Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

Air fryer chicken kabobs are the shortcut to grilled flavor without stepping outside. The honey soy marinade seasons the chicken and keeps it tender under the air fryer's high heat, while the vegetables pick up a nice char at the edges. These kabobs are naturally dairy-free, easy to customize, and come together in about 15 minutes of cooking time.

Reasons to Love This Air Fryer Chicken Kabob Recipe

• The honey soy marinade caramelizes on the chicken, giving each bite a sweet-savory glaze.
• You can load the skewers with any vegetables you have on hand, so it's a great clean-out-the-fridge meal.
• The air fryer cooks everything evenly in about 15 minutes, with no grill needed.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

• Boneless skinless chicken breast is the lean base here. It soaks up the marinade quickly and stays juicy if you don't overcook it. You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Honey brings the sweetness that balances the soy sauce and helps the glaze caramelize. Use a runny honey for easy mixing. If you're out, maple syrup works as a substitute.
• Soy sauce provides the salty, savory backbone. For a gluten-free version, swap in tamari or coconut aminos.

Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Kabobs in the Air Fryer

• Air fryer for even hot air circulation.
• Skewers (metal or wooden; if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes first) to thread the ingredients.
• Pastry brush to apply the reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
• Large bowl for marinating the chicken.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs Every Time

• Cut the chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade before adding the chicken, and use it to brush the kabobs halfway through cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed, leaving space between the skewers for air to circulate.
• Check the chicken at the 15-minute mark. If it needs more time, air fry in 2-minute increments until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Expert Advice for Even Better Chicken Kabobs

• For a deeper char, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Let the kabobs rest for 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute and the chicken stays moist.
• If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• To keep the vegetables from overcooking, thread them onto separate skewers from the chicken, since chicken takes longer.

Chicken Kabob Variations to Try

• Swap chicken for shrimp or beef sirloin, adjusting the cooking time accordingly (shrimp will cook faster, beef may need a bit longer).
• Add a teaspoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy version.
• Use different vegetables like mushrooms, red onion wedges, or pineapple chunks for a sweet twist.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

• Top with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
• Drizzle extra honey soy marinade over the top (make sure it's the reserved portion that didn't touch raw chicken).
• Serve alongside steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove the skewers before storing to make them easier to pack and reheat.

Can You Freeze Chicken Kabobs?

You can freeze cooked kabobs for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, remove the skewers, and place the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Way to Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

The best way to reheat these kabobs is back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, until warmed through and the edges crisp up again. You can also use a microwave, but the vegetables will turn softer.

Source recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs (SnapChef ID 3e82f30b-6c87-425e-8adf-eae59318cff1). Nutrition is estimated per serving.

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Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs

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Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Total Time

1 h 25 min

Servings

4 servings

Calories

228 kcal

Scale: 1x2x3x · − 4 servings +

US Metric

Cook Mode

Ingredients

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• 2 boneless skinless chicken breast cubed into 2″ pieces
• 3 tablespoons honey
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 zucchini chopped
• ½ red onion cut into large chunks
• 1 yellow bell pepper cut into large chunks
• 1 Green bell pepper cut into large chunks
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. 1
   In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. Mix until well blended.
2. 2
   Pour the mixture over the chicken, reserving about ¼ cup for later. Cover and allow to marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
3. 3
   When the chicken is ready, begin to assemble your kabobs. Add a piece of chicken, followed by tomatoes, zucchini, onion, and peppers. Or create a combination of your choice.
4. 4
   When all of your kabobs are assembled, place 3-4 (depending on your air fryer size) in the bottom of the air fryer.
5. 5
   Air fry the kabobs at 375°F for 15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the kabobs, brushing the other side of the chicken pieces with the remaining sauce.
6. 6
   When the kabobs are done, serve immediately as a main course or appetizer.

Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.

Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated

Amount per serving

Calories 228 kcal 11% DV

Protein 17 g 34% DV

Total Fat 9 g 12% DV

Total Carb. 23 g 8% DV

Fiber 2 g 7% DV

Sugars 17 g

Sodium 1987 mg 86% DV

% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).