The Scatty Mum

  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Allergies
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Download Your FREE Weekly Meal Planner
  • Food Blogging Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Allergies
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Download Your FREE Weekly Meal Planner
  • Food Blogging Resources
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Summer Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Allergies
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Download Your FREE Weekly Meal Planner
  • Food Blogging Resources
×
Home » Dinner

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

Published: Mar 15, 2023 by Lauren Woodger · Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links -This means I receive a commission for purchases made through those links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · Leave a Comment

41 shares
  • Facebook13
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Drawing of a bottle of milk with a line through it.
Drawing of an egg with a line through it.
Drawing of a grain of wheat with a line through it.
Drawing of nuts with a line through it.
Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate. With a bowl of red cabbage and a pot of garlic sauce in the background.
Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate.
Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate.

These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are deliciously tender and juicy! They make the perfect filling for a shish kebab and are ready in just 30 minutes! No air fryer? You can easily cook these under the grill too!

Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate. With a bowl of red cabbage, a pot of garlic sauce, some lemon wedges, tomatoes and lettuce in the background.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links - This means I receive a commission for purchases made though those links, at no cost to you. Please click here for further info*

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

Save Recipe

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Scatty Mum.

I am officially in love with my air fryer! 

I wanted to make homemade shish kebabs & these chicken skewers, along with this air fryer trout were one of the first dishes I tried in my new air fryer. 

( I went for the Instant Pot Vortex Plus - which I can highly recommend!!). Update: I now have a Ninja Foodie Dual Zone Air Fryer, which I love too, but I still miss & have a soft spot  for my Instant Pot!

If you are looking for other kebab recipe ideas, take a look at these Lamb Kofta Kebab Wraps too.

Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • 🥘 Ingredients You Will Need
  • 🤔 Can I Use A Different Marinade?
  • ✏️ How to Make Chicken Skewers In The Air Fryer
  • 💡 Lauren's Tips
  • 🥡 Storage & Leftovers
  • 🍴 How To Serve
  • 💬 Recipe FAQs
  • 📖 More Chicken Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • ✔️ Easy Weeknight Meal: Ready in just 30 minutes!
  • ✔️ Full Of Flavour: The grilled chicken is juicy, tender and packed full of flavour from the aromatic spices.
  • ✔️ Allergy Friendly: Dairy, egg & gluten-free. In fact, it's free from the top 14 allergens!
  • ✔️ Can Be Easily Prepared In Advance: Store in the fridge uncooked for up to 24 hours.

🥘 Ingredients You Will Need

Here is a brief overview of the ingredients needed to make these air fryer chicken skewers. If you use a dairy-free yoghurt for the marinade, they will be free from the 14 major UK allergens.

Ingredients laid out for air fryer chicken shish kebab.

✋ Double check all packaging for allergens ✋

  • Chicken - I have used boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they are lower in calories than thighs, however, chicken thighs (like I have used in this chicken thigh traybake & these air fryer crispy honey & garlic chicken thighs) also work really well, just try to make sure the chopped pieces are roughly the same size.
  • Peppers - I have used green and red peppers for an array of colour. Use whichever colour peppers you prefer.
  • Onion - Red onion is my preference, as it has a slightly more mellow and sweeter taste when cooked, but white onion will work just as well.
  • Yoghurt - To keep this recipe dairy-free I have used Koko Coconut Yoghurt, I find the coconut flavour blends well with the spices. Plain un-sweetened soy or Oatly yoghurt can also be used. If you don’t need the recipe to be dairy-free, use regular natural plain yoghurt.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

🤔 Can I Use A Different Marinade?

Swapping the flavours for your chicken skewers can easily be done by changing the marinade ingredients. Here are some different ideas for you to try:

  • 🍋Lemon & Herb: Combine fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary for a tangy and flavourful marinade.
  • 🥢 Teriyaki: For a sweet and savoury twist, mix soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for a sweet & savoury twist.
  • 🌶️ Spicy: If you like a little heat, combine Franks hot sauce, honey, chilli powder, and cumin for a fiery coating.
  • 🥙 Mediterranean: For a taste of the Mediterranean, try a marinade made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. 
  • ♨️BBQ: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic for a tangy and sweet marinade.

✏️ How to Make Chicken Skewers In The Air Fryer

⬇️ Here you will find an overview of how to make the recipe. For full information on ingredients and quantities please see the recipe card at the bottom of the page ⬇️

Chunks of chicken breast marinating in a yoghurt and spice mixture in a bowl. .

Step 1: First you’re going to mix up the marinade. Place the coconut yoghurt, garlic paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl, then toss your chicken chunks in it. 

If you have the time, let them sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you're feeling patient) to marinate.

Chopped green and yellow peppers and red onion on a blue chopping board with a knife.

