Listen, I’ve been air frying since 2016, before the air fryer had its little viral moment, and kebabs are proof that weeknight dinner doesn’t have to be boring. These chicken kebabs are juicy with perfectly charred edges and tender veggies that taste straight off the grill, all without stepping outside. I’ve tested just about every air fryer trick there is, and this one always hits.
Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs Ingredients
- Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
- Soy Sauce
- Chicken Rub/BBQ Seasoning
- Bell Peppers
- Zucchini
- Onions
- Tomatoes
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.
- Prep the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into even 1 to 1½-inch pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Season + marinate: Add the chicken to a bowl or large zip-top bag. Pour in a splash of soy sauce and sprinkle generously with chicken rub or BBQ seasoning. Toss until every piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20–30 minutes (or up to 8 hours) for the best flavor and color.
- Prep the veggies: Cut the bell peppers, zucchini, and onions into similar 1 to 1½-inch pieces. Keep the tomatoes whole if they’re cherry or grape; otherwise cut larger tomatoes into wedges.
- Build the kebabs: Thread the chicken and veggies onto skewers, alternating as you go. Don’t pack them too tight, a little space helps the heat circulate and gives you that nice char.
- Load the basket: Spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the kebabs in a single layer without overlapping. Work in batches if needed.
- Air fry: Air fry at 370 degrees for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden with roasted edges and reaches 165°F internally. Thighs may take slightly longer than breasts.
- Rest + serve: Let the kebabs rest for a few minutes to keep the juices in the chicken where they belong.
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Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients
- 16 oz skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or liquid aminos
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Rub Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon BBQ Rub/Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ green pepper sliced
- ½ red pepper sliced
- ½ yellow pepper sliced
- ½ zucchini sliced
- ¼ red onion sliced
- 4-5 grape tomatoes
- cooking oil spray optional
Instructions
- Marinating the chicken is preferred but not required. If you plan to marinate the chicken, place the chicken in a sealable plastic bag or large bowl with the soy sauce, chicken seasoning, BBQ seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Shake the bag to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and seasoning. If using a bowl, cover the bowl. Marinate for at least one hour to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove the chicken and thread it onto a skewer. Your hands will get very messy during this process. You may want to have a towel close by to wipe your hands.
- Layer the chicken with the peppers, zucchini, and onions. Top each skewer with a grape tomato at the top. I sometimes like my grape tomato to be served cooked and soft. It may be harder to get the skewers to fit into your air fryer with the tomato (depending on the brand). You can always add the tomato after the chicken and veggies have finished cooking.
- Spray the chicken and veggies with cooking oil (I use olive oil). This is optional and yields juicy chicken.
- I like to line the air fryer with parchment paper liners for easy clean up.
- Air fry at 370 degrees for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden with roasted edges and reaches 165°F internally. Thighs may take slightly longer than breasts. Use a meat thermometer to test the inside of one of the pieces of chicken.
Video
Notes
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
The best skewer size for an air fryer depends on your specific model, but here are some general guidelines:
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.
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.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work. Thighs have more fat so they stay extra juicy, but breasts cook fast and get great color.
I cook for 18-22 minutes until the temperature reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
I use 370 degrees.
You can, but you’ll want to thaw it first. Frozen chicken won’t absorb the soy sauce or seasoning the same way, and it won’t cook as evenly on the skewers. Thawing gives you better flavor, better texture, and more reliable cook times. If you’re in a rush, cut the thawed chicken slightly smaller and marinate for at least 20–30 minutes so it still gets that bold flavor.
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.
It's not required, even 20–30 minutes makes a big difference in flavor and tenderness. You can also marinate up to overnight for maximum flavor.
About 1 to 1½-inch pieces. Even sizing helps everything cook at the same rate and keeps the chicken from drying out.
Don’t overcook it, marinate it, and let it rest a few minutes before serving. Chicken is perfect at 165°F.
Let the kabobs cool for about 15–20 minutes before storing, sealing them up while they’re still hot can trap steam and make the veggies soft. Once cooled, remove the meat and veggies from the skewers and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tips For Making Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs
- Cut the chicken into even 1 to 1½-inch pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) so it soaks up the flavor and stays juicy.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a quick water soak for about 20–30 minutes so they don’t scorch in the air fryer.
