If you’re hunting for a deliciously easy dinner idea that everyone will love, look no further than this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe! Bursting with garlic-infused butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan, these skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These skewers go from prep to plate in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
- Bursting with Flavor: The garlic parmesan coating adds a savory depth that is simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, pair them with a salad for a light meal or add some rice for a filling dinner.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this fun way to enjoy chicken!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe are delightfully simple, yet they come together to create something truly mouthwatering. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor that enhances the next, leading to a perfectly balanced dish.
- Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their juiciness and flavor, but breasts work if preferred.
- Garlic and Herb Seasoning: A pre-mixed seasoning that adds an herbaceous punch with minimal effort.
- Olive Oil: Helps to coat the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened to combine well, creating a luxuriously creamy garlic butter.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated to seamlessly meld with the garlic butter for a savory kick.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to tweak this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe to suit your tastes. It’s highly adaptable, ensuring you’ll always have a delicious meal that meets your needs.
- Spicy Option: Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a fiery twist.
- Herb Substitution: Use fresh basil or thyme in place of parsley for a different herby note.
- Citrus Zing: A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving adds a bright, refreshing touch.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers
If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer. Ensure your skewers fit snugly in the air fryer basket to avoid any culinary jigsaw puzzles later!
Step 2: Season Your Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with olive oil and garlic and herb seasoning until well coated. This simple step ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the skewers in the basket and cook for about 8 minutes. Flip them over, brush with that dreamy garlic butter, and continue cooking until they reach a juicy 165°F internally.
Step 4: Butter Them Up!
While the chicken is cooking, mix together your garlic butter ingredients. After cooking, give the skewers another brush of butter for a glossy finish that’s absolutely irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Perfect Temperature: Always preheat your air fryer for the best results—trust me, it makes all the difference!
- Effortless Marination: Let your chicken marinate in the garlic and herb seasoning for about an hour if you have the time. It’s worth the wait!
- Balance the Flavor: Don’t shy away from brushing on extra garlic butter. It melts into the chicken, making every bite a flavor bomb.
- Skewer Size: Cut your chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking and prevent them from drying out.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and some extra grated Parmesan make these skewers visually inviting and amp up the flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side wouldn’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
Pair these skewers with a light Caesar salad or a side of garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting combo. For a lighter option, go for a simple couscous or quinoa salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these into a party appetizer by serving mini skewers. Get fancy with a decorative platter, laying the skewers across a bed of parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They make for a quick and tasty lunch when you’re in a pinch.
Freezing
These skewers freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to two months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-6 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the skin is crispy again. Microwaving will work too, though you might sacrifice some crunchiness.
FAQs
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Can I use metal skewers in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Metal skewers work perfectly in the air fryer and don’t require any soaking, making them a convenient choice.
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What can I use instead of chicken thighs?
Chicken breasts are a great alternative if you prefer a leaner option, though they might be slightly less juicy.
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How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of the equation.
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Is it possible to bake these skewers instead?
Certainly! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes. Just flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
In less than 30 minutes, the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe can brighten up your dinner table with ease and flavor. Warm, savory, and ever so satisfying, these skewers are a surefire hit whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a special occasion. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite!
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe features tender, flavorful chicken pieces coated with garlic and herb seasoning, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Topped with a rich garlic Parmesan butter, these skewers make for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Ingredients
Chicken
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 1/2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
1 Tbsp olive oil
6 skewers, metal or bamboo
Garlic Parmesan Butter
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare: If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning; metal skewers do not require soaking. Ensure the skewers are long enough to fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and garlic and herb seasoning until evenly coated.
- Prepare Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, about 7-8 pieces per skewer, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes. Flip or shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, kosher salt, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed.
- Continue Cooking & Brush with Garlic Butter: After the initial 8 minutes, flip the skewers and brush generously with the garlic Parmesan butter. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Final Touch & Serve: Once cooked, brush the skewers with additional garlic butter if desired, sprinkle with extra parsley or Parmesan, and serve immediately.
Notes
- I’ve estimated this recipe serves 4, but feel free to adjust servings as needed.
- For homemade garlic and herb seasoning, combine dried minced garlic, kosher salt, garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer baking, bake skewers at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
- For grilling, cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 4 oz chicken)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
