Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor grilling, but when weather doesn’t cooperate, a versatile air fryer can be your best friend. The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer with Smart Cook Thermometer offers a convenient way to cook perfectly tender chicken skewers indoors, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to prepare, cook, and serve delicious chicken skewers using this multi-functional kitchen appliance, making your summer meals effortless and enjoyable.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer w/ Smart Cook Thermometer
- ✔ Power: 1500W
- ✔ Weight: 22 lbs
- ✔ Warranty: 1 Year

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 the perfect doneness, from rare to well-done, at the touch of a button with...
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Preparing the Chicken Skewers
Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform pieces for even cooking. Marinate the chicken with your favorite summer flavors—think lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and a splash of olive oil—for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
While marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a colorful presentation and added flavor.
Cooking with the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
Preheat your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer to 375°F using the Air Fry or Roast setting. Insert the Smart Cook Thermometer into one of the chicken pieces to monitor internal temperature.
Place the skewers in the dual-zone baskets, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow air circulation. Use the Match Cook & Smart Finish feature to set both zones for synchronized cooking.
Cook for about 12-15 minutes, checking the thermometer periodically. The Smart Cook Thermometer will alert you when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring perfectly cooked poultry every time.
Serving and Tips for Perfect Results
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain juices and enhances flavor.
Serve your chicken skewers with a side of fresh salad, rice, or summer grilled vegetables. For an extra touch, drizzle with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite sauce.
Tip: Use the Smart Cook Thermometer’s real-time temperature tracking for precise doneness, and consider experimenting with different marinades or vegetable combos for variety throughout the season.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja Foodi Air Fryer w/ Smart Cook Thermometer

The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer with Smart Cook Thermometer simplifies summer cooking with its multi-functionality and precise temperature control. It’s ideal for indoor grilling and quick, delicious meals.
Pros:
- Easy to use with Smart Cook Thermometer
- DualZone™ match cooking for consistency
- Large 10 Qt capacity for family meals
- Multiple cooking functions in one appliance
Cons:
- Can be bulky for small kitchens
- Requires some initial setup for skewers
- Cooking time may vary with load size
Best for: Home cooks looking for a summer grilling alternative that’s quick and reliable
Not ideal for: Those with limited kitchen space or who prefer traditional outdoor grilling
Bottom line: Effortlessly achieve perfectly cooked summer chicken skewers with the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer.
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