Summer is the perfect time for outdoor grilling, but when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer with Smart Cook Thermometer offers a fantastic indoor alternative. It allows you to prepare delicious, evenly cooked chicken skewers without firing up the grill.
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create perfectly cooked chicken skewers, complete with tips for seasoning and serving for your next summer gathering.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer w/ Smart Cook Thermometer
- ✔ Power: 1800W
- ✔ Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 12 inches
- ✔ Weight: 22 pounds
Ninja DZ550 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone Smart XL Air Fryer with 2 Independent Baskets, Smart Cook Thermometer for Perfect Doneness, Match Cook and Smart Finish to Roast, Dehydrate and More, Black
- Smart Cook System: Achieve perfect doneness with Foodi Thermometer
- DualZone Technology: Cook two foods simultaneously or copy settings
- 6-in-1 Functionality: Air fry, broil, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate
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Preparing the Chicken and Marinade
Start with fresh chicken breasts or thighs, cut into uniform cubes for even cooking. Prepare a flavorful marinade using your favorite herbs, spices, and liquids like lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and paprika. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
While the chicken marinates, soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning, or opt for metal skewers for a fuss-free setup.
Assembling and Seasoning the Skewers
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added flavor and color.
- Lightly brush the assembled skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with additional herbs or spices if desired.
- Preheat the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer to 400°F using the Air Fry function.
Ensure the skewers are evenly spaced in the Air Fryer Basket for optimal air circulation and even cooking.
Cooking with the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
Place the skewers in the dual-zone baskets, ensuring they don’t overlap for uniform heat exposure. Set the Smart Cook Thermometer probe into one of the chicken pieces to monitor internal temperature.
Use the Air Fry setting at 400°F, and enable the Smart Finish feature for perfect timing. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, checking the internal temperature periodically.
The Smart Cook Thermometer will alert you when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring safe and juicy results.
Serving Tips and Additional Ideas
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with summer sides like fresh salad, grilled corn, or cold pasta salad.
For extra flavor, brush the skewers with a barbecue sauce or a squeeze of lemon before serving. These skewers are perfect for indoor summer parties or quick weeknight dinners that taste just like outdoor grilling.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer w/ Smart Cook Thermometer
The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer with Smart Cook Thermometer makes summer cooking effortless, delivering evenly cooked, flavorful chicken skewers every time. Its dual-zone baskets and smart features simplify the process, making it ideal for indoor summer meals.
Pros:
- Even cooking with Smart Cook Thermometer
- DualZone™ for versatile cooking
- Large 10 Qt capacity for family meals
- Multiple functions including roast, bake, dehydrate
Cons:
- Requires some prep time for marinade
- May take longer than outdoor grilling
- Price may be higher than basic air fryers
Best for: Home cooks looking for a summer grilling alternative indoors
Not ideal for: Those seeking traditional outdoor grilling experience
Bottom line: A versatile indoor grilling solution that ensures perfectly cooked summer dishes.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
