Tiffany Haney
Chicken skewers are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They can be made with either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into evenly-sized chunks and marinated for at least 15-20 minutes, or ideally a few hours for maximum flavour. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece, then place them in the air fryer in a single layer. Brush with oil or cooking spray and cook for around 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Cook Chicken Skewers in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts |
| Cut | Uniform-sized pieces |
| Marinade | Yogurt, curry paste, garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or blend of spices |
| Skewers | Wooden or metal skewers |
| Soak Skewers | Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 10-30 minutes to prevent burning |
| Preheat Air Fryer | Preheat to 400°F for about 5 minutes or to 180°C |
| Oil | Lightly brush or spray skewers with oil or cooking spray |
| Air Fry | Cook for 6-9 minutes, flip, then cook for another 6-9 minutes |
| Temperature | Internal temperature of 165°F |
| Sides | Naan, rice, potatoes, green salad, pasta salad, or roasted veggies |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right chicken cut
Chicken skewers are a versatile dish that can be made with various cuts of chicken. When choosing the right chicken cut for air fryer chicken skewers, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is essential to select a cut that will cook evenly and yield tender and juicy results. Here are some options to consider:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a popular choice for chicken skewers as they result in tender and juicy skewers. Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This cut is also easy to thread onto skewers and will absorb flavours well during the marination process.
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are another option for chicken skewers. Cut the breasts into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking. This cut may be preferable if you are looking for a leaner option or want to showcase larger pieces of chicken on the skewers. However, be mindful that chicken breasts can dry out more quickly than darker meats, so adequate marination is crucial.
Other Chicken Cuts
Alternatively, you could explore other chicken cuts such as chicken tenderloin or chicken legs. These options may require a little more trimming and preparation, but they can still work well for chicken skewers. Just ensure that you cut them into uniform pieces and handle them carefully during the skewering process.
Tips for Preparation
Regardless of the chicken cut you choose, here are some essential preparation tips:
- Always cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes, or preferably a few hours, to infuse it with flavour.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10-30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning.
- Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C).
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Marinating the chicken
To prepare the marinade, simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Then, place the cubed or uniformly-sized chicken pieces into a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands or a spoon to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken with the marinade.
The chicken should be left to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavours. However, for the best results, it is ideal to marinate the chicken for a few hours or even overnight. This will ensure that the chicken is fully infused with flavour before cooking.
If you are using wooden skewers, it is important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken pieces onto them. This will prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer. Metal skewers, on the other hand, do not need to be soaked before use.
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Preparing the skewers
The next step is to prepare your chicken. It is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lean and tender result. Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can then choose to season or marinate your chicken. For a simple seasoning, coat the chicken chunks with olive oil or vegetable oil, such as avocado oil, and add seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If you prefer to marinate your chicken, place the chicken in a bowl with your choice of marinade and leave it for at least 15 to 20 minutes, or even overnight if you want extra flavour.
Once your chicken is prepared, it's time to thread it onto the skewers. If using wooden skewers, leave a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for proper air circulation. Metal skewers, on the other hand, can be loaded up without worrying about the spacing. You can choose to make skewers with just chicken or alternate the chicken with veggies like bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, or lemon slices.
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Cooking the skewers
Now, you can place the skewers in the air fryer. It is recommended to cook the skewers in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking. You may need to cook the skewers in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or 180°C) for about 5 minutes, or as recommended for your specific recipe. Spray the surface of the air fryer with oil, and add the skewers. Cook the skewers for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until golden and charred on top. Then, flip the skewers and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
If you want to add a smokey BBQ taste to your skewers, there is a trick you can try. After the skewers are cooked, turn off the air fryer but keep it open so the skewers stop cooking. Place a piece of coal over an open flame and cook until it is white all over. Transfer the coal to a small bowl made of foil, add it to the air fryer, and drizzle a bit of oil onto the coal to create smoke. Leave the air fryer covered for about 10 minutes, then remove the skewers and serve warm.
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Serving suggestions
Chicken skewers cooked in an air fryer can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:
Rice, Potatoes, Salad, or Bread
Chicken skewers can be served with rice, potatoes, or a green salad. If you want to add some extra flavour to your skewers, consider serving them with a side of lemon slices to squirt fresh juice over the chicken. You could also serve the skewers with naan bread, either on the side or warmed and wrapped around the chicken.
Vegetables
You can cook vegetables alongside your chicken skewers. Try bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, tomatoes, yellow squash, mushrooms, or broccoli. You can either cook these in a separate skewer or alternate the vegetables with the chicken on the same skewer.
Sauces and Marinades
You can brush the chicken skewers with a butter sauce or garlic herb butter before serving. You can also serve the skewers with mango chutney, raita, lime pickle, or crumbled bhaji on the side. If you have any leftover marinade, be sure to cook it before serving, as it has touched raw chicken.
Storage
If you have any chicken skewers left over, allow them to cool to room temperature and place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about four days or in the freezer for up to three months.
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