Air Fryer Lamb Kebabs
Temperature
380°F
195°C
Time
12 min
4 skewers
Safe internal
145°F
63°C · piping hot
Prep
20 min
Cook
12 min
Total
32 min
Lamb kebabs are an easy answer to a craving for something a bit special - cubes of marinated lamb that char at the edges and stay juicy inside. The dry heat blisters them like a grill, ready in about fifteen minutes start to finish.
Ingredients
Quantities for 4 skewers - the times on this page assume that much in the basket.
- 500g lamb leg or shoulder, cut into even 1-inch cubes
- 1 red onion, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper
How to air fry lamb kebabs
- Cut the lamb into even cubes, mix with the oil, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper, and leave to marinate for at least thirty minutes. Cut the onion and pepper into chunks about the same size as the lamb, then thread the skewers alternately - a piece of vegetable between each cube holds the meat apart, so the sides brown instead of steaming against each other.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Add the fresh lamb kebabs to the basket. Leave space between the skewers so the cubes brown rather than steam.
- Cook for about 12 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through.
- Check it has reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving.
Pro tip
Marinate the lamb for at least 30 minutes and cut the cubes evenly so they finish together.
How to tell when it's done
Cook the lamb to 145°F (63°C) for pink and tender, checking a middle cube since they cook a hair faster than a solid joint. Aim for browned, slightly charred edges with a bit of give - any longer and they tighten and dry out.
Safe internal temperature
Cook to 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.
Converting from an oven recipe
If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 380°F for 12 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.
Air fryer lamb kebabs: FAQ
How long does it take to air fry lamb kebabs?
Air fry lamb kebabs at 380°F (195°C) for about 12 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through. That's for 4 skewers in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.
What temperature do you air fry lamb kebabs at?
Set the air fryer to 380°F (195°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for lamb kebabs?
A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.
What's the safe internal temperature for lamb kebabs?
Cook lamb kebabs to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.