These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy bites of chicken tossed in garlic and sprinkled with a cheesy twist. They cook quickly and make a fantastic snack or meal!
They are easy to whip up, and you won’t need a grill! I love serving them with a side of veggies or dipping sauce—it always makes for a fun dinner! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for this recipe, giving a tender texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works well too. Alternatively, you can use thighs for additional flavor.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the chicken cook evenly. If you’re out, avocado oil or melted butter are great substitutes. Just be mindful that butter may enhance the flavor but can alter cooking times slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1 teaspoon will do. Keep in mind that it’s less potent than fresh, so adjust to taste!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice cheesy crust. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Pecorino Romano can also work if you want a sharper taste.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs is perfect for flavoring the chicken. If you don’t have it, make your own using dried oregano, basil, and thyme—or just use any Italian herb you have on hand.
How Do I Get the Chicken Skewers Cooked Evenly in the Air Fryer?
Cooking chicken skewers in the air fryer is pretty straightforward but requires some attention to detail for even cooking. The key is how you prepare and arrange the chicken on the skewers.
- Make sure to soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
- When marinating, let the chicken sit for a minimum of 15 minutes. This way, the flavors can penetrate better.
- Keep a bit of space between the chicken cubes on the skewers. This allows hot air to circulate and cook them thoroughly.
- Flip the skewers halfway through to promote even browning and cooking on all sides.
With these steps, you’re set for delicious, perfectly cooked skewers every time! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and marinating the chicken, plus an additional 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. In a little over half an hour, you’ll have delicious chicken skewers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, the first step is to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the skewers from burning when cooking in the air fryer.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Once combined, add the chicken cubes into the bowl and gently mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the yummy flavors.
3. Assembling the Skewers:
Now it’s time to thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Carefully place the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece. This spacing helps them cook evenly.
4. Preheating the Air Fryer:
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). It should take about 5 minutes for the air fryer to be ready.
5. Cooking the Skewers:
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the chicken skewers in the basket in a single layer. Air fry the skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken should be cooked through and look golden brown on the outside.
6. Serving:
After cooking, carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely color and fresh taste. Serve these delicious skewers hot over a bed of mashed potatoes or with your favorite side dish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness to your skewers. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized 1-inch cubes for even cooking. The marinating time remains the same.
Can I Substitute Fresh Garlic with Garlic Powder?
Yes, you can use garlic powder! For each clove of fresh garlic, use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Keep in mind that the flavor will be milder, so adjust according to your taste preference.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain their crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe with Other Proteins?
Definitely! You can use shrimp, pork tenderloin, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein used, especially for shrimp, which cooks quicker at about 8-10 minutes.
