Go Back

Air Fryer Vegetable Kebabs With Tahini – Quick, Colorful, and Flavor-Packed

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the kebabs: 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1-inch rounds
  • 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
  • 8–10 cherry tomatoes
  • 8–10 cremini or button mushrooms, halved if large
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers (see notes below)
  • For the tahini sauce: 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2–3 tablespoons warm water (more as needed)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, very finely grated or minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for extra richness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch of cayenne or aleppo pepper (optional)
  • To serve (optional): Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Sesame seeds or dukkah for crunch
  • Warm pita or cooked grains

Method
 

  1. Prep the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent scorching. Metal skewers can be used as-is.
  2. Cut the vegetables: Aim for similar sizes. Keep pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches so they cook evenly without falling apart.
  3. Mix the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Toss the vegetables: Add peppers, zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and mushrooms to the bowl. Toss until evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes while you make the sauce.
  5. Make the tahini sauce: In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and olive oil (if using). Whisk in warm water a spoonful at a time until it’s creamy and pourable. Adjust salt and lemon to taste.
  6. Assemble the kebabs: Thread vegetables onto skewers, alternating colors and textures. Don’t pack them too tightly; a little space helps air flow and browning.
  7. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390–400°F (200–205°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Air fry in batches: Arrange skewers in a single layer. Cook for 8–12 minutes, turning halfway, until edges are charred and veggies are tender. Total time depends on your air fryer and veg size.
  9. Finish and serve: Transfer to a plate, drizzle generously with tahini sauce, and top with herbs, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lemon. Serve warm with pita or grains if you like.