Air-Fryer Kebabs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Kebabs are a delicious and easy meal to make, and they can be made in an air fryer! Kebabs are a great option for a quick and tasty dinner, and they can be easily customised to your liking. You can choose from a variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, lamb, or pork, and pair them with your favourite vegetables. Making kebabs in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy this classic dish without the need for an outdoor grill. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about cooking kebabs in an air fryer, from choosing the right ingredients to assembling and cooking the kebabs to perfection.

How to cook kebabs in an air fryer

Choosing the right skewer type and size

Skewer Type: You can choose between wooden and metal skewers for your kebabs. Wooden skewers, typically made from bamboo, are disposable and affordable. Before using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer. Metal skewers, on the other hand, are reusable and don't require soaking. However, ensure that your metal skewers are short enough to fit inside your air fryer.

Skewer Size: The best skewer size depends on the model of your air fryer. For standard basket-style air fryers, 6-inch to 8-inch skewers are usually suitable. If you have a larger air fryer or an oven-style model, 10-inch skewers may be a better fit. If your skewers are too long, you can either cut them down or arrange them diagonally in the air fryer. Before preparing your kebabs, always check that your skewers fit inside your air fryer by laying them on the skewer holder or basket.

Spacing on Skewers: When threading the food onto the skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even cooking. Overcrowding the skewers can hinder airflow and result in unevenly cooked kebabs.

By selecting the appropriate skewer type and size, you can ensure that your kebabs cook evenly and fit well within your air fryer.

Preparing the ingredients

Choosing the Meat

Select your desired protein, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or pork. For chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for a lean and tender result. Cut the meat into uniform-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine olive oil with an acid like red wine vinegar or lemon juice, and spices such as garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add soy sauce or liquid aminos for a deeper flavour and to tenderize the meat. Mix the marinade well.

Marinating the Meat

Place the cut-up meat into the bowl with the marinade and stir to coat thoroughly. Ensure all pieces are well-coated for maximum flavour. Cover the bowl or place the meat and marinade in a sealable plastic bag, and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes. For more intense flavour, you can marinate the meat for a few hours or even overnight.

Preparing the Vegetables

While the meat is marinating, prepare your choice of vegetables. Common options include bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. Cut the vegetables into evenly sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, to ensure they cook at the same rate as the meat. You can also add vegetables directly to the marinade for extra flavour.

Skewers

You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the meat and vegetables to prevent them from burning in the air fryer. Thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for proper air circulation.

Making the marinade

To make the marinade, you will need a large bowl, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced fresh garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add red pepper flakes if you prefer your kebabs spicy. Alternatively, you can use soy sauce, ginger, chilli powder, and honey instead of the herbs and spices.

Firstly, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices in a large mixing bowl. You can also add lemon juice for some acidity, which will help to tenderise the meat. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk the ingredients together.

Next, add the chicken to the bowl and stir thoroughly to coat the meat well. You can use chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure the chicken is covered in the marinade and leave it to soak for at least 15 minutes or, ideally, a few hours or even overnight for maximum flavour.

While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare your vegetables. Cut zucchini into 1/2 inch coins, remove the seeds and stems from bell peppers and cut them into 1-inch pieces, and separate and cut red or purple onion into similarly sized pieces. This will ensure that everything cooks evenly.

Cooking the kebabs

Next, prepare your skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer. Thread the meat and vegetables onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. If you are using metal skewers, ensure they are short enough to fit inside your air fryer.

Now, it's time to marinate your kebabs. Place the threaded skewers into a large bowl and cover them with your chosen marinade. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, an acid like lemon juice or vinegar, and spices. You can also add soy sauce or liquid aminos for extra flavor and to tenderize the meat. Leave the kebabs to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but preferably a few hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for your recipe, usually between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the skewer holder inside the air fryer basket and lay the kebabs on top. Spray the kebabs with cooking spray or lightly brush them with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking.

Cook the kebabs for 6 to 9 minutes, depending on your air fryer model, and then flip them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. If your air fryer has a rotating basket, use it for even cooking. The kebabs are done when the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Finally, let the kebabs rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Enjoy your air-fried kebabs!

Serving suggestions

Kebabs cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of side dishes and dips. Here are some serving suggestions:

Side Dishes

Rice, potatoes, green salad, or pasta salad are all great options to accompany your air-fried kebabs. If you're serving a larger group, you can also bake the kebabs in the oven and serve them with naan bread, warmed in the microwave or toasted, and topped with chopped coriander, a drizzle of yogurt, and accompaniments of your choice.

Dips

For a zesty kick, try serving your kebabs with a dip like dill aioli, tzatziki, or homemade ranch. BBQ sauce is also a good option, especially if you're looking for that smokey taste without having to fire up the grill.

Vegetables

Kebabs are typically made with a variety of vegetables, including zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. However, you can also add mushrooms, squash, cherry tomatoes, or even fruit for a unique twist.

Marinades

A good marinade can add a lot of flavors to your kebabs. Try combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and dried herbs, or experiment with other ingredients like soy sauce, chicken seasoning, BBQ seasoning, or spices. For a smokier flavor, you can even add a piece of coal to the air fryer while cooking.

Presentation

For a restaurant-style presentation, let the kebabs rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender. This will also give you time to prepare any last-minute touches, like a drizzle of heated marinade or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

With these serving suggestions, your air-fried kebabs are sure to be a delicious and flavorful meal!

Frequently asked questions