This air fried chicken kebabs recipe is an absolute hit with both the kids and grown-ups alike. I always use chicken thighs for my kebabs instead of breasts because they offer a richer flavour. And they stay incredibly moist throughout the cooking process. Chicken thighs are perfect for kebabs, as they are naturally juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is full of flavour. Plus, they hold up well on the skewer and cook beautifully in the air fryer. Which makes them ideal for a quick and easy meal.
This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare and cooks in no time. Making it a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The air fryer makes the whole process even more efficient. Creating perfectly cooked chicken with a slightly crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy. It’s one of those dishes you can whip up without much effort but still deliver an incredibly satisfying result. Whether you’re preparing these kebabs for a family dinner, a casual lunch, or a party snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The versatility of these air fried chicken kebabs is one of the things I love most about them. They’re ideal for outdoor BBQs, indoor dinners, or even as a fun addition to a party spread. The combination of tender, flavourful chicken thighs with sweet red onions, juicy baby plum tomatoes, and crisp baby corn adds an irresistible balance of flavours and textures. The slight sweetness of the vegetables perfectly complements the savoury chicken. Making each skewer a delightful experience. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, these kebabs will surely be the star of the meal.
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Kebabs
Chicken thighs
1 red onion, peeled and sliced
Baby plum tomatoes
Baby corn on the cob
Dipping sauce to serve (garlic mayo, sweet chili, or yogurt sauce work best)
Method
To begin, I took my chicken thighs and cut them into small, bite-sized chunks. Perfect for threading onto skewers and ensuring they cook evenly in the air-fryer. Chicken thighs are ideal for this type of dish because they stay wonderfully tender and juicy throughout the cooking process. Unlike some other cuts that can easily dry out. Once the chicken was prepped, I started assembling the skewers. Alternating the meat with slices of red onion and sweet baby plum tomatoes. This not only adds vibrant colour to the skewers but also gives each bite a delicious mix of textures and flavours. The onion becomes lightly charred and smoky, and the tomatoes burst with juiciness after roasting.
I had some leftover baby corn in the fridge, so I decided to skewer those too. It’s a great way to use up extra veg, and baby corn roasts beautifully in the air fryer, adding a slightly crunchy, sweet element to the meal.
After a quick preheat to 180°C, I arranged the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one so the hot air could circulate and cook them evenly. I cooked them for 10 minutes, flipped them over, and continued cooking for another 10 minutes until the chicken was golden brown and cooked through – always check there’s no pink in the middle and that the juices run clear.
I added the baby corn skewers to the air-fryer for the final 5 minutes of cooking so they could crisp up without getting too soft.
To serve, I plated up with a side of dipping sauce – garlic mayo, sweet chili, or even a minty yogurt dip all pair wonderfully. These easy air fryer kebabs are full of flavour and make for a fun, healthy meal.
Tips for Air Fryer Kebabs
1. Use thigh meat for juiciness
Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier than breast meat during cooking, especially in the air fryer’s high heat. But if you do use chicken breast, don’t overcook it. Make sure you keep an eye on the timing.
2. Cut pieces evenly
Chop your chicken into equal-sized chunks (around 2.5 to 3 cm) so that they cook at the same rate. Uneven pieces could leave some bits dry and others underdone.
3. Marinate for maximum flavour
Give your chicken at least 30 minutes in a marinade of yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices (like paprika, cumin, or turmeric). This not only adds flavour but helps tenderise the meat.
4. Soak wooden skewers
So if you are using wooden skewers, it is best to soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning in the air fryer.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Place skewers in a single layer with a little space between each one. This ensures hot air circulates properly, giving you those crisp, charred edges.
6. Cook at 190°C (375°F)
Air fry at 190°C for around 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check doneness with a thermometer. The chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) internally.
7. Add veggies
For a colourful twist, alternate chicken with chunks of red onion, peppers, or courgette on the skewers.
8. Serve with extras
Pair your kebabs with flatbreads, dips like tzatziki or hummus, or a crisp salad for a complete, fuss-free meal.
Easy, quick, and packed with flavour – these air fryer chicken kebabs are a brilliant go-to for busy weeknights or weekend feasts!
Similar recipes
If you love these easy air fryer chicken kebabs, you may also like my simple air fryer stuffed chicken breast or the tasty air fryer croquettes recipe.
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