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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs and Skewers

Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs are juicy, flavorful, and ready in about 10 minutes of cook time. Skewered with colorful vegetables and marinated in a lemony yogurt mix, these kebabs make an easy weeknight dinner, simple lunch, or kid-friendly snack.

air fryer chicken kebabs on a plate with lemon slices on a brown background.

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

This recipe continues the Air Fryer chicken series with a simple, fast dish that highlights South Asian and Middle Eastern-inspired spices. The marinade is mild but aromatic, and you can easily adjust the heat to your taste. Yogurt in the marinade tenderizes the chicken and helps it stay moist, while lemon juice and zest brighten the flavor. A short marinating time of 30 minutes to an hour is enough—no overnight marination required. If using bamboo skewers, soak them while the chicken marinates so they don’t burn.

Ingredient Notes

(Quantities listed in the recipe card below)

ingredients for air fryer chicken skewers.
  • Chicken breasts – Cut into 1½-inch cubes. Thighs can be used instead for extra juiciness.
  • Yogurt – Keeps the meat tender and moist.
  • Lemon juice + zest – Zest boosts citrus flavor without adding too much liquid.
  • Spices & seasonings – Paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
  • Vegetables – Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) and red onion. You may add zucchini if you like, though it cooks differently.

How to Make Chicken Kebabs in the Air Fryer

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions.

chicken cut into cubes for skewers on a chopping board.
Cut the chicken into 1½-inch cubes for even cooking.
vegetables cut for chicken skewers.
Cut the peppers and onion to a similar size as the chicken.
chicken marinade in a bowl.
Combine yogurt, lemon, oil, and spices to make the marinade.
soaking bamboo skewers in a container.
Soak bamboo skewers for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
prepared chicken skewers on a sheet.
Thread chicken and vegetables, alternating pieces for even cooking and visual appeal.
chicken skewers in the air fryer.
Arrange skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  1. Prep – Cut chicken into 1½-inch cubes. Cut peppers and onion to the same size for uniform cooking.
  2. Make the marinade – In a bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken in the marinade until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour.
  3. Soak skewers – If using bamboo skewers, soak them for about 30 minutes so they don’t char in the air fryer.
  4. Assemble – Thread chicken, peppers, and onions onto skewers, alternating for color and even cooking.
  5. Air fry – Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 1–2 minutes if you’d like more char.
  6. Serve – Remove skewers and serve hot.
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Flavor Variations

The base recipe is versatile. Try these variations to change the profile:

  • Asian-style – Replace cumin and Kashmiri chili with soy sauce, grated fresh ginger, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
  • Spicy – Increase cayenne, or add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Mediterranean – Use oregano or Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and extra garlic.
  • Indian-inspired – Swap paprika for garam masala and add a pinch of turmeric.
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Serving Suggestions

  • With sauces & bread: Serve with garlic sauce, tzatziki, or hummus and warm pita for dipping and wrapping.
  • Over rice: Place skewers on basmati or jasmine rice with a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
  • As part of a platter: Build a mezze-style spread with dips, roasted vegetables, and pickles for sharing.

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Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Kebabs (Chicken Skewers)

air fryer chicken kebabs or chicken skewers on a plate with lemon slices.
Author:
Farwin Simaak
Juicy chicken skewers marinated in yogurt, lemon, and spices, threaded with peppers and onions, and cooked quickly in the air fryer for a crisp, flavorful finish.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Marinate Time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings
4

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice and zest of ½ a lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder or cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes
  • 1 green or yellow bell pepper, cut into cubes
  • 1 red onion, cut into cubes
  • Bamboo skewers soaked in water 30 mins or steel skewers

Instructions

  1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, Kashmiri chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken cubes and mix to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. Cut bell peppers and onion into 1½-inch cubes to match the chicken.
  3. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  4. Thread chicken, peppers, and onion onto skewers, alternating pieces for even cooking and color.
  5. Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes if desired for extra char.
  6. Remove skewers and serve hot.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs work well—add 1–2 minutes to the cook time.
  • If you don’t have skewers, cook chicken and vegetables directly in the air fryer basket on a single layer.
  • Make-ahead: Marinate chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 203 kcal | Total Carbs: 9 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 13 g | Sodium: 342 mg
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