Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs (Chicken Skewers)
Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs (or chicken kabobs – call them what you like!) are juicy, full of flavor, and cook up in just 10 minutes. Skewered with colorful veggies, they’re the kind of quick weeknight dinner or easy lunch you’ll absolutely love.
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
I’m keeping the Air Fryer chicken series going with another flavorful dish that works as a quick weeknight dinner, an easy lunch, or even an after-school snack for the kids. My boys will eat just about anything on skewers, so this one’s always a win.
Like my other air fryer recipes Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken and Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma, this recipe leans into my love of South Asian and Middle Eastern flavors. It uses plenty of spices, but the heat is mild and easy to adjust to your taste.
The chicken is marinated in a lemony yogurt mix, which is one of my favorite tricks for juicy, tender kebabs. Yogurt tenderizes the meat while the spices infuse it with flavor. Cooking them in the air fryer gives the edges a light char.
I usually marinate for 30 minutes to an hour – no need for overnight. While the chicken rests, soak your bamboo skewers so they don’t burn in the air fryer.
Ingredients and Notes
*Scroll down for the recipe card with a full ingredient list and measurements.
- Chicken breasts – You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Yogurt – Tenderizes the chicken and keeps it moist.
- Lemon juice + zest – I like to use both. Zest adds a lot of flavor without the extra liquid – perfect since this marinade is quick.
- Spices and seasonings – A mix of paprika, cumin powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper or Kashmiri chili powder, black pepper and salt
- Vegetables – Red, yellow or green bell peppers(choose your pick!), red onion, you can also add zucchini but I’d personally skip it.
How to Make Chicken Kebabs In the Air Fryer
*Scroll down for the printable recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Prep – Cut the chicken breast into 1 ½-inch cubes. Cut peppers and onion roughly the same size.
- Make the marinade -In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, zest, spices, oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and mix well. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Soak the skewers – If you’re using bmboo skewers, soak them in water filled container for about 30 mins.
- Assemble – Thread chicken, peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating for color and even cooking.
- Air fry – Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 1–2 minutes to get the other side charred.
Flavor Variations
The recipe below in the recipe card is my go-to, but you can easily switch things up with these fun flavors:
- Asian-style – Skip the cumin and Kashmiri chili powder, and add soy sauce, fresh ginger, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Spicy – Add extra cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade.
- Mediterranean – Swap in oregano or Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and more garlic.
- Indian-inspired – Try garam masala and turmeric in place of paprika.
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Serving Suggestions
- With sauces & bread: Pair with garlic sauce, tzatziki, or hummus and warm pita.
- Over rice: With a fresh side salad for balance.
- As part of a platter: Add dips, roasted veggies, and pickles for a mezze-style spread.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs(Chicken Skewers)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
- ¼ cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice and zest of a ½ a lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper cut into cubes
- 1 green or yellow bell pepper cut into cubes
- 1 red onion cut into cubes
- Bamboo skewers soaked in water 30 mins or steel skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Kashmiri chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and mix well. Marinate for 30 minutes or upto an hour.
- Prep bell peppers and onion by cutting them into 1 ½-inch cubes.
- If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 mins so they don't burn.
- Thread chicken, peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating. Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes. Optional: flip and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove and serve hot.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Add 1 to 2 minutes to cook time.
- No skewers? Cook chicken and veggies directly in the air fryer basket.
- Make ahead: Marinate chicken up to a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
Save This Recipe!
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