Air fryer chicken kabobs are about to change your dinner game forever! As someone who's experimented with countless recipes in the kitchen, I can confidently say this one is a standout.
Why? Because it combines the best of juicy, flavorful chicken with the speed and efficiency of an air fryer. No more waiting around for the grill or settling for soggy oven-baked alternatives.
These chicken kabobs are tender, intertwined with vibrant vegetables, and dripping with flavor.
Trust me, one bite and you'll wonder why you didn’t try this method sooner. Ready to up your kabob game?
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 5 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon red onion
- 1 tablespoon red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon yellow bell pepper
- 2 oz zucchini
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Marinating container
- Air fryer kabob skewer set (or wooden skewers)
- Serving dish
Instructions
Cut the bell peppers and onion into small pieces, about an inch and a half wide. Slice the zucchini into rounds about a fifth of an inch thick. Similarly, dice the chicken breasts into small cubes.
In a bowl or marinating container, mix all the spices, soy sauce, and a bit of vegetable oil.
Add the diced chicken to the marinade. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated with the marinade. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 40 minutes. If you wish to marinate for longer, refrigerate the chicken.
After 40 minutes, preheat your air fryer—mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL—to 350°F (175°C).
Slide the marinated chicken and veggies onto skewers, switching between chicken and vegetables. Metal skewers are my go-to, but if you're using wooden ones, make sure to soak them in water for about half an hour before putting everything together.
Arrange the kabob skewers in the air fryer basket. If you have smaller pieces, they'll need about 10 minutes to cook. When using wooden skewers, lay the kabobs directly on the basket's bottom.
Remember to flip them once after 5 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary based on the meat's size. Ensure the chicken breast hits an internal temperature of 150°F (66°C). Be careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken. If you're unsure, pull out a piece, cut it, and check for a light gray color inside.
When the kabobs are ready, typically around 10 minutes, remove them from the air fryer basket. You may add some lettuce leaves and your favorite sauce to the kabobs.
Serve while hot and enjoy your meal!
Tips for Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature
- Size matters: The smaller the chicken and vegetable pieces, the quicker they'll cook. If your chunks are larger than recommended, you might need to adjust your cooking time upwards.
- Crowding the basket: Be cautious about overfilling the air fryer basket. Too many kabobs can cause uneven cooking. If they’re snug, consider cooking in batches.
- Different air fryers, different rules: Although I use the Instant Vortex Plus XL, different air fryer models can have slightly different cooking times and temperatures. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Serving Recommendations
- Fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, can elevate the visual appeal and add a fresh bite.
- Kabobs pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces, from tangy tzatziki to spicy chili sauce.
- Serve these kabobs on a bed of fluffy rice or couscous to make it a complete meal.
- A cool cucumber or tomato salad or even a tangy coleslaw can be a refreshing counterpoint to the savory kabobs.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Substitute chicken with beef cubes if you’re in the mood for a heartier protein.
- Swap out chicken for firm tofu or paneer for a meatless treat.
- Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences. Add some crushed red pepper or hot sauce for heat or a hint of brown sugar or honey for sweetness.
- Don’t feel limited by the veggies mentioned. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks can be delicious additions.
Leftover Storage
Let the kabobs cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container and store in the fridge. They should maintain their taste for up to 2 days
You can also freeze the cooked kabobs for up to a month. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator and then pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warmed.
Pro Tips for Success
- The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavors will penetrate. Overnight is ideal if you plan ahead.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, always remember to soak them. This will prevent them from burning or catching fire in the air fryer.
- When dicing your chicken and veggies, aim for consistent sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer can be a lifesaver to make sure your chicken is cooked just right. No one likes dry chicken!
Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs FAQs
Absolutely! Air fryers provide an efficient and even cooking method for kabobs, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Yes, you can use wooden skewers in an air fryer. However, it's essential to soak them in water for about half an hour before cooking to prevent them from burning or catching fire.
Bamboo skewers are safe for use in an air fryer. Just like wooden skewers, it's recommended to soak bamboo skewers in water before using them to avoid any potential burning.
Certainly! Frozen chicken kabobs can be cooked in the air fryer, but you might need to adjust the cooking time. It's always best to monitor them closely and ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
​​You've just unlocked the magic of making delectable air fryer chicken kabobs, and I promise, dinner will never be the same again! Air fryers are revolutionizing our kitchens, and this recipe is just the tip of the iceberg.
For more mouth-watering air fryer recipes, be sure to scour our blog. And if you've given this recipe a spin, we'd love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let the community in on your culinary adventure!
Happy air frying!
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Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Marinating container
- Air fryer kabob skewer set (or wooden skewers)
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 5 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon red onion
- 1 tablespoon red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon yellow bell pepper
- 1 oz zucchini
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cut the bell peppers and onion into small pieces, about an inch and a half wide. Slice the zucchini into rounds about a fifth of an inch thick. Similarly, dice the chicken breasts into small cubes.
- In a bowl or marinating container, mix all the spices, soy sauce, and a bit of vegetable oil.
- Add the diced chicken to the marinade. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated with the marinade. Let it marinate at room temperature for about 40 minutes. If you wish to marinate for longer, refrigerate the chicken.
- After 40 minutes, preheat your air fryer—mine’s the Instant Vortex Plus XL—to 350°F (175°C).
- Slide the marinated chicken and veggies onto skewers, switching between chicken and vegetables. Metal skewers are my go-to, but if you're using wooden ones, make sure to soak them in water for about half an hour before putting everything together.
- Arrange the kabob skewers in the air fryer basket. If you have smaller pieces, they'll need about 10 minutes to cook. When using wooden skewers, lay the kabobs directly on the basket's bottom.
- Remember to flip them once after 5 minutes. The exact cooking time can vary based on the meat's size. Ensure the chicken breast hits an internal temperature of 150°F (66°C). Be careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken. If you're unsure, pull out a piece, cut it, and check for a light gray color inside.
- When the kabobs are ready, typically around 10 minutes, remove them from the air fryer basket. You may add some lettuce leaves and your favorite sauce to the kabobs.
- Serve while hot and enjoy your meal!
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