Air-Fryer Shish Kabobs: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Shish kabobs are a delicious meal that can be made in an air fryer with minimal preparation. The process is simple: cut up your chosen ingredients, such as chicken, beef, or vegetables, and thread them onto skewers. You can then cook them in your air fryer for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the ingredients used and the desired level of doneness. Shish kabobs are a great option for those who want to enjoy grilled food without having to deal with the heat of a barbecue or the hassle of grilling outdoors.

Choosing the right skewers

Skewer Material:

You can use either wooden or metal skewers in an air fryer. Wooden skewers add a rustic charm to your kabobs and are easily available. However, they need to be soaked in water for at least 10 minutes before use to prevent them from burning. Metal skewers, on the other hand, are reusable and don't require soaking.

Skewer Length:

The length of the skewer should be appropriate for your air fryer. Standard bamboo or wooden skewers are typically 8 inches long, but they might be too long for some air fryers. You can trim them with scissors if needed. For most air fryers, 6-inch or 8-inch skewers fit best. It's a good idea to measure your air fryer before purchasing skewers.

Skewer Thickness:

The thickness of the skewers is also important. Thinner skewers may burn more easily, especially if they are wooden. Thicker skewers provide more support for heavier ingredients. Choose skewers that are sturdy enough to hold your chosen ingredients without bending or breaking.

Number of Skewers:

Consider the number of skewers you will need. If you are feeding a large crowd, you might need to work in batches. Most air fryers can accommodate 4-5 skewers in a single layer. Plan accordingly, and perhaps invest in a larger air fryer if you frequently cook for a big group.

Skewer Spacing:

When placing the skewers in the air fryer, ensure they are spaced out evenly and don't touch each other too much. This promotes even browning and ensures that all sides of the kabobs cook properly.

By considering these factors—material, length, thickness, number, and spacing—you can choose the right skewers for making delicious and evenly cooked shish kabobs in your air fryer.

Marinating the meat

Choosing the Meat

The type of meat you choose for your shish kabobs is important. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are popular choices as they are lean and absorb the flavours of the marinade well. If you prefer red meat, sirloin steak is a good option as it is juicy and tender.

Preparing the Marinade

The key to delicious shish kabobs is in the marinade. You can get creative and experiment with different combinations of ingredients, but here are some common components:

• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended to prevent the meat from drying out and sticking to the air fryer.
• Acid: Lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or another type of vinegar adds a tangy flavour and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Spices and herbs: This is where you can get creative. Common options include garlic, cumin, chilli powder, oregano, basil, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add some heat with chilli flakes or spice mixes.
• Dairy: Plain yoghurt or milk can be added for creaminess and to help the marinade coat the meat.

Now it's time to combine the meat and the marinade. Here are the steps to follow:

• Cut the meat into bite-sized cubes. For chicken, this is usually about 1-inch cubes. For steak, slightly larger cubes are fine.
• Place the meat in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it.
• Toss the meat in the marinade until it is well coated. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure all the pieces are evenly covered.
• Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator.
• Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best results and more intense flavour, you can leave it for up to 24 hours.

Skewering the Meat

Once the meat has finished marinating, it's time to assemble the shish kabobs:

• If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning.
• Thread the meat onto the skewers. For chicken, use about 3-4 pieces per skewer. For steak, you can pack the meat a little tighter.
• Leave a little space between each piece of meat to allow for even cooking.
• You can add vegetables to the skewers as well, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Place the assembled skewers in the air fryer and cook according to your recipe instructions.

Remember, the key to successful shish kabobs is to allow enough time for the meat to marinate and absorb all the delicious flavours. So, plan ahead and your efforts will be rewarded!

Preparing the vegetables

First, select your vegetables of choice. Bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms are all popular options, but you can also use other veggies like squash, baby potatoes, cherry tomatoes, or even fruits like pineapple. Cut your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes or 2-inch pieces. Try to make them a similar size so they cook evenly. If you're using an onion, carefully separate the layers and cut each layer into pieces.

Next, prepare your marinade by combining ingredients like olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. You can also add other spices and seasonings like basil, oregano, thyme, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder to suit your taste preferences. Place the cut-up veggies into the bowl with the marinade and stir until everything is coated evenly. You can let the vegetables sit in the marinade for 30 minutes to 24 hours in the fridge if you want to enhance their flavour.

Finally, assemble your skewers. If you're using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 10 minutes to prevent them from burning. Thread the veggies onto the skewers, alternating between different types of vegetables. You can start and end with a bell pepper for a colourful touch. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers so that everything cooks thoroughly.

Assembling the kabobs

To assemble the kabobs, you will need to cut your chosen ingredients into similarly-sized pieces. For meat, cut into 1-inch cubes or chunks. For vegetables, cut into 1-inch pieces or 2-inch pieces. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces or square chunks.

If you are using wooden skewers, you should soak them in water for at least 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. You can also trim them with scissors if they are too long for your air fryer.

Thread the ingredients onto the skewers, alternating between meat and vegetables. Don't overfill the skewer, as the meat may not cook thoroughly. You can use around 3-8 pieces of meat per skewer. Start and end with a piece of bell pepper, or use your preferred ingredient.

Place the skewers in the air fryer basket or tray. If you are cooking chicken and steak together, cook them separately to avoid mixing raw meats.

Cooking the kabobs

Now that you have your ingredients and skewers ready, it's time to cook your kabobs! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, make sure your air fryer is ready to go. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 400°F.

Step 2: Assemble the Skewers

If you haven't already, it's time to assemble your skewers. Thread the ingredients onto the skewers, alternating between meat and vegetables. Don't overcrowd the skewers, as you want to ensure even cooking. If you're making multiple skewers, try to keep the ingredient placement consistent so that they cook evenly.

Step 3: Add the Skewers to the Air Fryer

Place the assembled skewers into the air fryer basket or tray. If using a basket-style air fryer, you may need to place them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the skewers in batches.

Step 4: Cook the Kabobs

Close the air fryer and let the kabobs cook for the recommended time. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat and vegetables you're using, but most recipes suggest cooking kabobs in the air fryer for around 12-15 minutes. Be sure to check your kabobs periodically to ensure they don't overcook.

Step 5: Turn the Skewers

For even cooking, it's important to turn the skewers halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that all sides of the kabobs get nicely charred and cooked through.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To ensure your kabobs are cooked through, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. For steak, the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F. For chicken, the internal temperature should be 165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once your kabobs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in juicier kabobs. Serve your kabobs with your favourite sides and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions