Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Elevate your mealtime with these delectable Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, a perfect fusion of savory flavors and convenience. These skewers are crafted with tender pieces of chicken infused with a robust blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powders, ensuring each bite is flavorful and satisfying.

The magic lies in the rich garlic parmesan sauce, which adds a delightful creamy and tangy layer, enhanced by a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and optional hot sauce. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, these skewers are not only quick and easy to prepare but also promise a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Ideal for casual dinners or entertaining, they are sure to become a favorite addition to your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Flavorful and Savory: These chicken skewers are packed with bold flavors, thanks to the combination of garlic, parmesan, and a blend of spices. The savory richness of the butter and cheese, combined with aromatic garlic, creates a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist.

Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer ensures that the chicken develops a deliciously crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy and tender interior. This contrast of textures makes each bite satisfying and enjoyable.

Quick and Convenient: Using an air fryer significantly reduces cooking time, making this recipe a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. It allows you to achieve a gourmet taste without the hassle of traditional grilling or frying.

Customizable Spice Level: With the option to add hot sauce and adjust the amount of red pepper flakes, you can easily tailor the spice level to suit your personal preferences, making it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors.

Perfect for Entertaining: These skewers are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them an excellent choice for entertaining guests. Their skewer format makes them easy to serve and enjoy at parties or casual get-togethers.

Versatile Pairing: These skewers pair well with a variety of sides, from simple salads to hearty grains, making them a versatile addition to any meal. They can be served as a main dish or as an attractive appetizer.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken Tenders, Thighs, or Breast: These versatile cuts of chicken provide a tender and juicy base for the skewers, readily absorbing the flavorful marinade and seasonings.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with a robust and aromatic flavor, forming the backbone of the savory garlic parmesan sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture to the sauce, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish.

Olive Oil and Butter: Olive oil coats the chicken, helping the spices adhere, while melted butter in the sauce provides a rich, buttery flavor that complements the garlic and cheese.

Red Pepper Flakes and Hot Sauce (Optional): These ingredients introduce a subtle kick of heat, allowing for a customizable spice level that can be adjusted to taste.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast

2 tbsp olive oil

1 stick butter

8-10 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

Prepare Skewers: Immerse wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, blend together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set this spice mixture aside.

Season Chicken: Cut the chicken into approximately 3-inch pieces. Coat them with olive oil and toss with the prepared seasoning blend until evenly covered.

Assemble Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto each skewer. Trim the skewers as needed to fit inside your air fryer.

Prepare Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic. Heat until the butter is partially melted, then stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.

Reserve Sauce: Set aside 1/3 of the sauce for basting while cooking. Keep the rest for brushing the chicken after it’s cooked.

Cook Skewers: Position 2-3 skewers in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for about 5 minutes.

Baste and Continue Cooking: Turn the skewers over, baste with the reserved sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Final Cook and Baste: Turn the skewers once more, baste again, and cook for another 5-6 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The total cooking time should be around 12-14 minutes.

Finishing Touches: Finally, brush the skewers with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes:

Choosing Chicken Cuts: You can use chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option. Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.

Soaking Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.

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Seasoning the Chicken: Make sure to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the seasoning mixture. This ensures that each piece is well-flavored.

Sauce Preparation: When preparing the garlic parmesan sauce, ensure the butter is only partially melted before adding the other ingredients. This helps blend the flavors more effectively.

Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce. For more heat, increase these ingredients according to your taste.

Cooking in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the skewers in batches. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy.

Serving Suggestions: These skewers are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta dish. They’re also great for dipping in additional sauce or a creamy dressing.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with other meats such as turkey or pork tenderloin.

Just ensure that the meat is cut into similar-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it is cooked through safely.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can grill the skewers on a barbecue or cook them in an oven.

For oven cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, you can omit or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce.

This will still give you a flavorful dish without the added heat.

You can also serve it with a cooling dip like ranch dressing or yogurt sauce.

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken skewers a few hours ahead of time.

Simply marinate the chicken pieces in the seasoning mixture and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

The flavors will develop further as they marinate.

What are good side dishes to serve with these skewers?

These skewers pair well with a variety of side dishes.

Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light pasta salad.

For a more filling meal, you can also serve them alongside rice or quinoa.

How do I prevent the wooden skewers from burning in the air fryer?

To prevent burning, soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them.

This adds moisture to the skewers, reducing the likelihood of burning during cooking.

Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Yes, you can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand. However, fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor.

If using garlic powder, start with about 1/4 teaspoon per clove of garlic and adjust to taste.

What type of air fryer should I use, and how do I know if my chicken is cooked?

Any standard air fryer should work for this recipe.

Be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F, indicating it is safely cooked through.

How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out?

To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking by monitoring the cooking time closely.

Marinating the chicken in the olive oil and spice mixture also helps retain moisture.

Additionally, basting the chicken with the reserved sauce during cooking enhances juiciness.

Can I freeze the chicken skewers for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, marinated chicken pieces.

Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.

When ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator, then thread onto skewers and proceed with air frying.