Air Fryer Kebabs: Perfect Timing For Tender Results

Kebabs are a fun and tasty meal to make, and they can be made in an air fryer! The length of time it takes to cook kebabs in an air fryer depends on the type of meat and vegetables used, the size of the air fryer, and the number of batches cooked. Typically, chicken kebabs are cooked for 7-9 minutes, while beef kebabs are cooked for 8-10 minutes. The temperature of the air fryer also plays a role, with some recipes recommending 350-400°F. To ensure even cooking, it is important to leave space between each piece of meat or vegetable on the skewer and to flip the skewers halfway through the cooking time.

Choosing the right skewer size

Skewer Material:

The material of the skewers can impact the required size. Wooden or bamboo skewers tend to be longer and may need to be trimmed to fit your air fryer. Soaking wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes before use is essential to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers, on the other hand, are typically shorter and reusable, but ensure they are not too long for your air fryer.

Air Fryer Model:

The size of your air fryer will dictate the appropriate skewer length. Standard basket-style air fryers typically accommodate 6-inch to 8-inch skewers. For larger air fryers or oven-style models, 10-inch skewers may be suitable. It's a good idea to measure the dimensions of your air fryer before purchasing skewers.

Food Items:

The type and size of food items you plan to skewer will also influence the skewer size. If you're threading larger pieces of meat or vegetables, longer skewers might be necessary. However, be mindful that longer skewers may require trimming or diagonal arrangement to fit in your air fryer. Aim for uniform-sized pieces of food to ensure even cooking.

Number of Kebabs:

Consider the number of kebabs you want to cook simultaneously. Longer skewers might allow for more items, but they might not fit as many skewers in your air fryer. You may need to cook in batches if you have shorter skewers to ensure proper spacing and airflow during cooking.

Cooking Time:

The length of the skewers can impact the cooking time. Longer skewers might require a slightly longer cooking time, while shorter skewers allow for more efficient cooking due to better airflow and heat distribution.

It's worth noting that you can always adjust the skewers or the food arrangement if they don't fit perfectly in your air fryer. You can trim longer skewers or place the meat and vegetables directly into the air fryer without skewers if needed. Always ensure proper spacing and airflow during cooking for even browning and doneness.

Marinating the chicken

A simple marinade of yoghurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spices can be used to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the chicken to absorb the flavours and result in a juicy and golden brown kebab. If you are using a yoghurt-based marinade, it is important to note that it may cause the chicken to become leathery if left for too long, so it is best to stick to the recommended time.

For a more complex marinade, you can combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli powder, and honey. Again, the chicken should be left to marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse, but it can also be left overnight for a more intense flavour. This marinade will result in a sweet and smoky flavour that is perfect for a summer dinner.

If you are short on time, a quick marinade of 15-20 minutes will still add flavour to your chicken kebabs. You can also prepare the marinade and chicken the night before and leave it in the refrigerator, so it is ready to cook the next day.

It is important to note that the type of skewer you use may impact the marinating process. If you are using wooden skewers, they should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers are ideal as they will not catch fire, but they will retain heat for longer, so be careful when handling them.

Preparing the vegetables

Choosing the Vegetables:

Select vegetables that complement the flavours of your kebabs. Popular choices include zucchini, bell peppers, onions (red, sweet, or white), mushrooms, squash, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add some fruit for a unique twist.

Chopping the Vegetables:

Chop your chosen vegetables into evenly sized pieces, aiming for a uniform size of around 1/2 inch to 1 inch. This ensures that the vegetables cook evenly and prevents smaller pieces from burning.

Marinating the Vegetables:

You can marinate the vegetables along with the chicken or other proteins. A simple marinade of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and herbs can add flavour to your vegetables. If you prefer spicier kebabs, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also experiment with other spices and acids like lemon juice.

Skewering the Vegetables:

Before skewering, soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent them from burning. If using metal skewers, ensure they are short enough to fit in your air fryer. Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of meat or other proteins. Leave a little space between each piece for proper air circulation during cooking.

Cooking the Vegetable Kebabs:

Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't touch to promote even cooking. Cook for 7-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for kebabs in an air fryer depend on the type of kebab and the model of the air fryer. Here are some general guidelines and recommendations:

Chicken Kebabs:

For chicken kebabs, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into uniform-sized pieces for even cooking. The chicken should be marinated for at least 15 minutes, but preferably for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavour and tenderness. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F, and cook the kebabs for 7-12 minutes, turning them halfway through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 160-165°F when they are done.

Beef Kebabs:

For beef kebabs, use juicy cuts like sirloin steak and add vegetables like peppers and onions. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the kebabs for 8-12 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check the kebabs periodically to ensure the desired level of charring and doneness.

Cooking Tips:

• Ensure that your skewers fit in your air fryer before starting. If they are too long, trim them or arrange them diagonally.
• Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with some space between each skewer to promote even cooking.
• Lightly brush the skewers with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote browning.
• If your air fryer has a rotating basket, use it for even cooking.
• If cooking frozen kebabs, add an additional 8-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Adding a smokey taste

To cook kebabs in an air fryer, it is recommended that you preheat your air fryer to 370–400°F. Lightly brush the chicken skewers with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote browning. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other much to allow for even cooking.

Cooking time varies depending on the number of batches you are cooking and whether you are cooking from frozen. For regular cooking, air fry for about 6 to 9 minutes, or until golden and charred on top. Then rotate the skewers, spray with oil again, and air fry for another 6 to 9 minutes. If cooking from frozen, add an additional 8–10 minutes to the total cooking time.

To add a smokey taste to your kebabs, you can use a piece of coal and some oil. First, add a piece of coal to an open flame and cook until it turns white on one side. Flip the coal over and repeat on the other side until the entire piece is white. Transfer the coal to a small bowl made of foil, then place it in the air fryer after the skewers are cooked and the air fryer is turned off. Drizzle a bit of oil on the coal, and it will start to smoke. Seal the air fryer shut and leave it covered for about 10 minutes. Then, take the skewers out of the air fryer and serve warm.

You can also add a smokey taste to your kebabs by incorporating ingredients such as smoked paprika, BBQ seasoning, soy sauce, or liquid aminos into your marinade. Additionally, vegetables like bell peppers and onions can add a slight sweetness when caramelized, contributing depth of flavor to the kebabs.

Frequently asked questions