Air Fryer Chicken Skewers (Kebabs/Kebobs)

Busy and always on the go but don’t want to compromise the taste of your meals. Then this chicken skewers recipe is for you.

This recipe for chicken skewers in an air fryer is perfect if you want a delicious and healthy meal without the hassle. With just a few simple steps, you can have flavorful and juicy chicken skewers in less than 30 minutes.

The air fryer ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection and the skewers add a fun and tasty twist. Check out this recipe and enjoy a mouth-watering meal in no time!

Why cook chicken skewers in an air fryer?

Quick & easy –Making chicken skewers is easy. Cooking them in the air fryer allows you to serve them in less than 20 minutes. No waiting for a BBQ or grill to heat up. You can also make the kebabs in advance. Making this recipe perfect for busy households or when entertaining.

Tender and juicy – Air-fried chicken skewers will be tender and juicy. If you follow the timings in this recipe and allow the kebabs to rest for a few minutes after being cooked.

Easy clean-up – With air frying the air fryer basket simply needs to be washed in soapy warm water. If you use a liner or some oil, there will not be any baked-on food, unlike if you BBQ’d or grilled them. Smoke won’t be an issue either.

Great for kids –Making any type of kebab is great fun with kids as they can make their kebabs. In my experience, the whole family will love making their own combinations of vegetables and meat. You might need to help them push the food onto the skewer. Using an air fryer means the fun can happen all year round.

How long does it take to cook chicken skewers in an air fryer?

It will take 12 to 15 minutes at 400 F (200 c) for the chicken skewers to cook in the air fryer.

Use a digital meat thermometer to check the chicken is cooked through.

What equipment do you need to make chicken skewers?

To make chicken skewers you need very little equipment. Unsurprisingly the main item will be some skewers.

• Wooden skewers – these can be wooden, bamboo, or metal. All can be used in an air fryer. If using wooden or bamboo soak them for up to 30 minutes before cooking. This will stop them from burning in the air fryer.
• Digital meat thermometer – check the chicken is 165 F (74 c) before serving.
• Kitchen tongs – to turn and serve the kebabs.
• A large bowl – to make a marinade and then cover the chicken and vegetables in it.
• Knife and chopping board – to cut the chicken and vegetables.
• Air fryer liner (optional) – parchment paper, silicone, or aluminum foil

What ingredients do you need to make chicken skewers?

At its simplest, you can make chicken skewers with three ingredients (chicken, onion, and zucchini or bell pepper). These unmarinated kebabs would still be tasty. But might leave you wanting some extra flavors.  A simple marinade will give you those extra flavors.

For the chicken skewers, I use…

• Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into bitesize pieces
• Red onions
• Bell peppers – any color
• Zucchini (courgette)

You can of course substitute or add to the above list. For example, this recipe works with other raw meats, not just chicken. Sirloin steak is a tasty option. You can also add your favorite vegetables, swapping them in or out depending on what you have available.

A simple marinade can be made with some everyday store cupboard seasoning…

• Paprika (smoked paprika is great as well)
• Oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

As with the kebabs add and substitute herbs and spices based on what you have available, and what you like. Lemon juice and onion powder are popular additions.

How to cook chicken skewers in an air fryer

To serve up delicious and juicy chicken skewers follow these simple steps. Within 20 minutes (longer if the kids are building their own) you will be serving up chicken kebabs that look and taste amazing.

Step 1 – Make the marinade (optional)

Add the paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil into a large mixing bowl. Mix.

Leave to one side, while you prepare the vegetables and chicken.

Step 2 – Prepare the vegetables and chicken

Using the chopping board and knife chop the vegetables. Cut the onions and bell pepper into bitesize cubes. The zucchini (courgette) into ¼ inch (1 cm) slices.

Add the chopped vegetables into the mixing bowl with the marinade.

Now cut the chicken breast or thighs into 1 inch (2.5 cm) bitesize cubes/pieces. Add them to the mixing bowl with the marinade and vegetables.

Step 3 – Cover the vegetables and chicken in the marinade

Mix the marinade, vegetables, and chicken together.

