Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

There’s something truly magical about the combination of garlic and parmesan. It’s a flavor profile that never fails to impress, whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering. And when you pair those flavors with juicy chicken skewers cooked in an air fryer, you get a dish that’s both mouthwatering and easy to prepare.

I came up with this recipe because, as much as I love a good chicken dinner, I’m always looking for ways to make it more exciting without spending hours in the kitchen. Air frying has been my go-to for quick, delicious meals, and the crispy, golden exterior that the air fryer gives to these chicken skewers is nothing short of amazing.

So, if you’re ready for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a favorite, keep reading. You’ll find that these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect addition to any meal!

Why I Love This Recipe

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Let’s talk about why this recipe is something you’ll find yourself making again and again. The great thing about chicken skewers is that they’re incredibly versatile, and they can be made with just about any seasoning or sauce you have on hand. But when you add garlic and parmesan into the mix, you create a dynamic duo that brings depth, richness, and a little bit of indulgence to every bite.

The air fryer is what truly takes these chicken skewers to the next level. It delivers that perfect, crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. No need for deep-frying or standing over a hot stove—just pop the skewers in the air fryer, and in less than 20 minutes, you’ve got a dish that’s restaurant-quality.

Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients means that anyone, no matter their cooking experience, can easily recreate this dish at home. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or even impressing guests with a dish that looks and tastes much more complicated than it actually is.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

To make these delicious skewers, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breast or thighs: These are the stars of the dish. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean, tender texture. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Olive oil: A little olive oil helps the garlic and parmesan stick to the chicken while also contributing to that crispy texture.
• Garlic powder: This adds that savory, aromatic garlic flavor without the need for fresh garlic. It’s perfect for getting an even distribution of flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan works best for a bold, nutty taste. It melts beautifully on the chicken and creates that golden, crispy crust.
• Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, which complements the garlic and parmesan perfectly.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken to taste.
• Wooden skewers or metal skewers: You’ll need something to thread your chicken onto. If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.

This combination of ingredients brings together bold, savory flavors with the perfect balance of crispy and tender textures. And the best part? All of these ingredients are easy to find and affordable.

How Much Time Will You Need

The beauty of air fryer recipes is their speed. This dish doesn’t require hours of prep or cooking time. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect:

• Prep time: 10 minutes. This is just enough time to cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, thread it onto the skewers, and toss it in your garlic parmesan mixture.
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes in the air fryer, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. The air fryer does its magic quickly, so you’ll be enjoying your meal in no time!
• Total time: Around 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect recipe for when you’re in a rush but still want something that feels like a treat.

How to Make These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Ready to get cooking? Here’s your step-by-step guide to making these delicious skewers:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken Cut your chicken breasts (or thighs) into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Aim for about 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Season the chicken In a bowl, drizzle the chicken pieces with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Toss the chicken until every piece is coated in the seasoning.

Step 3: Thread the chicken onto skewers Take your skewers and thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto them, making sure they’re snug but not overcrowded. This will allow the air fryer to circulate the hot air properly around each piece for an even cook.

Step 4: Add the parmesan Grate your parmesan cheese and sprinkle it generously over the chicken skewers. The cheese will melt and form a crispy, golden crust during the cooking process.

Step 5: Air fry the skewers Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s a little space between each skewer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove the skewers from the air fryer. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving, so the juices have a chance to redistribute within the chicken.

Substitutions

While this recipe is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Chicken options: You can easily swap out the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier cut of meat. You can also use boneless chicken tenders or even turkey breast if you’re looking for a leaner option.
• Herbs and spices: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, try a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
• Cheese variations: While parmesan is the star of this recipe, you could try using a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for an extra cheesy experience. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, there are plant-based parmesan cheeses available.
• Olive oil alternatives: If you’re out of olive oil, any other oil like avocado or vegetable oil will work just fine. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point that can handle the air fryer’s heat.

