If you're wondering, "Can you put wood skewers in air fryer?", the answer is yes, but there's a right way to do it to ensure safety and great results.
If you're like me, you’ve probably stared at those bamboo skewers in your kitchen and thought, "Will these work, or am I about to set off the smoke alarm?" Don’t worry - I’ve got you covered!
Using wood skewers in an air fryer is totally doable, but there are a few tricks to make sure they don’t burn and your food comes out perfectly cooked.
Whether you're making chicken style skewers, beef style kabobs, or loading them up with colorful veggies, wooden skewers are a great option - but they need a little prep.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about using wood skewers in your air fryer, plus some helpful tips for perfect kabobs every time.
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Preparing Wood Skewers for the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking, it's essential to prepare your wooden skewers properly to avoid any mishaps. The biggest concern with using wood skewers in the air fryer is the risk of charring or burning. Here's the best way to prevent that:
- Soak the skewers in water. Submerge your wood or bamboo skewers in water for 10–20 minutes before threading your ingredients. This helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Trim the skewers to fit. If your wooden skewers are too long for your air fryer basket, simply cut them down to size with scissors to ensure they fit comfortably.
By taking these simple steps, you can safely use wood skewers in your air fryer without any issues.
Wood Skewers vs. Metal Skewers
When it comes to skewers, you’ve got two main options: wood (or bamboo) and metal. Both work well in an air fryer, but each has its pros and cons.
Pros of Wood Skewers
- Affordable and disposable. Wood skewers are inexpensive and perfect for single-use.
- Easy to find. You can grab bamboo skewers at nearly any grocery store or online.
- No heat retention. Unlike metal skewers, wood doesn’t get as hot, so there's less risk of accidentally burning yourself.
Pros of Metal Skewers
- Reusable. Metal skewers can be washed and reused, making them a more sustainable option.
- Flat designs available. Some metal skewers are flat, which helps prevent food from spinning as you cook or flip them.
- No soaking required. Unlike wood skewers, metal ones are ready to use right out of the box.
Ultimately, the choice between wood and metal comes down to personal preference and what you have on hand. Just make sure whatever skewers you use fit your air fryer basket.
Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Skewers
Using skewers in your air fryer is a great way to make healthy and delicious meals, but there are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results:
- Single layer cooking. Always place your skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking and helps the food brown properly.
- Cut ingredients evenly. Whether you’re using chicken style pieces, bell peppers, or red onions, make sure everything is cut into similar-sized, bite-size pieces, like 1-inch cubes, to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave some space between the skewers for proper air circulation.
- Use a marinade. A simple marinade with ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, lemon juice, and brown sugar can take your skewers to the next level. Marinate your chunks and veggies in a large mixing bowl for at least 30 minutes before skewering.
Storing and Prepping in Advance
One of the best things about air fryer recipes is how easy they are to prep ahead of time. Here’s how you can save time:
- Prep and store: Thread your marinated chunks and veggies onto skewers, then store them in an airtight container or a large Ziploc bag in the fridge. This can be done up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Leftover storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain their crispy, juicy texture.
Why Air Fryer Skewers Are a Great Way to Cook
Air frying skewers are not only easy to make but also a healthier alternative to grilling or frying them!
The high heat of the air fryer ensures tender chunks or veggies are cooked to perfection without the need for excessive cooking oil. Plus, it’s an ideal option for weeknight dinners or when you want to avoid the summer heat of outdoor grilling.
So, can you put wood skewers in air fryer? Absolutely! Just remember to soak them first and make sure they fit your air fryer basket.
Whether you’re whipping up air fryer chicken style kabobs, shish kebabs, or beef style skewers, this cooking method is a simple way to enjoy delicious, flavorful meals with minimal fuss. Don’t forget to experiment with different marinade ingredients and veggies to keep things exciting for the whole family!
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Air frying is a great way to enjoy your favorite recipes, and with these tips, you’ll be making perfectly cooked skewers in no time. Happy cooking!
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You might also enjoy trying my Air Fryer Flatbread Pizza for an easy weeknight dinner or Air Fryer Popcorn for a fun snack idea!
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