Tillie Doyle
Kebabs are a delicious meal, and they can be made in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. The cooking time depends on the type of kebab and the model of the air fryer. For example, chicken tikka kebabs should be cooked at 180C, while beef kebabs are cooked at 400°F. The size of the skewers also matters, as they need to fit inside the air fryer. The number of batches you cook will depend on the size of your air fryer.
How long do you cook kebabs in an air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meat | Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Venison, Bison, Turkey, Fish |
| Marinade ingredients | Olive oil, Red wine vinegar, Oregano, Basil, Thyme, Onion powder, Salt, Pepper, Soy sauce, Garlic, Ginger, Chilli powder, Honey, Yogurt, Curry paste |
| Vegetables | Bell peppers, Zucchini, Mushrooms, Brown or white mushrooms, Baby potatoes, Cherry tomatoes, Red onions |
| Skewers | Metal, Bamboo, Wooden |
| Air fryer temperature | 370-400°F |
| Cooking time | 5-20 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken tikka kebabs
Preparation
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized chunks. Try to make them as evenly sized as possible, so they cook evenly. You can use chicken breast or thighs, but if you want to be more traditional, use boneless, skinless thighs. You can also add vegetables to the skewers, such as red onion, tomatoes, chillies, and bell peppers.
Next, make the marinade. In a bowl, combine yoghurt or yogurt, tikka paste or powder, garlic, ginger, and spices such as garam masala, chilli powder, coriander powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Whisk the ingredients together. If you want to be more traditional, use mustard oil, garlic and ginger paste, salt, and lemon juice.
Add the chicken to the bowl and submerge it in the marinade. Leave it to marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight. The longer you leave it, the better it will taste.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 400°F. Thread the chicken onto skewers—you will need between four and eight skewers, depending on the size of your air fryer. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken, so they don't burn.
Place the skewers in the air fryer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, checking that the chicken is cooked through before serving. If your skewers are shorter, you may only need to cook them for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway.
Serving
Tips
- If your air fryer is not big enough to hold the skewers, you can air fry the chicken in pieces.
- You can also add a smokey BBQ flavour to your kebabs by adding a piece of coal to the air fryer.
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Maringating the meat
Marinating the meat is a crucial step in ensuring your kebabs are juicy and full of flavour. The smaller pieces of meat allow the marinade to soak almost all the way through, infusing the meat with flavour and making it tender. You can use any meat of your choice, but some cuts are better suited to being marinated. For instance, a pricier, more tender cut of meat like New York strip will only need to be marinated for an hour, whereas a less expensive cut like sirloin can be marinated for up to six hours. If you're short on time, splurge on beef tenderloin, which only needs to be marinated for 30 minutes.
For chicken kebabs, a simple marinade can be made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced fresh garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, salt and pepper. You can also add vegetables to your chicken kebabs, such as zucchini, bell peppers and red onions, which should be cut into similarly-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Place the chicken and vegetables in the marinade and leave for at least 20 minutes, or chill overnight.
If you're making beef kebabs, a marinade can be made by whisking together vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, honey and mustard. Place the cubed meat into a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, then seal and massage the bag gently to coat all of the meat. Leave the beef to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour or up to six hours.
You can also make kofta kebabs in an air fryer, using a combination of ground meat, a spice mix and parsley. The meat proteins need to bind together and become sticky so that the kofta holds its shape. You can use any kind of ground meat, such as beef, chicken, lamb or turkey, but if you're using a leaner meat you may need to add more oil and be careful not to overcook it.
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Choosing the right skewers
Skewer Material:
You can choose between wooden and metal skewers for your kebabs. Wooden skewers, typically made from bamboo, are a popular option for kebabs as they are inexpensive and readily available. However, they have a tendency to burn during the cooking process. To prevent this, it is essential to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before use. Metal skewers, on the other hand, do not require soaking and are reusable, making them a more durable and environmentally friendly option. They also conduct heat better, helping to cook the food from the inside. However, metal skewers might not be the best option for air fryers as they can get very hot and affect cooking temperatures.
Skewer Length:
The length of the skewers you choose should be determined by the size of your air fryer. Standard bamboo or wooden skewers are often too long for most air fryers, so you may need to trim them with scissors. Before purchasing skewers, measure the dimensions of your air fryer basket to ensure the skewers will fit comfortably with enough space for airflow and even cooking. For smaller air fryers, 6-inch skewers may be necessary, while larger air fryers can accommodate 7 to 9-inch skewers.
Number of Skewers:
The number of skewers you use will depend on the size of your air fryer and the length of the skewers. If your air fryer is big enough to accommodate longer skewers, you can use four to fit more food on each skewer. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, opt for using eight shorter skewers or cutting the skewers in half. Using multiple shorter skewers instead of longer ones can help with even cooking and ensure the kebabs cook through properly.
Skewer Thickness:
Consider the thickness of the skewers as well. Thinner skewers are more prone to burning, especially at higher temperatures, so opt for skewers with a thicker diameter to prevent them from scorching. Thicker skewers also tend to be sturdier and can hold more food without bending or breaking.
By considering the material, length, number, and thickness of the skewers, you can choose the right ones for making delicious kebabs in your air fryer.
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Temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking kebabs in an air fryer depend on the type of meat and vegetables used, the size of the kebab, and the model of the air fryer. Here are some general guidelines:
For chicken kebabs, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 2 inches in size. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, herbs, and spices for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving some space between each piece to promote even cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 370-380 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning the skewers over halfway through, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit.
For steak kebabs, cut the steak into 2-inch pieces. You can marinate the steak in a similar mixture as the chicken, or try a citrusy marinade with red pepper flakes and lemon. Thread the steak onto skewers, leaving some space between each piece. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the outside is charred and the inside is tender.
It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so be sure to check your skewers regularly to avoid overcooking. Additionally, if your skewers are too long to fit in your air fryer, you can trim them with scissors or simply place the meat and vegetables directly into the air fryer basket without using skewers.
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Vegetables to use
When making kebabs in an air fryer, you can use a variety of vegetables. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and squash are all popular choices. You can also add other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of kebab recipes. It can be cut into thin coins or thicker chunks, depending on your preference. If you're looking for a colorful and tasty addition to your kebabs, bell peppers are a great option. Remove the seeds and stems, and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Onions, especially red onions, are also a popular choice for kebabs. Separate the layers and cut each piece to a similar size as your other vegetables.
Mushrooms are a delicious and healthy option for your kebabs. Portobello mushrooms, in particular, have a meaty texture that makes them a great choice for vegetarian kebabs. Squash is another tasty and nutritious vegetable to use. Yellow squash or yellow (summer) squash are great options. Just be sure to cut them into 1-inch thick slices so they cook evenly.
If you're looking for a more unique vegetable to add to your kebabs, try asparagus. It has a unique flavor and texture that can add interest to your dish. You can also add broccoli or cauliflower florets for a crunchy and nutritious boost. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some fruit to your kebabs, like cherry tomatoes. Just remember to choose vegetables with similar cooking times and densities to ensure even cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 8 to 15 minutes to cook kebabs in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 370°F to 400°F.
Use a meat thermometer to check that your kebabs have reached an internal temperature of 145°F to 165°F.
You can use wooden or metal skewers. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the ingredients to prevent them from burning.
