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Delicious air fryer lamb skewers served with fresh vegetables

Air Fryer Lamb Skewers

These air fryer lamb skewers are seasoned with a soy and cumin marinade, charred to perfection, and ready in minutes, making them a quick and flavorful alternative to grilling.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Fusion, Street Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lamb leg (or stew meat, or medallions) *See footnote 1
  • 1/2 onion onion, sliced
  • 20 6" bamboo skewers or 15 cm bamboo skewers
Marinade
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) Optional
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons cumin powder, and extra for cooking
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, and extra for cooking
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn (or ground black pepper)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine the peanut oil, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), cornstarch, cumin powder, chili flakes, and salt. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture looks smooth.
  2. Trim excess fat if needed. Cut the lean meat into 1.5 cm (1") cubes. If you have fat, slice it into thin pieces about half the size of the lean cubes.
  3. Add the lamb and sliced onion to a large bowl. Pour the marinade over everything and mix well.
  4. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.
Cooking
  1. Thread the lamb cubes snugly onto the bamboo skewers, alternating lean and fat pieces when possible.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in the preheated air fryer.
  3. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through and sprinkling with extra cumin and chili flakes.
  4. Serve right away while the skewers are at their best.

Notes

For best results, keep lamb cubes at 1" to ensure even cooking. Use the air fryer for reheating to retain some charred edges.