Step 2: While your chicken is marinating, chop up the peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces, then preheat your air fryer ( if your air fryer has a pre-heat function) to 175˚C/350˚F or your grill to 180˚C.

Four raw chicken kebab skewers with peppers and red onion on a blue plate.

Step 3: Once your chicken has marinated, start threading it onto the skewers with the veggies, alternating between the two.  

Three chicken kebab skewers in the air fryer.

Step 4: If you're using an air fryer, give everything a little spritz of olive oil before cooking for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

If you're grilling, cook for around 12-15 minutes, turning regularly.

Keep an eye on the chicken, as different air fryers will cook at different speeds. 

The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 74˚C / 165˚F - use a meat thermometer to check.

Serve them with some pitta bread, salad, and chilli sauce for that extra bit of authenticity. Enjoy!

Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate. With a bowl of red cabbage & pot of garlic sauce in the background.

💡 Lauren's Tips

  • ✔️ Marinate: I wouldn’t recommend skipping this step! The longer you can let the chicken marinate for, the deeper the flavour will be. Ideally overnight if you can.
  • ✔️ Soak Your Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, you will need to soak them in water for 10 minutes or so prior to using them, so they don’t burn when in the air fryer or under the grill.
  • ✔️ Cut Chicken Equally: Try and cut the chicken breast into equal-sized chunks, this way it should all cook evenly.
  • ✔️ Check The Chicken: Keep checking the chicken every few minutes, as timings will vary with different makes and models of air fryers. You may also need to add a couple of extra minutes cooking time if your air fryer doesn’t have a pre-heat function. This recipe was cooked in the Instant Pot Vortex Plus.
  • ✔️ Use A Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the one kitchen gadget I couldn’t live without! Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) it is safe to eat. No more tough, overcooked dry chicken - trust me, it will be a game changer!

🥡 Storage & Leftovers

These chicken shish skewers are the ideal dish to make in advance. You can make up the skewers the day before, leaving them in the fridge overnight to really soak up the flavours of the marinade.

The kebabs are best eaten fresh as this is when they will be most juicy and tender.

If you do have leftovers however,  they will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for around 2 days. 

Re-heat them in the air fryer at 350˚F for 5 minutes until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165˚F. Be aware though that the chicken will be drier and a little tough when re-heated.

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the kebabs, as they taste so much better when eaten fresh, though it is perfectly safe to do so for up to 3 months.

🍴 How To Serve

In my opinion, the best way to serve these skewers is in a kebab with some spicy cajun fries!

Grab yourself a pitta bread (gluten free if needed) and stuff it with some shredded iceberg lettuce, kebab shop red cabbage, raw sliced onion, tomatoes and cucumber.

Lay your chicken skewers on top, squirt over some chilli sauce & mint yoghurt sauce or vegan tzatziki, squeeze over a wedge of lemon and tuck in!

If you fancy something a little different to go with your skewers, why not serve them alongside some spicy rice and salad, or cook them on the BBQ and serve with side dishes like this Chorizo & Red Pepper Pasta Salad or Summer Orzo Salad With Feta & Lemon.

💬 Recipe FAQs

Can I put wooden or metal skewers in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use both in the air fryer. If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 10 minutes before using to stop them from burning whilst cooking.

Can I put aluminium foil in the air fryer?

Yes! The air fryer works differently from a microwave, so it is perfectly safe to line the bottom of your air fryer tray with some foil to help keep things a bit cleaner. Poke some holes in the foil to allow air to get through.

How do I prevent my chicken skewers from sticking to the air fryer basket?

One trick is to lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or oil before you start cooking. You can also use a non-stick silicone mat, foil or some parchment paper to create a barrier between the chicken and the basket.


What is the difference between a kebab and kabob?

"Kebab" and "kabob" are basically the same thing, just different spellings. In the UK, we say "kebab," while Americans say "kabob."

📖 More Chicken Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

  • a plate of crispy chicken pieces garnished with spring onion & chilli, with a knife and fork next to the plate and a pot of sweet chilli sauce/
    Crispy Shredded Chicken With Chilli
  • A roasting tin containing chicken thighs, carrots and potatoes.
    Lemon and Garlic Chicken Tray Bake
  • mango chicken curry on a plate with rice
    Easy Mango Chicken Curry With Coconut Milk - Dairy Free
  • Chicken curry in a silver curry bowl, garnished with fresh red chilli and coriander.
    Boneless Chicken Curry With Peppers

📖 Recipe

Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate.

