Air Fryer Chicken Skewers: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken skewers in the air fryer are a quick, easy, and healthy meal that can be made in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer cooks chicken in half the time a conventional oven takes, yielding chicken that is crispy and caramelized on the outside, and juicy on the inside. Chicken skewers can be made with boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into evenly-sized chunks and seasoned or placed in a marinade. The chicken is then threaded onto wooden or metal skewers and placed in the air fryer for around 12-15 minutes.

How to choose the right skewers for your air fryer

Choosing the right skewers for your air fryer is essential to ensure even cooking and delicious results. Here are some tips to help you select the most suitable skewers for your air fryer:

• Size: Before purchasing skewers, it is crucial to measure the dimensions of your air fryer to ensure the skewers fit comfortably inside. Consider the length, width, and height of the air fryer basket or shelves. Allow for some space between the skewers and the sides of the air fryer to facilitate proper airflow.
• Material: Skewers typically come in two types of materials: wood (usually bamboo) or metal.
• Wooden Skewers: Wooden skewers, particularly bamboo skewers, are inexpensive and designed for one-time use. They require soaking in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent them from burning. This preparation step is crucial, as it helps to avoid scorching and ensures your food doesn't taste like charred wood.
• Metal Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and require no soaking before use. They are ready-to-use and easy to clean. However, they retain heat more than wooden skewers, so be mindful of this to avoid overcooking your food. Some metal skewers are flat on one side, preventing the food from spinning when rotated.
• Shape: Skewers come in various shapes, including round and flat. Flat skewers are ideal for preventing food from spinning or moving around when rotated. This shape ensures your food stays securely in place during cooking.
• Quantity: Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you wish to prepare, consider buying a set of skewers that provides enough for your needs. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer, so having extra skewers on hand can be helpful.
• Safety: Always use skewers that are specifically designed for cooking. Ensure they are made of food-safe materials and are free from any sharp edges or splinters (in the case of wooden skewers).

By considering these factors, you can choose the right skewers for your air fryer, ensuring a pleasant cooking experience and perfectly cooked chicken skewers.

How to prepare your chicken for the skewers

Preparing chicken for air fryer skewers is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare your chicken for delicious air fryer skewers:

Choosing the Right Chicken

The type of chicken you choose will impact the flavour and texture of your skewers. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often recommended as they result in tender and juicy skewers. Chicken breasts can be used, but they may turn out drier, so opt for skinless and boneless breasts and be sure to marinate them for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight.

Cutting the Chicken

Once you've selected your chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces or uniform-sized cubes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and can be easily threaded onto skewers. Aim for pieces that are around 1-2 inches in size.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken adds flavour and moisture. You can use a variety of ingredients for your marinade, such as olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, spices, and herbs. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl, add your chosen marinade ingredients, and mix well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but preferably a few hours or even overnight, to allow the flavours to infuse.

Threading the Chicken

After marinating, it's time to thread the chicken onto skewers. You can use wooden or metal skewers, but if you choose wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken. This will prevent them from burning. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. You can alternate chicken with vegetables, such as peppers and onions, for added flavour and colour.

Air Fryer Preparation

Before placing the skewers in the air fryer, lightly brush them with oil or cooking spray. This will promote browning and prevent sticking. Ensure your air fryer basket is large enough to accommodate the skewers, and place them in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking.

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

How to make a marinade for your chicken skewers

Making a marinade for your chicken skewers is a great way to infuse flavour into the chicken and stop it from drying out. You can use whatever spices and ingredients you like, but here is one suggested recipe:

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Honey or maple syrup
• Avocado or olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Ground ginger
• Chilli powder
• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Red onion
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 1-2 inches in size.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, oil, garlic powder, ground ginger, and chilli powder.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss until all the pieces are coated.
• Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or ideally, a few hours or overnight for maximum flavour.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10-30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning.
• Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the two and leaving a little space at each end so you can handle them easily.
• Place the skewers in the air fryer and cook at around 350-400°F for 6-15 minutes, rotating the skewers halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.

You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms, pineapple, or jalapeno peppers to your skewers, and experiment with different spices and ingredients in your marinade to find your favourite combination!

How long to cook chicken skewers in an air fryer

Ingredients and Preparation

Before you start cooking your chicken skewers, you'll need to gather your ingredients and prepare your meat and vegetables. Most recipes suggest cutting your chicken into evenly-sized chunks or slices, and allowing it to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight. This will ensure your chicken is full of flavour.

You can also add vegetables to your skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms and avocado. Cut these into similar-sized pieces to your chicken, and remember to leave a little space between each piece on the skewer to allow for even cooking.

Cooking Time and Temperature

When it comes to cooking your chicken skewers, most recipes suggest cooking at a temperature of between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time varies, but most recipes recommend cooking for around 10–15 minutes, turning the skewers over halfway through. You can check if your chicken is cooked by ensuring the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air Fryer Settings

If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to the desired temperature and allow it to heat up before adding your skewers. You may also want to spray the surface with oil, and remember to place your skewers in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. If your air fryer has shelving, you may need to switch the trays around halfway through cooking, as the top tray tends to get browner.

Post-Cooking

Once your chicken skewers are cooked, you can brush them with a sauce or butter of your choice. You can also add a smokey flavour by adding a piece of coal to the air fryer after cooking – just remember to turn it off!

How to serve chicken skewers

Chicken skewers are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas and suggestions on how to serve chicken skewers:

Choose Your Meat and Prepare the Marinade:

Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lean and tender result. Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking. Prepare a marinade by combining ingredients such as lemon juice, tomato paste, olive oil, garlic, ginger, yogurt, chili powder, coriander, chili flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them soak for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight, to infuse them with flavour.

Skewer Assembly:

After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Leave a little space between each piece of chicken on the skewer to allow for proper airflow during cooking. You can also add vegetables or fruits, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or stone fruits, to the skewers for extra flavour and colour.

Cooking the Skewers:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350-400°F. Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overcrowd the basket, as this can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking. Lightly brush the chicken skewers with oil or cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking. Cook the skewers for about 6-8 minutes, then rotate and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes until both sides are golden brown.

Smoking the Skewers (Optional):

If you desire a smokey flavour, add a piece of coal to an open flame and cook until it turns white all over. Transfer the coal to a small bowl made of foil, place it in the air fryer, and drizzle with oil to generate smoke. Seal the air fryer shut and let the skewers infuse with the smokey flavour for about 10 minutes.

Side Dishes:

Chicken skewers go well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Rice dishes: Mediterranean rice pilaf, Lebanese rice, yellow rice, or coconut rice with shredded coconut, lime juice, and cilantro.
• Salads: Corn salad with avocado, tomato, and lime; Italian pasta salad; Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil; or a simple salad with watermelon, feta cheese, and balsamic vinegar.
• Breads: Whole wheat pita bread, Taboon bread, or garlic bread.
• Potatoes: Roasted rosemary mini potatoes, mashed potatoes, French fries, or sweet potato fries.
• Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or roasted Provencal vegetables.

Beverage and Dessert:

Pair your chicken skewers with chilled, refreshing drinks like virgin cocktails (Virgin Margarita or Virgin Mojito) or Ayran drink. Finish your meal with a sweet dessert, such as fruit-based treats like a fruit salad or raspberry cheesecake, or cookies like Butter Crunch Cookies.

Frequently asked questions