Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Sure, here’s a simple recipe for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs along with some notes:

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the kabobs:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in the cornstarch as well. Set aside a portion of the marinade for basting while cooking.
2. Place the chicken cubes in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2 to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the chicken will absorb.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. While the air fryer is preheating, thread the marinated chicken, bell peppers, and onion alternately onto the skewers.
5. Place the kabobs in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, without overcrowding. You might need to cook the kabobs in batches if your air fryer is not large enough.
6. Cook the kabobs at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, turning them once or twice during cooking. Baste the kabobs with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
7. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
8. Once cooked, carefully remove the kabobs from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes:

• If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables according to your preferences. Mushrooms, zucchini, and pineapple chunks are also great additions.
• You can garnish the finished kabobs with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
• Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• The marinade can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter or saltier flavor, you can adjust the proportions of ingredients like brown sugar and soy sauce.
• Serve the teriyaki chicken kabobs over steamed rice or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

• Certainly! Here are some additional tips and variations for your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs:

  Tips:

  1. Skewer Assembly: When threading the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This allows the hot air in the air fryer to circulate and cook the food evenly.
  2. Basting: Basting the kabobs with the reserved marinade during cooking adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. However, avoid basting too early as the sugars in the marinade can burn. Wait until the last few minutes of cooking.
  3. Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary slightly based on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific air fryer model you’re using. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
  4. Preheating: Preheating the air fryer is important to ensure even cooking. It helps to start cooking with a hot air fryer rather than placing the food into a cold one.

  Variations:

  1. Teriyaki Sauce Variations: Feel free to experiment with the teriyaki marinade. You can add a dash of sriracha for some heat or swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
  2. Protein Options: While this recipe uses chicken, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Vegetable Choices: Don’t limit yourself to just bell peppers and onions. You can add cherry tomatoes, chunks of pineapple, mushrooms, or even pieces of eggplant or summer squash.
  4. Serving Suggestions: Serve the teriyaki chicken kabobs with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or even on a bed of noodles. A drizzle of extra teriyaki sauce can enhance the flavors further.
  5. Garnishes: Enhance the presentation and flavor by adding garnishes like chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds.
  6. Marinating Time: While marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, you can marinate the chicken for longer, even overnight, for a more intense flavor.
  7. Gluten-Free Option: If you need the recipe to be gluten-free, ensure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

  Remember, cooking is all about making the recipe your own and adjusting it to your preferences. Have fun experimenting and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs!