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Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marination Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Kebabs

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 small red onion cut into chunks
  • 1 small bell pepper cut into chunks

For Serving

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Plain yogurt or tzatziki
  • Warm naan pita, or rice

Instructions

  1. Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne to a large bowl. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
  2. The yogurt gives the marinade a creamy texture while the lemon and garlic add brightness. Similar yogurt-based chicken kebabs use this combination to help create tender, flavorful pieces of chicken.
  3. Add the chicken pieces and toss until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, let the chicken marinate for 2 to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Don't leave the chicken sitting at room temperature while it marinates. Keep it refrigerated until you're ready to cook.
  4. If you're using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from scorching during cooking.
  5. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of red onion and bell pepper. Leave a little space between the pieces rather than packing them tightly. That allows the hot air to circulate more effectively. Air fryer tip: Check that your skewers fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket before assembling all of them.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly grease the basket or spray it with a little cooking oil to help prevent sticking.
  7. Place the chicken skewers in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes, then carefully turn the skewers.
  8. Continue cooking for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
  9. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest piece. An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.
  10. Let the kebabs rest for about 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley or cilantro. Serve them hot with warm naan, fluffy rice, salad, or your favorite yogurt sauce.