- Don’t crowd the basket, space between the skewers helps the air circulate and gives you that roasted, golden finish. Work in batches if you need to.
- Flip the skewers halfway through cooking so they get color on all sides.
- Chicken is done at 165°F, so grab your thermometer if you want perfect, juicy pieces every time.
- I like to hit the kebabs with a quick spray of olive oil before cooking, it keeps the chicken moist and helps the seasoning stick.
- Let the kebabs rest for a couple minutes before serving so the juices can settle back into the chicken.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Air fryer chicken skewers go with just about anything, so you can keep it light or turn it into a full meal. Try serving them with a fresh side like a Greek salad or a cucumber tomato salad to add some crunch and brightness, or pair them with roasted or air-fried veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. For something a little cozier, you can’t go wrong with seasoned rice, mac and cheese, or even corn on the cob or a street corn salad.
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.
Laura says
I love how the air fryer cooks everything so quickly and crispy! Delish!
Jillian says
These were so tasty! I love that I now have another go-to airy fryer recipe!
Debra says
Great recipe. Taste really good.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Mugen says
I am surprised that you've asked for cooking chicken breasts in an Air Fryer. I read that the only way to cook chicken breasts without draining them of their existing juices is the pan fry.
Could you please throw some light on this? Don't your chicken pieces get rubbery kinds?
staysnatched says
Air fryer chicken is amazing and juicy. Try it. I've never made rubbery chicken.
Candy says
This is a new go to recipe for my family. Absolutely love it. Better than using the grill.
staysnatched says
It's ours too! So glad you liked them!
Debbie says
Can you use bamboo skewers for this recipe in the air fryer?
staysnatched says
I've never tried it. I use what my air fryer user manual recommends, which is these.
Anne D says
Another great recipe! Second time using my air fryer skewers and this time worked out better than my first attempt! I happened to have all the veggies suggested in the recipe and it was the perfect meal for a warm day. Paired it with Brandi’s cucumber salad and I am already looking forward to the leftovers for lunch!
staysnatched says
That sounds like a great pairing!
Catherine Cormier says
I love kebabs but hate standing over the bbq while they cook so this seems like a much easier option! Will definitely be trying soon since this is the perfect weeknight meal.
staysnatched says
Let me know what you think!
pat says
what a great recipe .and so easy
to make.thank you.pat.
staysnatched says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Carm says
I have the ninja foodie grill, you say to put on grill grate, am I to use the grill setting or air fry setting
staysnatched says
I’ve never used a ninja foodi grill. I would refer to the manual and do as it suggests.
Buddy Alves says
@staysnatched, I also have a Ninja Foodi that has both grill and air fry features. What are the settings for both features (time/temperature)(grill/air fry)?
staysnatched says
I’ve never used a Ninja Foodi. I would test it with the same temperature and watch it.
Sam Ennes says
Made these last week and wow so easy! I had been planning on doing kebabs on the grill, but I remembered seeing this recipe so I decided to go for it - definitely a repeater!
staysnatched says
Glad to have you add it to the rotation.
M.T. says
This is genius. I never thought to do kabobs in the air fryer! I cant wait to try it
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy them!
Amanda says
No lies were told labeling this recipe as easy! So much flavor, chicken and veggies that are not boring.
staysnatched says
haha! Love to hear it.
Anne says
I agree with Laura..just did your recipe & we both loved it..will do again soon!! Thxxx
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it.
Lynda says
WILL THE GRILL RACK & SKEWERS WORK IN A SQUARE COSORI AIR FRYER?
staysnatched says
Get the rack made for the Cosori air fryer. They have them.
Lisbeth Marrs says
On the instant pot air fryer do you use the grill or airfry setting?
staysnatched says
I've never used the Instant Pot air fryer. I assume air fry setting this since this is being air fried.
Kathleen says
I have a back problem right now (hope it doesn't last to many months) and am wondering if this kabab recipe would work by doing the recipe as printed and just putting all the ingredients in the air fryer without using the skewers. Brandi, you sure do have some wonderful recipes.
staysnatched says
Sure, it works that way. Thank you!