Air-Fryer Kebabs: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Kebabs are a popular dish that can be made in various ways, such as on a grill or in an air fryer. Making kebabs in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty option that yields juicy and tender results. The process involves marinating the meat, threading it onto skewers, and then cooking it in the air fryer. This method is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a summer barbecue, as it requires minimal preparation and cooking time.

Choosing the right meat and prep

Choosing the Right Meat:

• Chicken is a popular choice for air fryer kebabs. Opt for boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more tender, while breasts can dry out if not cooked properly.
• You can also use other types of meat, such as beef, lamb, or pork. Choose a protein with a good amount of fat (around 15-20%) to ensure juicy kebabs.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use tofu instead of meat.

Meat Preparation:

• Cut the meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to thread onto skewers.
• Marinate the meat to infuse it with flavour and tenderness. Combine the meat with a mixture of spices, yogurt or buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic, and oil. You can also add other ingredients like honey, soy sauce, or chilli powder.
• Marinade time can vary from 15 minutes to overnight. The longer you marinate, the more intense the flavour will be.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.

By choosing the right type of meat and preparing it properly, you'll be well on your way to making mouth-watering kebabs in your air fryer!

Marinating the meat

Firstly, prepare the meat by cutting it into bite-sized or uniformly-sized pieces. Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a popular choice as they tend to be more tender than chicken breasts, which can dry out in the air fryer. However, chicken breasts can be used as well. If you want to switch up the protein, you can also use beef, lamb, or pork. Just make sure to choose a cut with a good amount of fat to ensure the skewers turn out juicy.

Next, prepare the marinade. While you can use store-bought marinades, like Maggi Air Fryer Piri Piri seasoning, making your own marinade allows you to customise the flavours to your taste. A simple marinade can be made by combining plain yoghurt or buttermilk with spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and pepper flakes. You can also add ingredients like lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and onion powder to enhance the flavour. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, and adjust the quantities to your preference.

Now, it's time to combine the meat and the marinade. Place the meat pieces in a bowl or container and pour the marinade over them. Mix well to ensure that all the meat pieces are evenly coated. Cover the container and place it in the refrigerator to marinate. The minimum marinating time is around 15 to 20 minutes. However, for the best results, it is recommended to marinate the meat for a few hours or even overnight. This longer marinating time allows the flavours to truly infuse the meat, making your kebabs extra tasty.

Once the meat has finished marinating, you can start assembling your kebabs. Thread the meat onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning in the air fryer. Leave a little space at the end of each skewer for easy handling.

Now your meat is marinated and ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Threading the meat onto skewers

Firstly, ensure that your skewers fit in your air fryer. If they are too long, you may need to trim them or use shorter ones. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.

When you're ready to thread the meat, lay out your veggies and meat in front of you. Cut the meat into bite-sized or uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. You can alternate veggies and meat or create separate veggie and meat skewers, depending on your preference. Leave about 1/2 inch at each end of the skewer empty to handle them easily.

If you're making chicken kebabs, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This ensures proper air circulation during cooking. You can use metal or wooden skewers, but if using metal skewers, remember they will get hot, so use tongs or gloves when handling them.

For chicken kebabs, it is recommended to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they tend to be more tender than chicken breasts, which can dry out. You can also add other ingredients like peppers and onion pieces to your skewers if desired.

Finally, remember to oil the skewers lightly with cooking spray or brush them with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.

Cooking the kebabs in the air fryer

Now that your chicken has been marinated, it's time to cook your kebabs in the air fryer. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 350–400°F. If you're using wooden skewers, make sure you've soaked them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil.

Place the skewers in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook the kebabs in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which can hinder airflow and result in uneven cooking. If you're cooking in batches, place the first batch on a plate and cover with foil while the second batch cooks.

Cook the kebabs for 7–9 minutes, turning the skewers over halfway through the cooking time. Once the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F, they are done.

If you want to add a smokey BBQ taste to your kebabs, you can use a piece of coal. Place a small bowl made of foil in the air fryer and add a piece of coal that has been burned until completely white on an open flame. Drizzle oil on the coal and seal the air fryer shut for about 10 minutes to let the smoke infuse the kebabs.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve kebabs made in an air fryer. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salad

A fresh and healthy option, you can pair your air fryer kebabs with a variety of salads. Some ideas include a corn salad with avocado, tomato, and lime, roasted green beans with shallots, or a simple green salad. You can also add other ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, spring onions, avocado, and feta cheese to your salad.

Rice

Rice is a great side dish for kebabs. You can serve them with Instant Pot wild rice pilaf, jasmine rice with butter, or roasted vegetable cous cous.

Breads

Kebabs go well with different types of bread. You can serve them in a wrap, pita bread, flatbread, or naan. For an extra touch, warm the naan or toast the bread before serving.

Potatoes

Whether it's roasted potatoes, potato salad, or fries, potatoes are a delicious side option for kebabs.

Other Sides

Some other side dishes that would pair well with air fryer kebabs include roasted sweet potatoes, pasta salad, or classic dishes like a classic potato salad.

Toppings and Sauces

Toppings and sauces can enhance the flavour of your kebabs. You can add toppings like parsley, coriander, or crumbled bhaji. For sauces, try garlic herb butter, mango chutney, raita, lime pickle, or tzatziki.

As a Main Course or Part of a Bowl

Kebabs can be a delicious main course, or you can include them as part of a rice bowl or a wrap with other ingredients.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a delicious and varied meal around your air fryer kebabs!

Frequently asked questions