If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to prepare kabobs, the air fryer is your best friend. Air fryer kabobs offer a crispy, smoky exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Plus, this method cuts down on cooking time without compromising taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a weekend BBQ, these kabobs will be a hit.
I love making kabobs in my air fryer because it’s so simple and easy to clean up afterward. With a variety of marinades and different types of protein and veggies to choose from, you can customize them to suit your tastes. It’s the perfect way to create a satisfying meal in no time.
What You Need To Make Air Fryer Kabobs
Chicken Breast or Thighs: The base of your kabobs, chicken is tender and juicy when cooked in the air fryer. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for the best results.
Bell Peppers: Colorful and crunchy, bell peppers add a burst of freshness and a touch of sweetness to the kabobs. They also pair wonderfully with the savory chicken.
Red Onion: The red onion’s mild flavor gives a great contrast to the sweetness of the bell peppers and enhances the overall flavor profile of the kabobs.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a tender texture and subtle flavor, making it a perfect complement to the other vegetables on the kabobs.
Olive Oil: Used to coat the chicken and vegetables, olive oil helps everything cook evenly and gives the kabobs a delicious, golden-brown finish.
Garlic Powder: For a savory punch of flavor, garlic powder is essential. It adds a great depth of flavor to the marinade and the kabobs.
Paprika: Paprika not only adds a hint of smoky flavor but also enhances the color of the kabobs, giving them a more appealing look when cooked.
Soy Sauce: This savory sauce brings all the ingredients together, infusing them with umami and making the kabobs extra flavorful.
Lemon Juice: A bit of fresh lemon juice helps balance the savory flavors and adds a fresh, zesty taste to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance all the ingredients and bring the dish to life. You’ll want to taste and adjust these to your liking.
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Kabobs
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes. Chop the vegetables into large chunks, making sure they’re about the same size to ensure even cooking. This will allow the kabobs to cook uniformly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Vegetables
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken cubes and veggies in the marinade, making sure everything is coated well. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs
Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between chicken and veggies. Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers, leaving some space between each piece so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Kabobs
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the kabobs are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, a salad, or a dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Give the ingredients space on the skewers for even cooking. If you overload the skewers, they might not cook properly.
- Use Metal Skewers for Even Cooking: If you have metal skewers, they’re great for cooking since they don’t burn like wooden skewers and they help the food cook evenly.
- Customize the Marinade: You can swap the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce or add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating ensures the kabobs cook evenly and get that nice crispiness on the outside.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even pineapple chunks are great additions to kabobs.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for air fryer kabobs?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for kabobs to ensure they cook properly and remain juicy. However, if you only have frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it completely before marinating and assembling the kabobs.
Can I make air fryer kabobs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the kabobs and marinate them a few hours before cooking. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.
Can I use other proteins for kabobs?
Definitely! You can substitute chicken with beef, lamb, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the protein you use.
What can I serve with air fryer kabobs?
You can pair your kabobs with a side of rice, a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or even pita bread for a complete meal.
Can I use wooden skewers in the air fryer?
Yes, but be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using them in the air fryer to prevent them from burning.