ingredients. You will need chicken, of course, and you can choose between chicken breasts or thighs. Some recipes recommend cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces or 1-inch cubes before marinating, while others suggest cutting the chicken after marinating. It is recommended to cut the chicken into smaller pieces if using chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. You can also add vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, or tomatoes. Cut the vegetables into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.

Next, prepare your marinade. You can use a store-bought option like teriyaki, BBQ sauce, or sweet chilli sauce, or make your own. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil with spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken and vegetables (if using) into a large mixing bowl and cover with your chosen marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. The minimum marinating time is around 30 minutes, but for the best results, it is recommended to leave the chicken to marinate for longer, even overnight.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your skewers. You can use wooden or metal skewers, but ensure they are cut to a suitable length to fit inside your air fryer. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading on the chicken and vegetables. Soaking the wooden skewers will prevent them from burning during the cooking process.

Once the chicken has finished marinating, it's time to thread the pieces onto the skewers. If you are using vegetables, alternate between chicken and vegetable pieces until the skewer is full, leaving a small space at each end for easier handling.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually between 195-200°C (390-400°F). Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil before placing the skewers inside to prevent sticking. Ensure the skewers are placed in a single layer and not overcrowded.

Now your chicken skewers are prepared and ready to be cooked!

Cooking the chicken skewers

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or another cooking oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Vegetables of your choice (bell peppers, zucchini, onions, etc.)
• Your choice of seasoning or marinade
• Skewers (wooden or metal)

Marinating the chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces (around 2cm/1-inch cubes). Place the chicken in a bowl, drizzle with oil, add your chosen seasoning, and toss to coat. Leave the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to overnight.

Preparing the skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken. This will prevent them from burning during cooking. After the skewers have soaked, thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto them, alternating between the two. Leave a short bare section at each end of the skewer for easier handling.

Cooking the skewers in the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C/400°F. Spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil, then place the chicken skewers inside in a single layer, making sure it is not overcrowded. You may need to cook the skewers in batches. Cook at 400°F/200°C for 10-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink and has an internal temperature of at least 74°C/165°F.

Serving the skewers

Remove the chicken skewers from the air fryer using tongs and serve with your favourite side dishes. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Chicken skewers cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. They can be served with a variety of side dishes to make a delicious and nutritious dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried chicken skewers:

Greek-Style

For a Mediterranean twist, serve your chicken skewers with pita pockets, a Greek salad, and a generous dollop of creamy garlic sauce. You could also add some hummus or baba ganoush on the side.

Couscous Salad

Toss the chicken skewers into a couscous salad with roasted vegetables. This makes for a filling and tasty meal.

Sweet Potato Wedges

Pair your chicken skewers with sweet potato wedges, corn on the cob, and a honey mustard dressing. This combination offers a balance of flavours and textures.

Rice Bowl

Create a rice bowl with your chicken skewers, adding a side of coleslaw or steamed greens. Drizzle some yum yum sauce over the rice for an extra flavour boost.

Salads

Chicken skewers can be served with a simple salad for dinner or a healthy veggie side dish. Try an herb salad or a more substantial salad with roasted vegetables.

Air-Fried Sides

If you want to stick with the air fryer theme, you can cook a variety of sides in your air fryer to accompany your chicken skewers. Some options include corn on the cob, onion rings, chips, mushrooms, or even gravy fries.

Dipping Sauces

For an extra flavour boost, serve your chicken skewers with a dipping sauce. You could try a lime yogurt sauce, a basil yogurt sauce, or a garlic yogurt sauce. These sauces add a fresh and zesty dimension to your meal.

BBQ-Style

Chicken skewers are a classic BBQ dish, so why not bring that flavour to your air-fried skewers? Serve them with some BBQ chicken wings or legs for a true taste of summer.

Vegetables

Add some grilled vegetables on the side, such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, or mushrooms. You can even thread these vegetables onto the skewers with the chicken for a colourful and nutritious meal.

Carb Options

If you're looking for some carb options to fill you up, try serving your chicken skewers with microwave rice sachets, especially the flavoured ones. You could also go for sweet potato wedges or air fryer parsnip fries.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal using your air-fried chicken skewers as the star attraction. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and combinations!

Frequently asked questions