Emilie Meyer
Chicken kabobs are a tasty treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. The air fryer locks in moisture, giving the chicken a charred edge, and making this an easy, foolproof way to enjoy kabobs. You can use either wooden or metal skewers, and the kabobs can be cooked in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Chicken breast, thighs, or drumsticks, zucchini, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, salt, pepper, soy sauce, BBQ seasoning, smoked paprika, herb de Provence, sweet chilli sauce, vegetable oil, etc. |
| Marinade | Combine ingredients in a bowl and marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. For maximum flavour, marinate overnight. |
| Skewers | Metal, bamboo, or wooden skewers can be used. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Cut skewers down to size if needed. |
| Air Fryer Temperature | Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F. |
| Cooking Time | Cook for 10-15 minutes at the set temperature, turning the skewers halfway through. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink and has an internal temperature of 165°F. |
| Resting Time | Let the kabobs rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain juices. |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and vegetable preparation
Now, it's time to prepare the vegetables. Cut zucchini, bell peppers, and onions into similarly-sized pieces as the chicken. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, potatoes, cherry tomatoes, or squash. Place the vegetables in a bowl and add vegetable oil, ensuring they are coated evenly.
Combine the chicken and vegetables in a large mixing bowl, adding any additional spices or sauces as needed. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the mixture in an airtight container or large ziplock bag if you plan to marinate it for longer. Marinating the chicken is not necessary, but it adds flavour and moisture to the dish. You can marinate the mixture for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, or even overnight for maximum flavour.
When you are ready to cook, thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between the two. You can use wooden or metal skewers, but ensure they fit your air fryer. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Each skewer should have around 4-7 pieces, with some space between them to ensure even cooking.
Now your chicken and vegetable skewers are ready for the air fryer!
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Marinade ingredients and preparation
Marinating the chicken is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended as it adds flavour to the chicken and makes it more tender. The marinade can be as simple as olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh garlic, and dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and onion powder. You can also add spices like salt and pepper, or even red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, sesame seeds, and chili powder for an extra kick. If you want to enhance the savouriness of your marinade, consider adding soy sauce, liquid aminos, or balsamic vinegar.
For the best results, cut the chicken into evenly-sized cubes before placing them in the marinade. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gives it a nice, tender texture. You can also add vegetables to your kabobs, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions, which should also be cut into similar-sized pieces as the chicken. If you're using wooden skewers, it's a good idea to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before assembling your kabobs to prevent them from smoking or burning in the air fryer.
Once you've prepared your marinade and cut up your chicken and vegetables, place everything in a large mixing bowl or a Ziploc bag. Make sure that all the pieces are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the mixture in an airtight container or large Ziploc bag if using one. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
After the chicken has finished marinating, you can assemble your kabobs. Place 3-4 pieces of chicken and vegetables onto each skewer, leaving some space at the ends for easy handling. If you're using an air fryer basket, make sure the skewers fit comfortably inside without touching the sides or each other to ensure even cooking and browning. Preheat your air fryer to 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and then place the skewers inside in a single layer.
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Skewering the chicken and vegetables
Choosing the Right Skewers:
Before you start skewering, it's important to select the appropriate skewers for your air fryer. You can choose between metal and wooden skewers, each with its own advantages. Metal skewers are reusable, don't require soaking, and are ideal if you plan to cook the kabobs on a grill after skewering. Wooden skewers, such as bamboo skewers, are a good option if you want a more traditional look, but they need to be soaked in water for about 20 to 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning. If you opt for wooden skewers, ensure they fit your air fryer; if they're too long, you can trim them with scissors.
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:
For even cooking and a balanced appearance, cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, whichever you prefer. If you're using wooden skewers, you can thread the chicken onto the skewers before marinating, or you can marinate the chicken first and then thread it onto the skewers right before air frying. It's recommended to marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or even overnight, to enhance its flavour.
For the vegetables, you can use a variety of colourful options such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and summer squash. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces as the chicken to ensure even cooking. You can also soak these veggies in the marinade to infuse them with extra flavour.
Threading the Skewers:
When you're ready to assemble the kabobs, start skewering the chicken and vegetables. You can alternate between chicken and vegetable pieces, or group them together on the skewer, ensuring each skewer has a similar amount of ingredients. Aim for 3-4 chicken pieces per skewer, and if you're using bell peppers, starting and ending with a piece of pepper can add a nice touch of colour. Leave a small space between each item on the skewer to allow for even cooking and browning.
Storage and Cooking Preparation:
Once the skewers are assembled, you can place them in an airtight container or large ziplock bag if you plan to marinate them further or store them for later. They can be prepared up to 24 hours before cooking and stored in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch each other to promote even cooking and browning.
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Air fryer temperature and duration
The temperature and duration for cooking chicken kabobs in an air fryer depend on the type of skewers and the size of the chicken pieces.
If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are also an option, but ensure they are short enough to fit inside your air fryer.
For even cooking, cut the chicken and vegetables into similar sizes. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the two or skewering the chicken only. Avoid pushing the chicken pieces together too closely, and leave some breathing space for even cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 370–400 °F for a few minutes. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning the skewers once after 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160–165 °F.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken kabobs in batches.
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Serving suggestions and side dishes
Chicken kabobs cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some suggestions to complement the juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken and vegetable skewers:
Sauces
- Toum, a Middle Eastern garlic sauce, is a perfect pairing for chicken kabobs.
- A tahini-based sauce, made by mixing tahini with lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, is another simple yet delicious option.
- Dill Aioli, tzatziki, homemade ranch dip, or BBQ sauce are also excellent choices for dipping.
Breads
Pita bread or any other type of bread can be served on the side or used to make wraps with the chicken kabobs.
Salads
A fresh salad like fattoush, tabouli, or a lemony cabbage malfouf salad can add a refreshing touch to the meal. Alternatively, a green salad or pasta salad can also be served as a side.
Starchy Sides
Chicken kabobs go well with a variety of starchy sides, including rice (yellow rice or vermicelli rice), potatoes (baked potatoes, French fries, or sweet potatoes), and pasta.
Vegetable Sides
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic, Air Fryer Asparagus, or other grilled or roasted vegetables are excellent choices to accompany the kabobs.
Other Suggestions
Chicken kabobs can also be served with a variety of other sides, such as Air Fryer Homemade French Fries, or a simple side of grilled vegetables. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a complete meal, providing a good balance of lean protein, fiber, and vitamins.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook chicken kabobs in an air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F/200°C. However, some sources suggest cooking them for 12-15 minutes at 380°F, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/73°C.
First, cut your chicken and vegetables into evenly sized pieces and thread them onto skewers. You can either alternate between chicken and vegetables or make skewers with just chicken. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Spray the skewers with cooking oil and cook for the recommended time, flipping the skewers halfway through.
The chicken kabobs are done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F/73°C. You can check this by using an instant-read or meat thermometer. The chicken is also done when it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
