Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs

Skip the grill and make these tender, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs in no time! Marinated for maximum flavor and air-fried to perfection, these skewers are packed with smoky, savory goodness—without the hassle of an outdoor grill. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the chicken a beautifully charred edge, making this an easy, foolproof way to enjoy kebabs any night of the week.

This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.

Key Ingredients

• Skinless Chicken Breasts – A lean yet juicy protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors of the marinade and seasonings. Cutting the chicken into even pieces ensures tender, evenly cooked kebabs.
• Soy Sauce or Liquid Aminos – Adds a deep flavor while also acting as a natural tenderizer. The saltiness helps enhance the overall seasoning of the chicken. Liquid aminos offer a similar taste with a slightly milder profile.
• Chicken Rub Seasoning – A blend of spices that enhances the flavor of the chicken, adding a balanced mix of savory, smoky, and slightly spicy notes. It helps create a flavorful crust on the chicken as it air-fries.
• BBQ Rub/Seasoning – Brings in a sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor that complements the chicken and veggies. This seasoning helps create that “grilled” BBQ taste even without a grill.
• Bell Peppers – These add a pop of color, crunch, and natural sweetness to the kebabs. They hold up well in the air fryer, developing a slight char while staying juicy.
• Zucchini – A great veggie choice for kebabs, as it absorbs seasoning well and softens slightly while still maintaining a bit of bite. Cutting it into thick rounds prevents it from overcooking.
• Onions – Provide a slight sweetness when caramelized, adding depth of flavor to the kebabs. Red onions offer a mild, slightly tangy taste, while white or yellow onions add a bit more sweetness.
• Grape Tomatoes – These little bursts of flavor add a juicy, slightly tangy contrast to the other ingredients. They soften and blister beautifully in the air fryer, adding a fresh, vibrant element to the kebabs.

What Size Skewers Fit in the Air Fryer

The best skewer size for an air fryer depends on your specific model, but here are some general guidelines:

1. Length:

• 6-inch to 8-inch skewers fit most standard basket-style air fryers.
• 10-inch skewers may fit in larger air fryers or oven-style air fryers.
• If using longer skewers, you can cut them down or arrange them diagonally for a better fit.

2. Material:

• Wooden (Bamboo) Skewers – Soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before air frying to prevent burning.
• Metal Skewers – Great for reuse and don’t need soaking, but ensure they’re short enough to fit inside your air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
2. Season and marinate the chicken.
3. Thread the chicken onto the skewers with veggies.
4. Air Fry.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

I cook for 18-22 minutes until the temperature reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Air Fryer Temperature

I cook the grilled chicken at 350 degrees. When I fry chicken in my air fryer, I usually use 400 degrees. For this recipe that will result in the veggies becoming overcooked.

Can You Stack the Kebabs?

I don’t recommend stacking the chicken. I had one kebab that was slightly stacked, but I don’t recommend anything beyond that. It will take the chicken longer to cook if stacked. If needed, cook in batches.

How to Use Frozen Chicken

Yes, you can make kebabs in advance and freeze them. If cooking from frozen add an additional 8-10 minutes of cook time.

Recipe Tips

• Use Evenly Sized Pieces – Cut the chicken into uniform chunks (about 1 to 1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor – Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) for juicy, flavorful kebabs. A marinade with oil, acid (like lemon juice), and spices works best.
• Soak Wooden Skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before air frying to prevent burning.
• Don’t Overcrowd – Arrange the skewers in a single layer with space between them for even air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Rotate Halfway Through – Flip or rotate the skewers halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.
• Check Internal Temperature – Cook the chicken to an internal temp of165 degrees to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
• Olive Oil – I like to spray olive oil onto the chicken before cooking. These helps the chicken stay juicy.
• Let Them Rest Before Serving – Resting for 2-3 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Pair these chicken skewers with Air Fryer Roasted Garlic, Air Fryer Asparagus, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Air Fryer Homemade French Fries or Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes.