Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect recipe to try. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a crispy golden coating of garlic, parmesan, and herbs, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Plus, it’s low in fat, easy to prepare, and perfect for any weeknight meal or gathering.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Air fryers have quickly become a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. They provide a healthier way to prepare your favorite foods with less oil while maintaining that crispy texture we all love. Air fryer chicken skewers are not only flavorful but also require minimal prep time, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

The garlic parmesan coating adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly, while the air fryer gives the skewers a crisp finish. This recipe is versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

To make these delicious skewers, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden skewers)

Instructions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  1. Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the garlic parmesan mixture. Toss to coat each piece evenly with the coating.
  4. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the coated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
  5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
  6. Air Fry the Chicken Skewers: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

  • Chicken Thighs for Juicier Skewers: While chicken breasts are a lean option, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked in the air fryer.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For even cooking and a crispy texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic parmesan mixture for a spicy kick that will elevate the flavors.
  • Marinate the Chicken: For even more depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes to an hour before coating it with the parmesan mix.

Why Choose Air Fryer Chicken Skewers?

The air fryer method ensures that your chicken skewers cook up perfectly with a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. By using less oil compared to traditional frying, you can enjoy a healthier version of this flavorful dish. Plus, the air fryer reduces cooking time significantly, so you can have a delicious meal ready in just about 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

  • Salads: Serve your skewers over a bed of greens, such as a Greek salad or Caesar salad.
  • Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a great side.
  • Rice or Quinoa: A simple side of rice or quinoa adds texture and complements the savory flavors of the skewers.
  • Dips: Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, blue cheese, or a tangy yogurt dip.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a must-try recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet indulgent meal in no time. With the perfect balance of garlic, parmesan, and crispy texture, these skewers will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, they are sure to impress. Enjoy the goodness of air-fried chicken skewers with minimal fuss and maximum flavor!

Serving and Storage Tips for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Serving Tips:

  1. Add a Garnish: To elevate the dish, garnish the chicken skewers with freshly chopped parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese. This adds a burst of color and enhances the flavor.
  2. Pair with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, buffalo sauce, or a creamy garlic aioli to complement the savory garlic parmesan flavors of the skewers.
  3. Serve on a Skewer Stand: For a fun and elegant presentation, serve the chicken skewers on a skewer stand or a plate with a small bowl for dipping. This makes them perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
  4. Accompaniments: These skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as:
    • A crisp green salad (e.g., Caesar or arugula salad)
    • Roasted or grilled vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus)
    • Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
    • Rice or quinoa for a hearty side
  5. Make it a Meal: Pair the skewers with a grain bowl, adding some sautéed greens or roasted sweet potatoes for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigerating Leftovers: If you have any leftover skewers, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This will keep the chicken moist while maintaining its flavor.
  2. Freezing: To extend the shelf life of your chicken skewers, you can freeze them. After they have cooled completely, wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Reheating: Reheat leftover skewers in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for quicker reheating, but the texture may not be as crispy.
  4. Serving Leftovers: Reheated chicken skewers can be served on top of a salad, mixed into pasta, or enjoyed as a snack on their own. They’re also perfect for meal prepping for the week.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers fresh or as leftovers without compromising on flavor or texture!

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, which helps keep the skewers tender and moist. Just make sure to cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

2. How can I make these skewers spicy?

To add a spicy kick to your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, simply mix in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the garlic parmesan coating. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it. Alternatively, drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for an extra layer of heat.

3. Can I make the garlic parmesan coating ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic parmesan coating ahead of time. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply coat the chicken as instructed and proceed with the recipe.

4. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the skewers or air fryer basket?

To prevent the chicken from sticking, ensure that you lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil before placing the skewers inside. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before threading the chicken, which helps prevent them from burning or sticking during cooking.

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: Garlic parmesan chicken, Chicken skewers, Air fryer chicken, Healthy dinner recipe

Description

These air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. The chicken is marinated with garlic, parmesan, and herbs, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and healthy meal. Perfect for appetizers, dinners, or meal prep!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning)

Optional Garnish:

  • Additional grated Parmesan
  • Chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade:
    • In a large bowl, mix olive oil, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Marinate the chicken:
    • Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
  3. Assemble the skewers:
    • Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
  4. Preheat the air fryer:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Cook the chicken:
    • Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
    • Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and slightly golden.
  6. Serve:
    • Transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy texture, sprinkle a bit of panko breadcrumbs on the chicken before air frying.
  • You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer.

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