I am always looking for ways to bring classic summer BBQ flavors indoors. These Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs do exactly that, without any of the outdoor hassle.
Last week, it was pouring rain, but my family was really craving barbecue. Instead of standing outside in a massive downpour, I simply grabbed my air fryer.
The result was pure magic. These sweet, sticky, and colorful kabobs cook in minutes and taste absolutely incredible.
If you loved our wildly popular cilantro lime chicken tacos, you are going to be completely obsessed with this fast weeknight dinner!
Making Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs is going to change the way you do dinner. Let’s dive into exactly how to make them perfectly every single time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Making restaurant-quality skewers at home does not have to be complicated. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting for you!
Here is why this recipe will become a permanent part of your weekly meal rotation:
- Incredibly fast: They cook in just over 10 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- No grill needed: You get that beautiful caramelized char without ever stepping foot outside.
- Family-friendly: Kids absolutely love food on a stick, especially when it is coated in a sweet teriyaki glaze.
- Nutrient-dense: If you are searching for healthy air fryer dinner ideas, these are packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
- Minimal cleanup: There are no greasy grates to scrub. Just pop your air fryer basket in the dishwasher!
Ingredients You Need
The best part about these Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs is how customizable they are.
Here is what you need to grab from your kitchen or the grocery store:
Chicken Breasts or Thighs You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Thighs are naturally juicier, but breasts work wonderfully if you do not overcook them.
Fresh Pineapple Making air fryer chicken and pineapple kabobs requires fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Canned pineapple is often too mushy and holds too much water to char properly. If you are intimidated by using a whole fresh fruit, check out this super helpful guide on how to easily cut a pineapple.
Bell Peppers & Red Onion I love using a mix of red and green bell peppers for a beautiful pop of color. Red onions add a fantastic sharp, savory bite that balances the sweet fruit.
Thick Teriyaki Sauce You need a high-quality, thick teriyaki sauce or glaze. A thin marinade will just drip off into the bottom of your air fryer basket.
Wooden Skewers Grab a pack of wooden or bamboo skewers. Just remember to measure your air fryer basket first so you know exactly how long they need to be!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these easy teriyaki chicken skewers is an absolute breeze.
Follow these simple steps for perfectly juicy and sticky chicken every single time:
- Soak the skewers. First, soak your wooden skewers in a shallow dish of water for at least 30 minutes.
- Chop the ingredients. Cut your chicken, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and red onions into even 1-inch chunks.
- Marinate the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces in half of your thick teriyaki sauce. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavor.
- Thread the kabobs. Alternate threading the marinated chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions onto the soaked skewers.
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes.
- Air fry the kabobs. Place the assembled Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs into the basket in a single layer.
- Cook and flip. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush with the remaining teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes for a sticky glaze!
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Always cut your meat and vegetables into pieces that are roughly the exact same size. This ensures everything on the skewer cooks at the same rate.
Leave a little bit of space between each piece of food on the skewer. Packing them too tightly will cause the food to steam rather than roast and char.
Check the temperature: Because air fryers can vary in wattage, the best way to know your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs are done is to use a digital meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Use a silicone basting brush to apply a final coat of teriyaki glaze right when the kabobs come out of the air fryer. It gives them a beautiful, glossy finish!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the basket: This is the quickest way to ruin your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs. If the skewers are touching, the hot air cannot circulate. Work in batches if necessary!
Skipping the skewer soak: If you put dry wooden skewers into a hot air fryer, they will smoke, splinter, and potentially burn. Always soak them first.
Using watery sauce: If your teriyaki sauce is too thin, it will run completely off the Hawaiian chicken skewers air fryer style. Look for a brand specifically labeled as a “glaze” or “thick marinade.”
Serving Ideas
Wondering what to serve with your Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs? You have so many incredible options!
I love serving these sweet and savory skewers with a massive scoop of fluffy coconut rice. The rice soaks up all the extra sticky teriyaki glaze perfectly.
For a lighter, low-carb option, serve them over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp Asian cabbage slaw.
If you are hosting a casual summer get-together, these kabobs pair beautifully with an appetizer spread featuring our popular grilled fish tacos.
They are also fantastic served completely on their own as a high-protein, low-mess party snack!
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
To Store: Keep any leftover Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Gently warm the leftover kabobs in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes until heated through. Do not microwave them, or the chicken will become rubbery.
Make-Ahead Magic: You can chop all your vegetables, cube the chicken, and thread the skewers up to 24 hours in advance! Just store them covered in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
How long do you cook chicken kabobs in the air fryer?
For perfectly juicy chicken and caramelized veggies, you should cook your kabobs in the air fryer at 380°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time so they get a beautiful, even char on all sides!
Can you put wooden skewers in an air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely use wooden skewers in an air fryer! However, it is crucial that you soak them in water for at least 20 to 30 minutes before threading your meat and veggies onto them. This prevents the wood from snapping or burning under the intense heat of the air fryer. Also, make sure to measure your skewers first so you know they will fit inside your specific air fryer basket!
What goes well with Hawaiian chicken kabobs?
These sweet and savory skewers are incredibly versatile. They pair perfectly with a big scoop of fluffy coconut rice or classic steamed jasmine rice to soak up that extra teriyaki sauce. For a lighter, low-carb option, serve them over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp Asian cabbage slaw!
Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce for chicken skewers?
Absolutely! While making a homemade glaze is delicious, using a high-quality, thick store-bought teriyaki sauce is the ultimate weeknight time-saver. Just look for a sauce that is labeled as a “glaze” or “marinade and sauce” so it is thick enough to cling to the chicken and pineapple while it cooks.
Final Thoughts
I am so thrilled for you to try these incredible Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs. They are fast, fresh, and bursting with that classic sweet and savory Hawaiian flavor.
Once you see how easy it is to make gorgeous skewers in the air fryer, you will never want to fuss with a charcoal grill on a busy Tuesday night again!
If you make these Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs, please let me know how much your family loved them! Leave a comment down below, give the recipe card a 5-star rating, and share your beautiful dinner photos on Pinterest.
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Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 8 kabobs)
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 cup fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
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1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
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1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch squares
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1/2 large red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
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3/4 cup thick teriyaki sauce (divided)
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1 Tablespoon olive oil
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Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
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8 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
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Prep the Skewers: Soak your wooden skewers in a dish of water for at least 30 minutes. Measure them to ensure they fit flat inside your air fryer basket. Trim them if necessary.
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Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with 1/4 cup of the teriyaki sauce and the olive oil. Let sit for 15 minutes.
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Assemble Kabobs: Alternately thread the marinated chicken, fresh pineapple, bell peppers, and red onions onto the soaked wooden skewers.
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Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
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Air Fry: Place the kabobs in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches so they do not touch). Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time.
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Glaze: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the kabobs generously with the remaining 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce.
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Serve: Remove from the air fryer. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Serve hot over rice!
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble the skewers completely, cover them tightly on a baking sheet, and store them in the fridge up to a day in advance!
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