Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken kebabs are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, and only take around 15 minutes to cook. You can use either wooden or metal skewers, but if you're using wooden skewers, you'll need to soak them in water for around 20 minutes first to prevent them from burning. You'll also need to cut the skewers down to size so they fit in your air fryer.

For the chicken, it's best to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-2 inch pieces. You can then marinate the chicken for as little as 15 minutes, but the longer you leave it, the more flavourful it will be. You can then thread the chicken onto the skewers, alternating with vegetables if you like, before placing them in the air fryer for around 15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, prepare your chosen marinade. This can be as simple as a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic, or you can add spices and herbs such as ginger, coriander, chilli powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. You can also add a sweet element to your marinade, such as honey, maple syrup or ketchup. For a more complex flavour, you can add dairy products like yoghurt, or even avocado.

Next, cut your chicken into evenly-sized cubes. Place the chicken in a bowl and pour over your marinade. Toss the chicken until all the pieces are evenly coated. If you have time, leave the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour. For maximum flavour, you can leave the chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

After marinating, you can thread the chicken onto your skewers, alternating with vegetables, if desired. If you are using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken, to prevent them from burning.

Choosing the right skewers

If you're using wooden skewers, it's important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This will prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer. Wooden skewers are also easier to cut down to fit the size of your specific air fryer. If you do need to trim them, make sure to do this before soaking them.

Metal skewers can also be used, but they will get very hot, so it's important to use tongs or oven mitts when removing them from the air fryer.

When threading the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, leave a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. This will help ensure even cooking. You can alternate between chicken and vegetables, or just skewer the chicken by itself. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1-2 inches in size, and try to cut them as evenly as possible.

It's also important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the kebabs in batches.

Finally, make sure the skewers you choose fit in your air fryer. Some air fryers come with skewers, but if yours didn't, you can purchase them separately.

Preparing the skewers

• Choosing the Right Skewers: You can use either wooden or metal skewers in your air fryer. Wooden skewers, especially bamboo ones, are a popular choice for their ease of cleanup and ability to be cut down to size if needed. However, they require soaking before use to prevent burning. Metal skewers don't need soaking but remember to use tongs or oven mitts when handling them as they will get very hot.
• Soaking Wooden Skewers: If you opt for wooden skewers, it's essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This step will prevent the skewers from burning during the cooking process.
• Preparing the Chicken: Cut your chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. The ideal size is around 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken cook at the same rate as any vegetables you add to the skewers.
• Marinating the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and add your chosen marinade. You can use a simple mixture of olive oil, garlic, spices, and herbs, or get creative with ingredients like lemon juice, tomato paste, yogurt, or soy sauce. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but preferably longer (up to overnight) for maximum flavour infusion.
• Preparing the Vegetables (Optional): If you want to add vegetables to your skewers, prepare them by cutting them into pieces similar in size to your chicken pieces. This ensures even cooking. Good vegetable options include bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and avocado.
• Threading the Skewers: Now it's time to assemble your skewers! If using wooden skewers, remember to pat them dry after soaking before threading. Alternate between pieces of chicken and vegetables, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. You can also create skewers with just chicken if you prefer.
• Final Preparations: Before placing the skewers in the air fryer, lightly brush or spray them with oil or cooking spray. This step helps promote browning and prevents sticking to the air fryer basket. Ensure your skewers fit comfortably in a single layer in your air fryer, and you may need to cook them in batches.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to preparing delicious and juicy air fryer chicken kebabs!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for chicken kebabs in an air fryer will depend on the type of chicken and the size of the pieces.

For boneless chicken thighs, the cooking time is around 12 to 20 minutes at 380°F to 400°F. For example, one recipe recommends cooking chicken thighs at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, rotating the skewers, and then cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes. This will yield golden and charred chicken kebabs. Similarly, another recipe suggests cooking boneless chicken thighs at 400°F for a total of 15 to 18 minutes, rotating the skewers halfway through the cooking process.

For boneless chicken breasts, the cooking time is around 15 to 22 minutes at 350°F to 400°F. For instance, one recipe suggests cooking chicken breasts at 350°F for 10 minutes, rotating the skewers, and then cooking for an additional 7 to 9 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Another recipe recommends cooking chicken breasts at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer. It is always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached a safe temperature before serving.

Serving suggestions

Chicken kebabs cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sauces

• Toum, a Middle Eastern garlic sauce
• Tahini-based sauce: mix tahini with lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic herb butter

Sides

• Rice: yellow rice, vermicelli rice, or wild rice pilaf
• Bread: pita bread or any other type of flatbread
• Salads: fattoush, tabouli, lemony cabbage malfouf salad, or a salad with spinach, tomatoes, spring onions, avocado, and feta
• Roasted vegetables: roasted green beans with shallots, roasted sweet potatoes, or corn salad with avocado, tomato, and lime
• Potato dishes: classic potato salad, roasted potatoes, or air fryer baked potatoes
• Other: wraps, pasta salad, or couscous

Frequently asked questions