Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are an easy, flavorful, and healthy option for a meal or snack. The combination of garlic, butter, olive oil, and parmesan creates a crispy and savory coating that is hard to resist. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, these chicken skewers come out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Wooden skewers (if using, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- If you’re using chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces (around 1.5-2 inch cubes).
- If you prefer skewers, thread the chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth mixture.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces (or chicken skewers) into the bowl with the garlic parmesan mixture. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the garlic and parmesan mixture.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry the Chicken Skewers:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken skewers or chicken pieces into the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden, crispy on the outside, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
6. Serve:
- Remove the skewers or chicken pieces from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with extra grated parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
- Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:
- Chicken Choice: You can use chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts depending on your preference. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breasts are leaner.
- Air Fryer Size: Ensure there’s enough space between the chicken pieces for even air circulation. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Storage: Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Flavor Variations: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a burst of citrus, or toss in fresh chopped parsley for added flavor.
Q&A Section:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating or skewering. For air frying, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Q2: What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
A2: No worries! You can make this recipe using chicken pieces without skewers. Simply arrange the coated chicken pieces directly in the air fryer basket, and air fry as usual.
Q3: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A3: Yes, if you’d prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the butter with more olive oil or use a low-calorie butter substitute.
Q4: How can I make the chicken even crispier?
A4: To get a crispier texture, you can spray a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil over the chicken before air frying. This helps to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
Q5: Can I make this recipe without garlic?
A5: While garlic adds a lot of flavor to the recipe, you can omit it or replace it with other seasonings like onion powder or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Q6: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?
A6: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Final Thoughts:
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are an easy and tasty dish that’s perfect for dinner, appetizers, or a fun snack. With the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. Enjoy them as is or with your favorite sides and sauces! 🍗🧄🧀