Air Fryer Kebabs: How Long To Cook Them Perfectly?

Kebabs are a great option for a quick, healthy, and tasty meal. You can make them in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, and they come out juicy and tender. The cooking time will depend on the type of meat and vegetables you use, but on average, it takes around 15-20 minutes to cook kebabs in an air fryer. So, if you're looking for a convenient and delicious way to make kebabs, an air fryer is a great option!

Choosing the right skewers for your air fryer

Skewer Material:

• Wooden Skewers: Wooden skewers are a popular option for air fryer kebabs. If you choose wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. Soaking helps prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer.
• Metal Skewers: You can also use metal skewers, which don't require soaking. Both wooden and metal skewers are suitable, but ensure they fit your air fryer with room to spare for airflow.

Skewer Size:

• Skewer Length: Check the length of your skewers before placing them in the air fryer. If they are too long, trim them to fit your air fryer basket. You want to ensure there is enough space for airflow and proper air circulation.
• Skewer Width: Opt for skewers with a width that allows for even cooking. Thinner skewers may cook faster, so choose a width that will cook your food evenly without burning.

Skewer Quantity:

Number of Skewers: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your kebabs in batches. Consider using a skewer holder or grill rack to fit multiple skewers at once. Alternatively, you can cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

When choosing skewers for your air fryer kebabs, always ensure they are the right size for your air fryer, made from a suitable material, and allow for proper airflow during cooking. By selecting the right skewers, you'll achieve delicious, evenly cooked kebabs every time.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or strips, depending on your preference. Place the chicken pieces into a glass container with a lid or a plastic bag inside another container (in case the bag leaks).

Next, prepare the marinade by combining the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. A simple marinade can be made with olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt and pepper. For a more complex flavour profile, you could add in mustard, turmeric, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, ginger, chilli powder, coriander, or chilli flakes. Whisk the ingredients together.

Now, pour the marinade over the chicken and turn the container or bag to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated. Place the container in the refrigerator and leave to marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour. For a stronger flavour, you can leave the chicken to marinate overnight or for up to 8 hours.

Finally, when you are ready to assemble the kebabs, remove the chicken from the marinade and thread the pieces onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired.

Preparing the vegetables

Once you have selected your vegetables, chop them into uniform pieces, around 1 inch in size. Try to cut them to a similar size as your chicken pieces to ensure even cooking. You can then season the vegetables with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice. Drizzle them with olive oil to add a roasted flavour and help them cook evenly.

After prepping the vegetables, you can begin assembling your kebabs. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers, rotating between the two as you go. Leave about 1/2 inch of space at each end of the skewer for easy handling.

Finally, place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they fit comfortably without overcrowding. You may need to cook the kebabs in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the food to steam instead of brown.

Threading the skewers

Choosing the Right Skewers:

Before you start, it's important to select the right type of skewers. You can use either wooden or metal skewers in an air fryer. If you opt for wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients. This step is essential to prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer. Metal skewers are also an option, but be cautious as they can get extremely hot. Always use heat-resistant gloves or tongs when handling metal skewers.

Preparing the Ingredients:

Cut your chosen protein, such as chicken, into uniform-sized pieces, typically about 1-inch cubes. You can also cut up vegetables into similar-sized pieces to create a well-balanced kebab. Common vegetables used include bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. If you're using wooden skewers, it's a good idea to chop your ingredients into slightly smaller pieces to prevent the skewers from becoming too crowded.

Now, it's time to assemble your kebabs. Start by alternating the protein and vegetables on the skewers. For example, you can thread a piece of chicken, followed by a few pieces of bell pepper, and then repeat until the skewer is filled, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at each end for easy handling. If desired, you can also add other ingredients like pineapple chunks or grape tomatoes at the top. Just be mindful of the size of your air fryer when adding larger ingredients.

Final Tips:

Before placing the skewers in the air fryer, make sure they fit comfortably in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. This ensures proper airflow and even cooking. You can also lightly brush the skewers with oil or cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking. If your air fryer has a rotating basket, take advantage of it for more even cooking. Additionally, consider cooking the kebabs in batches to avoid overcrowding and to ensure everything cooks through properly.

Cooking the kebabs

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your kebabs! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together your chosen combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, dried herbs, and any other spices you fancy. You can also add lemon juice, yoghurt, tomato paste, or soy sauce for extra flavour.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken

Place the diced chicken into the marinade bowl and stir well to ensure all the meat is coated. Leave to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge, if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more flavourful it will be.

Step 3: Prepare the vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, cut up your chosen vegetables into evenly sized pieces, about 1-inch in size. This will ensure they cook at the same rate as the chicken. You can use bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or baby potatoes.

Step 4: Assemble the skewers

Take your bamboo or metal skewers and thread the veggies and chicken pieces onto them. You can start and end with a piece of bell pepper, or get creative with your own pattern! Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water first to prevent burning.

Step 5: Preheat the air fryer

Set your air fryer to 350-400°F for a few minutes to preheat. This step ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately and helps with even cooking.

Step 6: Place the skewers in the air fryer

Place 4-5 skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spaced out evenly, and ideally not touching each other. This promotes even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the kebabs in batches.

Step 7: Cook the kebabs

Air fry your kebabs for about 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Turn the kebabs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy!

Your kebabs are now ready to be devoured! Serve them as they are, or with a side of rice, salad, or dipping sauce. Enjoy the juicy, tender, and flavourful kebabs straight from your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions