How Long to Cook Chicken Kabobs in Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re craving juicy flavorful chicken kabobs but don’t want to fire up the grill, your air fryer is about to become your new best friend. Air fryer chicken kabobs (also called skewers) deliver that perfect char and tenderness without the hassle of outdoor grilling. But the big question is – how long should you cook them for optimal results?

I’ve tested multiple recipes and timing methods to bring you this comprehensive guide on air fryer chicken kabob cooking times. Let’s dive in!

Perfect Timing for Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

The general consensus across recipes is that chicken kabobs need approximately 10-15 minutes in the air fryer at 380-400°F to cook perfectly However, several factors affect the exact timing

Chicken Size Matters

The size of your chicken pieces significantly impacts cooking time:

• 1-inch cubes: 10-12 minutes
• 1.5-inch cubes: 12-15 minutes
• Frozen kabobs: 15-18 minutes

The Flip Factor

For even cooking, you’ll want to flip your kabobs halfway through cooking. A typical timing breakdown looks like:

• First side: 6-8 minutes
• Flip
• Second side: 6-8 minutes

The recipe from Moribyan suggests cooking at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes on one side, then flipping and cooking for another 6-8 minutes until golden and charred.

How to Know When Your Chicken Kabobs Are Done

The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to check the internal temperature. According to food safety guidelines, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check, especially if you’re new to air frying chicken. This takes the guesswork out completely and ensures food safety.

Preparing Chicken Kabobs for Air Frying

Before we talk more about timing, let’s make sure you’re setting yourself up for success with proper preparation:

Choose the Right Chicken Cut

You have options:

• Chicken breast: Leaner, cooks quickly, can dry out if overcooked
• Chicken thighs: More flavor and moisture, more forgiving cooking time

Moribyan’s recipe uses boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into cubes, while Simply Air Fryer recommends chicken breast cut into 1-inch cubes.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Marinating your chicken is a game-changer for flavor. Most recipes recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes, but overnight in the refrigerator is ideal for maximum flavor infusion.

Simple Chicken Kabob Marinade

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or powder)
• Spices (like paprika, salt, pepper, 7 spice, coriander)
• Optional: ¼ cup plain yogurt for tenderness

The Moribyan recipe includes a flavorful marinade with yogurt, tomato paste, olive oil, and a variety of spices that really enhances the chicken’s flavor.

Veggie Selection

Adding vegetables creates a complete meal on a stick! Popular veggie choices include:

• Bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Red onions or shallots
• Cherry tomatoes
• Mushrooms

Pro tip: Cut vegetables to similar sizes as your chicken to ensure even cooking.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Chicken Kabob Method

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (depending on your air fryer model)
2. Prepare the chicken by cutting into even-sized cubes (1-1.5 inches)
3. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results)
4. Prepare vegetables by cutting into similar-sized pieces
5. Skewer the ingredients, alternating between chicken and vegetables
6. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!)
7. Cook for 6-8 minutes, then flip the skewers
8. Cook for another 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F
9. Rest for 5 minutes before serving (this keeps the meat juicy)

The Smoking Trick for Enhanced BBQ Flavor

One creative technique mentioned in the Moribyan recipe is a smoking trick that adds authentic BBQ flavor:

1. After cooking the skewers, turn off the air fryer
2. Heat a piece of coal over an open flame until it’s white
3. Place the hot coal in a small foil bowl inside the air fryer (next to the cooked skewers)
4. Drizzle a bit of oil on the coal to create smoke
5. Seal the air fryer for about 10 minutes to infuse the smoky flavor

This is totally optional but adds that authentic smoky BBQ flavor without actually grilling!

Common Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

Do I need to soak wooden skewers?

If your air fryer cooking time is relatively short (under 15 minutes), you typically don’t need to soak wooden skewers. However, if you’re unsure, soaking them in water for 30 minutes before use won’t hurt. You might also need to trim the skewers to fit your air fryer.

Should I preheat my air fryer?

While not strictly necessary, preheating for 3-5 minutes at your cooking temperature can help achieve better searing and texture. Some air fryers require preheating, while others don’t – check your model’s instructions.

What can I serve with chicken kabobs?

Great sides include:

• Rice pilaf or couscous
• Pita bread
• Tzatziki or hummus dips
• Greek salad
• Roasted potatoes or potato wedges

Troubleshooting Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

Problem: Dry Chicken

• Solution: Use chicken thighs instead of breast, marinate longer, or slightly reduce cooking time

Problem: Undercooked Chicken

• Solution: Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes, ensure pieces are cut uniformly

Problem: Vegetables Cooking Unevenly

• Solution: Cut denser vegetables smaller than softer ones, or pre-cook denser veggies briefly

My Top Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

1. Don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in batches if needed for proper air circulation
2. Spray lightly with oil before cooking for enhanced browning
3. Cut everything to uniform sizes for even cooking
4. Let the kabobs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices
5. Experiment with marinades – yogurt-based ones are especially good for tenderizing

Final Thoughts

Air fryer chicken kabobs are a quick, delicious meal option that brings outdoor grilling flavors inside. With cooking times between 10-15 minutes (typically 6-8 minutes per side) at 380-400°F, you can have a mouthwatering dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!

The exact cooking time will depend on your specific air fryer model and the size of your chicken pieces, but now you have all the information you need to make perfect air fryer chicken kabobs every time.

What’s your favorite chicken kabob marinade? I’d love to hear about your air fryer kabob adventures in the comments below!