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

These Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are deliciously tender and juicy! They make the perfect filling for a shish kebab and are ready in just 30 minutes! No air fryer? You can easily cook these under the grill too!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Calories: 127kcal
Author: Lauren Woodger

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Chopping board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Kebab skewers

Ingredients

For The Skewers

  • 3 medium chicken breasts chopped into equal chunks
  • ½ medium green pepper chopped into square chunks
  • ½ medium yellow pepper chopped into square chunks
  • 1 small red onion chopped into square chunks
  • olive oil spray

For The Marinade

  • 60 g (¼ cup) dairy free coconut yoghurt or any plain unsweetened yoghurt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste or 2 crushed garlic cloves
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Zest from 1 lemon
Metric - Us Customary

Instructions

  • If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the coconut yoghurt, garlic paste, turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander and lemon zest to make the marinade.
  • Cut the chicken into chunks, add to the bowl and toss to coat in the marinade. If you have time, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally overnight).
  • Whilst the chicken is marinating, chop the peppers and onions into equal sized squares.
  • Preheat the air fryer ( if required) to 180˚C / 355˚F or grill to 180˚C.
  • Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between the different ingredients.

If Using The Air Fryer

  • Spray the air fryer tray with some olive oil and give the kebabs a spray too and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C), Turn them halfway through.

If Using The Grill

  • Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve the chicken kebabs with some pitta, salad and chilli sauce for extra authenticity

Notes

Lauren’s Tips
  • Marinate: I wouldn’t recommend skipping this step! The longer you can let the chicken marinate for, the deeper the flavour will be. Ideally overnight if you can.
  • Soak Your Skewers: If you are using wooden skewers, you will need to soak them in water for 10 minutes or so prior to using them, so they don’t burn when in the air fryer or under the grill.
  • Cut Chicken Equally: Try and cut the chicken breast into equal size chunks, this way it should all cook evenly.
  • Check The Chicken: Keep checking the chicken every few minutes, as timings will vary with different makes and models of air fryers. You may also need to add a couple of extra minutes cooking time if your air fryer doesn’t have a pre-heat function. This recipe was cooked in the Instant Pot Vortex Plus.
  • Use A Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the one kitchen gadget I couldn’t live without! Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) it is safe to eat. No more tough, overcooked dry chicken - trust me, it will be a game changer!
Serve with pitta bread (gluten free if needed) stuff it with some shredded iceberg lettuce, kebab shop red cabbage, raw sliced onion, tomatoes and cucumber.
Lay your chicken skewers on top, squirt over some chilli sauce & mint yoghurt sauce, squeeze over a wedge of lemon and tuck in!
 
If using metal skewers you will need to make sure they are short enough to fit in your air fryer, if using wooden ones you can snap them to fit.

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

More Allergy-Friendly Dinner Recipes

  • Someone holding a open chicken tikka wrap cut in half.
    The BEST Chicken Tikka Wrap
  • A roasting tin with a spoon in it containing sausages, roasted potatoes, carrots, onions and peppers.
    50 + One Pot Meals You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
  • A plate of spring rolls with sauce and green onions.
    Air Fryer Spring Rolls
  • A plate of samosas with some mango chutney to the side.
    Air Fryer Samosas
41 shares
  • Facebook13

About Lauren Woodger

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum. As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies and intolerances, I know how tough it can be to cook meals that are both safe and delicious.

That’s why I share easy, allergy-friendly recipes to help families enjoy stress-free mealtimes.

Comments

No Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Let me know what you think of this recipe! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Lady sitting on a kitchen side with a coffee cup in her hand.

Hey, I'm Lauren!

I’m Lauren, the creator of The Scatty Mum.

As a mum to two kids with a history of food allergies, I know how challenging mealtimes can be when you’re trying to please everyone.

That’s why I share easy, family-friendly recipes and meal planning tips to help busy families enjoy tasty, stress-free dinners that work for all dietary needs.

MORE ABOUT ME

Summer Recipes

  • panzanella bread salad with tomatoes basil and olives.
    Panzanella Toscana (Italian Bread Salad)
  • Fried aubergine rounds on a plate with a bowl of honey next to it.
    Fried Aubergine With Honey (Berenjenas Fritas Con Miel)
  • A prawn being picked from a bowl of prawns with chilli and garlic with a fork.
    Gambas Pil Pil - Garlic & Chilli Prawns
  • Two chicken shish kebabs on sticks laying on top of salad and pitta bread on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Mock up of an e-book on a tablet and iphone.

Popular Posts

  • Someone holding a cut open wrap with chicken onion and cheese inside.
    Cheesy BBQ Chicken Wrap
  • A mum holding a child, whilst stirring a pan and taking a phone call.
    7 Reasons Why Dinnertime Feels So Stressful (And How to Fix It)
  • Swwet and sour chicken garnished with sesame seeds.
    40+ Easy Summer Dinner Ideas
  • a bowl of tuna pasta salad with a wooden spoon in it.
    34 Cold Summer Pasta  Salad Recipes
  • Sliced garlic mushrooms on toast sprinkled with parsley.
    Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms
  • a bowl of tuna pasta salad with a wooden spoon in it.
    40+ Kids Lunchbox Ideas

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy/Disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright 2025 The Scatty Mum

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.