Budget-Friendly Air Fryer Chicken and Veggie Skewers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs and colorful bell peppers meet in a flavorful marinade, then get crispy in the air fryer for a quick, healthy meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners. This american-inspired air fryer (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bell peppers, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, bell peppers, and red onion. Add olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and honey; toss until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thread chicken and vegetables onto skewers, alternating pieces to ensure even cooking. Place skewers in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender-crisp. Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: Serve immediately, optionally drizzled with additional honey or soy sauce for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget-Friendly Air Fryer Chicken and Veggie Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Budget-Friendly Air Fryer Chicken and Veggie Skewers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Air Fryer Chicken and Veggie Skewers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Budget-Friendly Air Fryer Chicken and Veggie Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Budget-Friendly Air Fryer Chicken and Veggie Skewers vegetarian-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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