Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers bring together a crispy outer layer with juicy, tender chicken inside in a fraction of the time grilling requires. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining without the hassle of outdoor cooking or messy stovetop pans.

I first made these skewers on a busy weeknight when I craved something flavorful but fast. Now they’ve become a regular request in my household since the air fryer keeps things quick and cleanup easy.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 1.5 pounds cut into 1inch cubes for even cooking and tenderness
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons to keep the chicken moist and help the marinade adhere
• Garlic: 4 cloves minced to infuse every bite with rich flavor or use garlic powder for convenience
• Parmesan cheese: Half a cup freshly grated adds nuttiness and a crispy crust when sprinkled at the end
• Dried Italian herbs: 1 teaspoon bring fragrant Mediterranean notes look for good quality blends
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon gives a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color
• Salt: Half a teaspoon balances and enhances all the flavors in the marinade
• Black pepper: Quarter teaspoon for subtle heat
• Red pepper flakes: Quarter teaspoon optional for those who want a little kick
• Fresh parsley: Two tablespoons chopped to garnish and add fresh color
• Wooden skewers: Eight to ten soaked for 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure safe air frying
• Notes: Choose chicken breasts that are firm and pink without discoloration for best texture. Freshly grated Parmesan tastes better and melts nicely compared to pre grated powders.

Instructions

Slicing the Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1inch cubes. Pro tip is to freeze the chicken briefly for about 15 minutes before cutting. This firms up the meat making it easier to slice evenly which helps all pieces cook uniformly.

Mixing the Marinade:

In a large bowl combine olive oil minced garlic half of the Parmesan cheese Italian herbs paprika salt black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until it forms a thick paste coating each piece with flavor.

Marinating the Chicken:

Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and toss well so every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes but 2 to 4 hours is ideal for deeper flavor. If short on time even 15 minutes helps.

Threading the Skewers:

Remove wooden skewers from soaking and thread the marinated chicken cubes onto them leaving small gaps to promote even cooking. Aim for 5 to 6 pieces per skewer depending on size.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit or 193 degrees Celsius and preheat for 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Chicken:

Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding. Cook for 6 minutes then carefully flip each skewer and cook another 6 minutes until internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the exterior turns golden brown.

Adding the Final Cheese Layer:

In the last 2 minutes of cooking sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese generously over the skewers. This melts into a crispy cheesy crust perfect for texture contrast.

Garnishing and Serving:

Remove skewers from the air fryer and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley to brighten the presentation. Let the skewers rest for 2 minutes allowing juices to redistribute before serving.

My favorite part of this recipe has to be the final sprinkling of Parmesan which creates a golden crust that tastes indulgent but is truly simple. It reminds me of the first time I served these to guests who couldn’t believe they were made so quickly and without a grill.

Storage Tips

Store cooked skewers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. For meal prepping marinate the chicken and freeze it raw in ziptop bags for up to three months. When reheating use the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 to 4 minutes to restore the crispy exterior without drying out the chicken. Keep marinade separate if preparing in advance.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breasts for thighs when you want juicier more flavorful chicken. Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago in place of Parmesan for a sharper cheesiness. Avocado oil works as a higher smoke point oil alternative to olive oil. Fresh herbs like rosemary thyme or oregano can replace Italian herb blends for varied flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these skewers with citrusy lemon herb quinoa or fluffy cauliflower rice for a balanced plate. Add a Mediterranean Greek salad alongside for refreshing crunch. Include a cooling tzatziki dip or a side of warm pita bread and hummus for a heartier meal. Grilled vegetable skewers bring color nutrients and extra texture to the table.

These air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers combine the best of convenience and vibrant flavor without tiring out the cook. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy crispy juicy chicken with bold Italian inspired tastes in under an hour try them to elevate weeknight meals effortlessly.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I cook these chicken skewers without an air fryer?

Yes, bake them in the oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.

→ How do I check that the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be opaque with no pinkness inside.

→ Is it possible to prepare skewers in advance?

Absolutely. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking and thread onto skewers a few hours prior. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.

→ What can I use instead of wooden skewers?

Metal skewers work well in the air fryer and don’t require soaking. You can also cook chicken pieces without skewers, turning them individually as needed.

→ Are these skewers suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, with only 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving, these skewers fit well into keto and other low-carb eating plans.

→ Can I double the amount of chicken and marinade?

Yes, simply double the marinade ingredients and cook the skewers in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.