Can You Put Wooden Skewers in an Air Fryer?
Yes, if you soak them first and they fit without touching the element.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Yes
Yes, if you soak them first and they fit without touching the element.
Yes, if you soak them first and they fit without touching the element. This is a yes/no and safety page, not a full recipe. Below is how people actually do it, what goes wrong, and when to use something else.
How to do it (or what to do instead)
- 1Soak in water for 20-30 minutes, trim them to fit the basket, and keep them clear of the top element.
- 2Decide whether wooden skewers belongs in the basket at all: Yes. Yes, if you soak them first and they fit without touching the element.
- 3Soak in water for 20-30 minutes, trim them to fit the basket, and keep them clear of the top element.
- 4Watch for this result: Unsoaked skewers scorch and can smoke. Metal skewers avoid the problem entirely if yours fit.
- 5If you skip the air fryer, Soak in water for 20-30 minutes, trim them to fit the basket, and keep them clear of the top element.
Tips for the best results
- What to expect: Unsoaked skewers scorch and can smoke. Metal skewers avoid the problem entirely if yours fit.
- If this method is not working in your model, drop the temperature 10°C / 20°F and add a minute rather than forcing a hotter basket.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Unsoaked skewers scorch and can smoke. Metal skewers avoid the problem entirely if yours fit.
- Ignoring the verdict (Yes) and treating wooden skewers like a standard air-fryer chip.
Why this answer
Yes, if you soak them first and they fit without touching the element.
Yes. Yes, if you soak them first and they fit without touching the element.
Risks and limits
Unsoaked skewers scorch and can smoke. Metal skewers avoid the problem entirely if yours fit.
Better alternatives
If this method is not working in your model, drop the temperature 10°C / 20°F and add a minute rather than forcing a hotter basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you air fry wooden skewers?
Yes. Yes, if you soak them first and they fit without touching the element.
What should I do instead of air frying wooden skewers?
Soak in water for 20-30 minutes, trim them to fit the basket, and keep them clear of the top element.
What goes wrong with wooden skewers in an air fryer?
Unsoaked skewers scorch and can smoke. Metal skewers avoid the problem entirely if yours fit.