Cover the bowl with cling film (plastic wrap) and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 3 hours. If in a rush or cooking with kids don’t worry about this step.

Step 4 – Make the kebabs

Take a chicken skewer and thread the chicken and vegetables on. Ideally alternating between a piece of chicken and a vegetable. But do it in any combination you like, each one could be different.

Step 5 – Pre-heat your air fryer

Set a temperature of 400 F (200 c) and pre-heat the air fryer

Step 6 – Add the chicken skewers

To stop the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket. Either apply a little bit of oil to the basket (I used avocado oil) or use an air fryer liner (parchment paper or silicone).

Add the chicken skewers to the air fryer basket, once you have applied some oil or put the liner in. Organize them in a single layer with space between them.

Step 7 – Cook

Cook the chicken skewers for 12 minutes.

Step 8 – Turn

After 8 minutes use tongs to turn the kebabs.

Step 9 – Check

After 12 minutes your kebabs could be ready to eat. Depends on the size of your chicken chunks and how crispy you want the kebabs.

Use a digital meat thermometer, if the chicken has an internal temperature of over 165 F (74 c) they are safe to eat.

If the chicken is not fully cooked or you want them a bit more charred, cook for 2 to 3 more minutes and check again.

Step 10 – Serve

Once the chicken skewers are safe to eat and you are happy with how they look. Use tongs to take each kebab out and serve.    

Serving suggestions

Chicken skewers are a great easy meal as either the main course or a side. They provide the basis for a satisfying low carb weeknight dinner.

I serve mine with a simple salad, some cauliflower rice, or sweet potato wedges. Cous cous is also a great option.

Top tips

Single layer – For best results organize the kebabs in a single layer. Don’t be tempted to overcrowd the basket.

Turn – After 8 minutes turn each kebab, this will ensure an even crisp.

Different times – If your chicken pieces are on the large side, you may need to air fry the kebabs for longer. Air fryers also produce different results. Best to check the chicken with a digital meat thermometer before serving.

Check – If cooking this recipe for the first time check the kebabs towards the end of the cooking time. This will stop the chicken from being overcooked and drying out.

Skewers – Keep it simple when it comes to selecting your wooden skewers. Use either metal, wooden, or classic bamboo skewers. Ones with fancy handles will reduce the number of skewers you can fit in your air fryer.

Common questions

How do you store chicken skewers?

If you have cooked too many kebabs or you are making them in advance. You can store them in an airtight container or a freezer bag either in the fridge or freezer.

Store the kebabs in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for 3 months.

If cooking later the same day I put the kebabs in the bowl I made the marinade in. Cover the bowl with the kebabs with cling film and put the bowl in the fridge until needed.

How do I reheat leftover chicken skewers?

To reheat your leftover chicken skewers, take them from the fridge and add them to your air fryer basket.

Reheat in a preheated air fryer for 5 minutes at 360 F (180 c).

Can I pre-prepare chicken skewers?

Yes, you can pre-prepare chicken skewers. I tend to make the kebabs and leave them in the fridge to marinate before air frying later. This helps me at mealtime and means the kebabs are full of flavor.

You can also freeze your pre-prepared chicken skewers. You can air fry the kebabs when you need them frozen. Follow the same steps as you would for unfrozen kebabs, just add an extra 5 mins. Always check they are cooked with a digital meat thermometer before serving.

Can I use wooden toothpicks as skewers?

Yes, you can use wooden toothpicks (cocktail sticks) as little skewers. If wanting to make small kebabs. You might do this if wanting to make kebabs as an appetizer or party food.

As with all wooden kebab skewers soak them for at least 30 minutes before use. Do not use plastic toothpicks, these will melt or worse in the air fryer.

Related articles

Can You Put Wooden Skewers In An Air Fryer? – Detailed guide on how to use skewers in an air fryer safely.

Best Oil To Use In An Air Fryer – My views on the best oil to use in an air fryer. I used avocado oil and olive oil in this recipe.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes – A collection of easy chicken air fryer recipes to provide you with inspiration and help you make the most of your air fryer.

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