This air fryer chicken kebabs recipe is a versatile and easy dish that the family will love. I adore this recipe because you can use any vegetables you have. I tend to use whatever is left in the fridge, making it a great way to reduce food waste. The versatility of this dish ensures that it can be tailored to suit everyone’s tastes. Whether it’s bell peppers, courgettes, onions, or even mushrooms, the choice of vegetables is yours! Using the air fryer to cook the kebabs is not only quicker but also a healthier option compared to traditional grilling or frying.
The result is perfectly cooked chicken, juicy and tender, paired with vibrant vegetables that are lightly charred, adding a lovely smoky flavour. The pesto coating elevates the flavour, infusing every bite with aromatic herbs and tangy goodness. This makes the kebabs a delightful combination that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
These air-fryer chicken kebabs are a great addition to any BBQ, buffet, or picnic. They cook quickly and evenly, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender. Cooking them in the air fryer gives you confidence that your meal will turn out perfectly every time.
Although chicken thighs might not be your first choice for kebabs, they are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. They are also packed with B vitamins, including B6 and B12, which are important for energy production and brain health. In addition, chicken thighs are rich in iron, supporting red blood cell formation and oxygen transport in the body. And they contain zinc, which boosts immune function and aids in wound healing.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 25 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and wooden skewers
Ingredients for air fryer chicken kebabs
2 chicken thighs, sliced
1 yellow pepper, de-seeded and sliced
4 baby tomatoes
To serve:
Salad leaves
Green pesto
Method
I started by slicing my chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, making sure they were small enough to cook evenly but still chunky enough to stay juicy. Then, I sliced my yellow pepper into similar-sized pieces to pair nicely with the chicken.
So next, I threaded the chicken pieces, yellow pepper slices, and a few baby tomatoes onto wooden skewers. Be careful during this step – the skewers can be quite sharp at the ends! But before assembling the kebabs, I had soaked the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer.
Once assembled, I placed the skewers into the air fryer basket, setting the temperature to 180°C. I cooked the kebabs for around 25 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any one side from burning. It’s important to keep a close eye on them. As cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken pieces.
So when they were done, I carefully removed the skewers from the air fryer basket. Remember, both the basket and skewers will be very hot! I served my air-fried chicken kebabs with a dollop of homemade pesto and a fresh side salad, which made for a light but satisfying meal.
Although chicken thighs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts, the fat is mostly unsaturated, which is beneficial for heart health. Plus, cooking the thighs in the air fryer allows excess fat to drain away, making them a healthier option compared to traditional frying.
This dish is also super versatile. You can customise it with your favourite vegetables or seasonings. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or serving a crowd, these kebabs are a delicious and easy option to enjoy!
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs
1. Choose the right chicken cuts
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into uniform bite-sized pieces. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, while breasts cook leaner but can dry out if overcooked.
2. Marinate well for flavour and tenderness
Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally a few hours, with your favourite spices, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. This not only infuses flavour but helps keep the chicken tender during cooking.
3. Soak wooden skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for around 20 to 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents burning or charring inside the air fryer.
4. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Place kebabs in a single layer with space between them to allow hot air to circulate. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crisping.
5. Preheat your air fryer
If you have time then set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and preheat for at least a couple of minutes before cooking. This will ensure an even heat and quicker cooking.
6. Cook time and flipping
Cook the chicken kebabs for about 10 to 12 minutes. remember to flip them over halfway through for even browning and juicy results.
7. Check for doneness
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 75°C (165°F). So always use a meat thermometer for the best results.
8. Add veggies for variety
Thread peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms between chicken pieces for extra flavour and colour.
9. Serve with sauces and sides
Pair kebabs with tzatziki, garlic sauce, or your favourite chutney, along with a fresh salad, rice, or flatbreads for a complete meal.
Air fryer chicken kebabs are a simple, healthy, and tasty option that’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Similar recipes
So if you love these easy air fryer chicken kebabs, then you might like my air fryer chicken skewers or the air fryer chicken gyros recipe.
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