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

Chicken skewers are a great dish to make in an air fryer. They are easy to cook, healthy, and perfect for a quick meal. The cooking time for chicken skewers in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer, but generally, they take around 8 to 20 minutes to cook at temperatures ranging from 338°F to 400°F. Chicken skewers can be made with a variety of ingredients and customized to suit different tastes. They are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner.

How to prepare the chicken for air frying

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

Firstly, choose your chicken pieces. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken, depending on your preference and the size of your air fryer. If you are using chicken breasts, you may want to pound them lightly to ensure an even thickness, which helps the chicken cook more evenly. For skewers, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Next, prepare a marinade or seasoning for your chicken. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also use a dry brine by sprinkling the chicken with salt and letting it rest for at least 30 minutes, which helps to improve the texture and flavour. If you have more time, you can also prepare a wet brine by mixing salt with water and letting the chicken soak in it for a few hours or overnight.

After seasoning or brining, let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Then, if using a marinade, combine the chicken pieces with your chosen marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Ensure that all sides of the chicken are coated. If you are using skewers, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with vegetables such as bell peppers and onions if desired.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Different recipes recommend different temperatures, ranging from 170°C/338°F to 375°F, so refer to your specific recipe for the best results. Place the chicken pieces or skewers into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook for the recommended time, turning the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.

How to prepare the vegetables for air frying

Preparing the vegetables for air frying is a simple process. First, decide on the vegetables you want to use. Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and green onions are all great options for chicken skewers. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the chicken pieces. You can cut bell peppers and zucchini into cubes or strips, slice onions into cubes or wedges, and halve or quarter mushrooms. If you're using leafy greens like spinach, you can leave them whole or chop them coarsely.

Once your vegetables are cut, you'll need to prepare them for skewering. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Then, begin assembling your skewers. Alternate between chicken and vegetables, or create a pattern of your choice. For example, you can start with a mushroom, followed by a piece of chicken, then an onion, and so on. Leave a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Before placing the skewers in the air fryer, lightly brush them with oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil. This will help enhance the flavour and promote browning. You can also sprinkle your favourite seasonings or spices on the vegetables before cooking.

Air frying is a quick and convenient way to cook your chicken and vegetable skewers. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 338°F and 400°F (170°C and 200°C). Depending on the size of your skewers and the model of your air fryer, you may need to cook the skewers in batches to ensure even cooking. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for hot air circulation.

The cooking time for your vegetable skewers will depend on the type of vegetables used and your desired doneness. Most vegetables will take between 8 to 15 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Be sure to check your skewers regularly to prevent overcooking. You may need to rotate the skewers halfway through the cooking process for even browning.

How to assemble the skewers

To assemble chicken skewers for the air fryer, you will need to cut your chicken into cubes or bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before assembling the skewers. This will prevent them from burning during cooking.

For the vegetables, you can use a variety of options such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and pineapple. Cut the vegetables into cubes or pieces similar in size to the chicken. You can also add fruits like pineapple to give your skewers a tropical twist.

Now, it's time to assemble the skewers! Using your chosen skewers, thread the chicken and vegetables onto the sticks, alternating between the two. You can also create patterns or groups of ingredients, such as a mushroom, chicken, onion pattern, or grouping vegetables together.

Once your skewers are assembled, you can brush them with oil or a sauce of your choice before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add a second coat of sauce during the cooking process to enhance the flavour.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of chicken, vegetables, and sauces to create your own unique chicken skewer recipes!

How to cook the skewers in the air fryer

Firstly, prepare your chicken and vegetables. Cut two chicken breasts into cubes and add a pinch of pepper, salt, and a few sprays of oil. You can also add other spices and ingredients such as honey, soy sauce, and sesame seeds if you want to add more flavour to your chicken. Cut your vegetables into small pieces – some options include bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and pineapple.

Next, prepare your skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Then, thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the two.

Now you are ready to cook your skewers. Preheat your air fryer to between 338°F and 400°F. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, making sure they are arranged in a single layer. You may need to cook the skewers in batches if they do not all fit in the basket. Brush the skewers with oil and cook for 8-12 minutes, rotating the skewers every 4-5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Check that the chicken is cooked through before serving – it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

You can also prepare a sauce or dip to serve with your chicken skewers. For example, you could combine yoghurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, apricot preserves, curry powder, and salt and pepper to make a curry dip, or stir together teriyaki sauce, cashew butter, orange juice, garlic, and cayenne pepper to make a dipping sauce.

How to store leftovers

Leftover air fryer chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days. However, it is important to note that the vegetables and chicken should be stored separately. Vegetables, especially, are not suitable for storing, as they will not remain fresh.

If you wish to store your leftover chicken skewers in the freezer, it is recommended to wrap them tightly and place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating your leftover chicken skewers, it is best to use the air fryer to ensure they retain their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and heat the skewers for about five minutes, or until they are heated through.

• If you are storing the skewers in the fridge, you can wrap them in foil or place them in a sealed container.
• To freeze the skewers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or place them in a sealed bag or container.
• When reheating, you can also use an oven or stovetop. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes. If using a stovetop, place the skewers in a covered pan with a small amount of liquid and heat over medium heat for about five minutes.

Frequently asked questions