Best Side Dish for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Pairing the right side dish with these skewers can take your meal from good to great. Here are three ideas for the perfect accompaniments:

1. Garlic bread: A crunchy, buttery side of garlic bread complements the flavors of the skewers perfectly.
2. Caesar salad: The fresh, crisp greens with a tangy Caesar dressing balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
3. Roasted vegetables: You can never go wrong with roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. Their slight caramelization and tender texture are the perfect match for the savory skewers.

If you’re ready for the second part of this detailed guide, just let me know with a “write part 2” prompt!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presenting your dish beautifully can elevate the dining experience, making it even more enjoyable for you and your guests. When it comes to these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, the presentation is as easy as it is impressive.

Here are a few tips to serve and present your skewers with style:

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness. Not only does this brighten up the plate, but the fresh herbs also complement the garlic parmesan flavors, making the dish even more aromatic.
2. Serve on a Platter or Board: Presentation matters, so place your chicken skewers on a rustic wooden platter or a sleek white serving board. This gives a more polished look to the meal, making it feel like something you’d find at a fancy restaurant.
3. Drizzle with Extra Sauce: If you love the garlic parmesan flavor, consider drizzling a little extra garlic butter or even a homemade aioli on the plate to serve as a dipping sauce. This will add extra richness and flavor to each bite.
4. Serve with Sides in Small Bowls: If you’re pairing your skewers with sides like a Caesar salad or roasted vegetables, serve them in small bowls or ramekins alongside the skewers. This keeps the presentation neat and tidy while making it easier for your guests to serve themselves.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

If you want to take your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to the next level, here are some extra tips and tricks that will make them even more delicious:

• Marinate the Chicken: While this recipe is fantastic with just a quick seasoning, marinating the chicken in the garlic, olive oil, and parmesan mixture for 30 minutes (or even overnight) can enhance the flavors even further. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more it will absorb those rich, savory flavors.
• Use Fresh Garlic: While garlic powder works great, using fresh minced garlic can add even more intense flavor. Add the minced garlic directly to the olive oil before tossing it with the chicken for a burst of freshness.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Ensure that the chicken pieces are evenly spaced on the skewers. Overcrowding can prevent the air fryer from cooking the chicken evenly, leaving you with some pieces that are undercooked or dry. If needed, use multiple skewers.
• Add a Twist of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving brightens up the rich flavors and adds a refreshing contrast. You could also zest a bit of lemon over the skewers for a zesty finish.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken before cooking. It will add a spicy kick to the savory garlic parmesan flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that people sometimes make. Avoiding them will ensure that your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Since chicken breast is lean, it’s easy to overcook it, which leads to dry and tough meat. Keep an eye on the skewers as they cook, and don’t hesitate to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that your chicken skewers cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Don’t skip this step, even though it’s tempting to throw everything in right away.
• Not Soaking Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken on. This prevents them from burning during the air frying process.
• Not Using Enough Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and contributes to the crispy texture. If you skimp on the oil, the chicken may not get that beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Using Old Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated or powdered parmesan may not melt as nicely or provide the same rich, nutty flavor.

How to Store It

If you have leftovers (which is rare but possible!), you can store your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for later. Here’s how:

• In the Refrigerator: Place the leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture.
• In the Freezer: If you want to store them for even longer, wrap the chicken skewers in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then air fry them again to get that crispy texture.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about making these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They are a bit juicier than chicken breasts, so you’ll get a slightly richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. Can I make these skewers without a wooden or metal skewer? While skewers make it easier to cook and serve the chicken, you can absolutely cook the chicken pieces directly in the air fryer basket without using skewers. Just arrange the chicken in a single layer and air fry as directed.
3. What can I serve these chicken skewers with? These skewers pair beautifully with a variety of sides, including garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can even serve them with rice or pasta for a complete meal.
4. Can I marinate the chicken before cooking? Yes! Marinating the chicken will add even more flavor to the dish. You can marinate the chicken in the garlic, olive oil, and parmesan mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
5. What if I don’t have an air fryer? If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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