Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs: 5 Reasons You'll Love Them
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken fillet, cut into cubes; 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks; 1 onion, cut into chunks; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 9, 2025

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Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of biting into a juicy, flavorful chicken kabob, especially when it’s made in an air fryer! I whip these up often because they’re not just delicious; they’re a breeze to make and healthy too. I remember the first time I tried making kabobs in my air fryer. I was amazed at how quickly they cooked and how perfectly tender the chicken turned out. Plus, the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and onions just make the whole dish pop! It’s a fantastic way to get in your veggies without feeling like you’re skimping on flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun weekend gathering, these air fryer chicken kabobs have become my go-to recipe for satisfying meals that everyone loves. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be adding them to your weekly rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making air fryer chicken kabobs is an absolute game changer for busy cooks like me! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Quick and Easy: These kabobs come together in just 30 minutes! With minimal prep and simple steps, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night. Just chop, mix, and air fry!
Flavorful and Juicy: The air fryer locks in all the moisture, giving you perfectly juicy chicken and tender veggies. Plus, the garlic powder and paprika add a punch of flavor you won’t forget!
Healthy Option: At only 200 calories per kabob, these delicious bites are a guilt-free choice. With lean chicken and fresh veggies, you can enjoy a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these fantastic air fryer chicken kabobs. I always recommend gathering your ingredients before you start; it makes the process flow so much smoother!

1 lb chicken fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes: Fresh chicken is key for juicy kabobs. Try to choose fillets that are uniform in size for even cooking.
1 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks: I love using a vibrant red or yellow bell pepper for a pop of color and sweetness!
1 onion, cut into 1-inch chunks: A sweet onion works beautifully here, adding a lovely caramelized flavor when cooked.
2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the spices stick and keeps everything moist during cooking.
2 tsp garlic powder: A must for that extra kick of flavor! You can also use fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
1 tsp paprika: This adds a nice depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness to the kabobs.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season well! A sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper elevate the dish.

Make sure to prep everything in advance, and you’ll be ready to assemble those kabobs in no time!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This step is crucial because it ensures that the chicken kabobs cook evenly and get that nice, golden-brown finish. Just 5 minutes of preheating makes all the difference, trust me!

Prepare the Ingredients

Now, let’s get everything mixed and ready! In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, bell pepper chunks, and onion pieces. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good toss until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with those delicious seasonings. The aroma will already have you dreaming about the tasty kabobs to come!

Assemble the Skewers

Time to get hands-on! Grab your skewers and start threading the chicken and veggies onto them. I like to alternate between chicken, bell pepper, and onion for a colorful presentation. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent any burning. This little trick keeps your kabobs intact and looking great!

Air Frying Process

Carefully place the assembled skewers in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded—this helps them cook evenly. Set your timer for 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through, take a moment to flip the skewers over for that even crispiness. You’ll want to check the kabobs around the 12-minute mark to see how they’re doing!

Checking for Doneness

To make sure your chicken is fully cooked, look for that beautiful golden color and check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a piece of chicken; it should be opaque and juicy, not pink. Once they’re ready, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before digging in!

Tips for Success

To ensure your air fryer chicken kabobs turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve gathered some trusty tips that have never let me down. Follow these, and you’ll be the kabob queen or king in no time!

Soaking Skewers

Don’t skip soaking those wooden skewers! Soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes keeps them from burning in the air fryer. This little step is a game changer, as it helps the skewers stay intact and keeps your delicious kabobs looking great and tasting even better!

Adjusting Cooking Time

Chicken pieces can vary in size, so you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit. If your chunks are larger than 1-inch, add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through. Just keep an eye on them, and check for that lovely golden color and juiciness!

Serving Suggestions

These kabobs shine on their own, but why not elevate them with some fun sides? Serve them with a refreshing tzatziki or a tangy barbecue sauce for dipping. Pair them with a simple salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal that everyone will love!

Nutritional Information

It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are estimates. Each air fryer chicken kabob contains approximately:

Calories: 200
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Cholesterol: 70mg

Feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs, but rest assured, these kabobs pack a flavorful punch without compromising on nutrition!

FAQ Section

Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely! One of the best things about these air fryer chicken kabobs is their versatility. You can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as shrimp cook much faster, and beef may need a bit longer depending on how thick the pieces are. Experiment with your favorite proteins and have fun with different flavors!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is super easy. Let the kabobs cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that delicious texture.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers is a breeze! Once your air fryer chicken kabobs have cooled down, simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them! Just wrap the kabobs tightly in plastic wrap and transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They should last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore that juicy goodness. It’s like having a delicious meal ready at your fingertips!