Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a sensational dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan, creating an irresistible flavor explosion that you’ll want to savor time and again. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, step-by-step guide to making a dish that feels both gourmet and effortless. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of these skewers will make your taste buds dance, ensuring they become a staple in your cooking repertoire.
These skewers are not just about flavor; they hit all the right notes for busy families or anyone who enjoys cooking without the stress. With a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll find this dish to be a delightful go-to for weeknight dinners, backyard gatherings, or even meal prep. Once you take that first bite, the melty parmesan and zesty garlic will have you hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The benefits of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are abundant. For starters, the prep is incredibly straightforward, requiring little more than chopping and marinating. This recipe is family-friendly, appealing to both young and old with its familiar and comforting flavors. Plus, cooking in an air fryer means you can achieve a crispy exterior without the added oil, making this dish a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
Because the ingredients are so simple—highlighted by garlic, herbs, and cheese—you’ll appreciate that you can whip this up even on busy weeknights. Furthermore, preparing skewer meals brings an element of fun to the dining experience. Your family will surely enjoy customizing their own with plenty of delicious sauce drizzled over!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (breasts or thighs)
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Each ingredient plays an important role, with the olive oil ensuring that the spices adhere beautifully to the chicken, while the garlic and parmesan work together to form a decadent, flavorful coating.
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Prep the Skewers: Begin by soaking the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it will prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer. While they soak, cut the chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, pepper, dill, salt, paprika, and onion powder. Ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with this flavorful mixture, which will infuse the chicken with all the delicious flavors.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to trim the skewers or cook in batches to ensure even air circulation.
Prepare the Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter along with the minced garlic. Stir in the parmesan cheese, parsley, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, ranch seasoning, dill, and onion powder until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the skewers in batches—air fry for 5 minutes, then flip. Brush with the garlic parmesan sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Flip again, baste the skewers, and cook for another 5–6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, brush the skewers with any remaining sauce for extra flavor. Sprinkle over additional parmesan and freshly minced parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
To get the best results from your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, consider these chef’s secrets! First, ensure your chicken is patted dry before seasoning to allow for better adherence of the spices. For added depth of flavor, marinate your chicken in the seasoning mix for at least an hour, or overnight if you have time.
If you’d like to spice things up, consider varying the peppers in the seasoning mix or adding sliced vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to your skewers. Additionally, if you’re after a crispy texture, a quick spray of olive oil on the skewers before cooking can make a world of difference.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be a star on their own, but don’t hesitate to pair them with a range of side dishes! Serve these skewers alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette, some tangy coleslaw, or crunchy roasted vegetables to balance out the rich flavors.
For a heartier meal, consider pairing with quinoa or brown rice. Additionally, serve some additional garlic-parmesan dipping sauce on the side for those who love an extra burst of flavor!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These skewers provide a delicious and satisfying meal option without excessive calories. Each serving roughly contains:
- Calories: About 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
This meal is high in protein and relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. For a healthier twist, you could reduce the butter or swap out some of the cheese.
Storing Tips & Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
If you have any leftovers, storing them is simple! Just place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore some of that initial crispiness.
If you want to make a healthier version, consider using skinless chicken breast instead of thighs and reducing the butter or using a butter substitute. Additionally, you might experiment with different seasoning mixes or even marinate the chicken in some yogurt beforehand for an extra tender outcome.
Conclusion for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Now that you have the ultimate recipe for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, it’s time to put your apron on and dazzle your taste buds! This easy, step-by-step guide ensures that anyone can create an incredible dish that brings both joy and satisfaction. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, these skewers are sure to impress.
What are you waiting for? Dive into this culinary adventure and treat yourself, your family, and your friends to a delightful meal that’s bursting with flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the chicken is completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. How long should I soak the wooden skewers?
Soaking them for at least 30 minutes is recommended to prevent burning during the cooking process.
3. Can this recipe be made without an air fryer?
Yes, you can grill them on the barbecue or bake them in your oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
4. What can I substitute for hot sauce?
If you prefer a milder flavor, skip the hot sauce or use a sweet chili sauce for a different taste profile.
5. Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be great additions for added color and nutrition. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes as the chicken for even cooking.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Helps spices adhere to chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (breasts or thighs) Cut into 3-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced For flavor and garnish
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes Adjust for spice level
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced Part of the sauce
- 1 stick butter Melted for sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the sauce and garnish
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce Adjust to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cut chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces for even cooking.
Marinating
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, ranch seasoning, pepper, dill, salt, paprika, and onion powder until evenly coated.
Assembling Skewers
- Thread the seasoned chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers.
Preparing Sauce
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir in minced garlic, parmesan cheese, parsley, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, ranch seasoning, dill, and onion powder until smooth.
Cooking
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the skewers in batches; air fry for 5 minutes, flip, brush with sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Flip again, baste, and cook for 5-6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving
- Brush cooked skewers with remaining sauce, sprinkle additional parmesan and parsley, and serve hot.