Mediterranean Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer) with Tomato Feta Salad and Zucchini

These Mediterranean chicken skewers are marinated in a bold blend of balsamic glaze, garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then air-fried until juicy and golden. Served with a refreshing tomato feta salad and crispy zucchini, this colorful meal delivers vibrant flavor in every bite. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together everything you crave in a Mediterranean-inspired meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, infused with sweet and tangy balsamic flavor, earthy oregano, warm coriander, and rich tomato paste. Air frying locks in moisture while creating beautifully caramelized edges.

The tomato feta salad adds freshness, creaminess, and a burst of minty brightness. Meanwhile, the zucchini turns golden and slightly crisp in the air fryer, offering a simple yet delicious vegetable side.

You’ll also love that:

• It’s ready in under an hour
• It’s packed with bold, balanced flavors
• It’s perfect for meal prep
• It works in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill
• It feels impressive but is incredibly easy to make

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Skewers:

2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon tomato paste
4 garlic cloves, grated
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Tomato Feta Salad:

4 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (about 5–6 medium tomatoes or 2 pints grape tomatoes)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on feta saltiness)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Air-Fried Zucchini:

3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, tomato paste, grated garlic, salt, oregano, coriander, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers
   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow even cooking.
3. Air Fry the Chicken
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket or on the tray. Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Tomato Feta Salad
   While the chicken cooks, combine chopped tomatoes, olive oil, feta, mint, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss gently and let sit at room temperature until ready to serve.
5. Air Fry the Zucchini
   Toss zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.
6. Serve
   Plate the chicken skewers alongside the tomato feta salad and crispy zucchini. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (up to 2 hours optional)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 50–60 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken breast for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the skewers before serving for extra brightness.

Serve the skewers over rice, quinoa, or inside warm pita bread for a heartier meal.

Add sliced red onion, cucumber, or olives to the tomato feta salad for more texture and depth.

Season the zucchini with garlic powder, paprika, or grated Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken, salad, and zucchini separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat the chicken, place it in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat.

Zucchini can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some crispness.

The tomato feta salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 1 day. Stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, you can grill the skewers over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, turning once, or bake them in a 425°F (220°C) oven for about 15–18 minutes.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Marinating also helps keep the chicken juicy.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

You can marinate it for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marination may slightly change the texture due to the acidity.

What type of tomatoes work best?

Grape, cherry, roma, or vine-ripened tomatoes all work well. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.

Can I prepare this for meal prep?

Yes, the chicken holds up very well for meal prep. Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels if needed.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

How do I keep zucchini from becoming soggy?

Slice evenly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and cook in a single layer for best texture.

What can I serve with this meal?

Warm pita bread, rice pilaf, couscous, or a simple green salad pair beautifully with these skewers.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Yes, bell peppers, red onions, or cherry tomatoes can be threaded onto the skewers alongside the chicken.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers with Tomato Feta Salad and Zucchini is a fresh, flavorful meal that combines juicy marinated chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a bright, herb-filled salad. With simple ingredients and quick air fryer cooking, this dish delivers bold Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or planning meals for the week, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

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