When preparing chicken skewers in the air fryer, I usually set the temperature to 400°F (about 200°C) and cook them for 10 minutes on one side. Then, I turn the skewers over and cook for another 6-8 minutes until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 74°C). This ensures juicy and well-cooked skewers that retain all their nutritional value.
How Long to Cook Chicken Skewers in Air Fryer?
| Type of Chicken Skewers | Temperature | Cooking Time | Tips |
| Chicken breast skewers | 375°F (190°C) | 12–15 minutes | Flip at the 6–7-minute mark for even cooking. |
| Chicken thigh skewers (boneless) | 375°F (190°C) | 14–18 minutes | Flip at the halfway point for even browning. |
| Chicken and vegetable skewers | 375°F (190°C) | 14–16 minutes | Cut vegetables and chicken into similar sizes for even cooking. Flip at the 7–8-minute mark. |
| Frozen chicken skewers | 400°F (200°C) | 16–20 minutes | Cook straight from frozen and flip at the 8-10-minute mark. |
Marinating chicken before cooking enhances taste and tenderness.
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What are chicken skewers?
Air fryer chicken skewers (or kebabs) are a classic summer dinner or snack that can be prepared quickly and easily. Chicken fillets are cut into even pieces, seasoned or marinated, and threaded onto wooden or metal skewers. The chicken skewers are then grilled or, as in this recipe, cooked in an air fryer. I often thread other skewers with vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini to cook alongside the chicken for a complete meal. Lemon slices also make a great addition to your vegetable skewers – you can squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked chicken and veggies.
Tips for the best air fryer chicken skewers:
- Turn the chicken skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides. If your air fryer has a rotating basket, use it for even cooking.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a tender result. Cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15-20 minutes, or better yet, a few hours to infuse it with flavor.
- If your skewers are burning, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes to the recommended temperature for your recipe. Preheating ensures immediate cooking and helps cook evenly.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers evenly, leaving a bit of space between each piece to ensure proper air circulation.
- Lightly brush or spray the chicken skewers with oil to promote browning and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can hinder air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
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Recommended Sides
The following sides pair well with these air fryer chicken skewers:
- Slow cooker wild rice pilaf
- Corn salad with avocado, tomatoes, and lime
- Roasted green beans with shallots
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon and garlic
- Greek potato salad
- Greek salad
- Wedge salad
- Slow cooker jasmine rice (with butter)
- Classic potato salad
- Roasted sweet potatoes
Smoking Trick
If you love the smoky flavor of barbecue but don’t have a grill or the weather is bad, this trick will change the game for you! All you need is a piece of charcoal and some oil. Add a piece of charcoal to an open flame and let it turn completely white on one side, which takes a few minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side.
Once the charcoal is white, transfer it to a small foil bowl. Add it to the air fryer after the skewers are already cooked – at this point, the air fryer should be turned off. Drizzle a bit of oil on the charcoal, and it will start to smoke. Close the air fryer and let the skewers absorb this flavor. Leave it closed for about ten minutes. And that’s it! This trick works well for almost any dish. You can even smoke rice or chicken in a pot or pan using the same technique.
What skewers to use in the air fryer
- You can use wooden or metal skewers in the air fryer. I prefer bamboo wooden skewers for easier cleanup.
- Using wooden skewers also allows for easy trimming to the desired size to fit your air fryer.
- If using metal skewers, make sure to use tongs or kitchen gloves when removing them from the air fryer, as they will become very hot.
Tip: To avoid darkening wooden skewers, you can soak them in water for 15-20 minutes before use.
