Juicy and Flavorful Air Fried Chicken Skewers

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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal, air fryer chicken kebabs are the perfect choice! These kebabs are not only easy to prepare but also cook to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in juicy chicken and tender-crisp vegetables. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, main course, or part of a barbecue spread, these kebabs will be a crowd-pleaser.

Why Make Chicken Kebabs in the Air Fryer?

Air fryers are fantastic for making kebabs because they cook food evenly and give it a slight char without requiring an outdoor grill. Plus, they’re much faster and easier to clean up. The high heat of the air fryer ensures the chicken stays moist while the veggies caramelize beautifully.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs

  • Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay juicier but breasts work well too).
  • Vegetables: Bell peppers, red onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms.
  • Marinade: A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. You can customize the spices to suit your taste.
  • Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Make the Marinade:
    In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and your choice of spices. Add the chicken and vegetables to the bowl, tossing to coat them evenly. Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
  3. Assemble the Kebabs:
    Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies for an appealing look.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  5. Cook the Kebabs:
    Place the kebabs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through for even cooking.
  6. Check for Doneness:
    Use a meat thermometer to ensure the

    Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs Recipe

    Ingredients:

    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
    • 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
    • 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
    • 1 red onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
    • 1 zucchini (cut into 1-inch pieces)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp garlic powder
    • 1 tsp onion powder
    • 1 tsp paprika
    • ½ tsp ground cumin
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes) or metal skewers

    Instructions:

    1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut the chicken and vegetables into 1-inch pieces. Make sure the pieces are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
    2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add the chicken pieces and toss them until fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
    3. Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the chicken and vegetables. Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers so the air can circulate evenly during cooking.
    4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
    5. Cook the Kebabs: Place the assembled skewers into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
    6. Serve: Remove the kebabs from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, rice, or a fresh salad.

    Tips & Tricks:

    • For Tender Chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
    • Even Cooking: Cut your chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
    • Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
    • Customizing the Veggies: Feel free to use other vegetables like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
    • Use a Meat Thermometer: To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

    Notes:

    • Storage: Leftover kebabs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness.
    • Alternative Proteins: You can replace the chicken with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
    • Air Fryer Variations: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the kebabs in batches. Don’t overcrowd the basket for the best results.

    FAQs:

    1. Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs ahead of time?
    Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the kebabs ahead of time. Simply cover them and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to cook, just preheat the air fryer and cook the kebabs as instructed.

    2. How do I prevent the kebabs from drying out?
    Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking. The olive oil and lemon juice help keep the chicken juicy. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken by checking its internal temperature.

    3. Can I use frozen chicken for kebabs?
    It’s best to use fresh chicken for kebabs, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw the chicken thoroughly before marinating and skewering it. Frozen chicken may take longer to cook, so be sure to check its temperature with a thermometer.

    4. How can I add more flavor to the kebabs?
    For extra flavor, you can add spices like cayenne pepper, curry powder, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also drizzle some yogurt-based sauce over the kebabs once they’re cooked.

    5. What should I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs?
    These kebabs pair well with a variety of sides like rice, couscous, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with a yogurt dip, tzatziki sauce, or a side of hummus.

    Nutrition (per serving):

    • Calories: 250 kcal
    • Protein: 30g
    • Fat: 12g
      • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Carbohydrates: 7g
      • Fiber: 2g
      • Sugars: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 75mg
    • Sodium: 500mg
    • Potassium: 700mg
    • Vitamin A: 15% of the Daily Value (DV)
    • Vitamin C: 90% of the DV
    • Calcium: 4% of the DV
    • Iron: 8% of the DV

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