Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken

Air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers are a go-to when I want something both easy and crowd pleasing. They bring juicy chicken, the bold flavors of garlic and cheese, all wrapped up on skewers that make eating extra fun. Whether you lay them out for a party, prep them for weeknight meals, or toss them over a salad, they deliver big taste with minimal fuss.

The first time I made these skewers my family could not stop asking for more. Now they are my top pick for any time I want delicious food without a lot of work.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs cubed Use fresh chicken for best juiciness and flavor
• Olive oil Helps the marinade stick and locks in moisture Select extra virgin olive oil for richness
• Grated parmesan cheese Gives cheesy umami Choose a wedge to grate yourself for fresh flavor
• Fresh garlic minced Packs huge flavor Opt for firm bulbs without green sprouts
• Italian seasoning Offers balanced herb notes Look for blends free from added salt
• Paprika Brings subtle warmth and color Use sweet paprika for milder taste
• Salt Essential for seasoning Go for kosher or sea salt for clean flavor
• Black pepper Adds mild heat Use freshly ground pepper for more aroma
• Skewers Hold the chicken together Soak wood ones to avoid burning
• Optional Grated parmesan parsley lemon wedges These provide fresh punchy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

Mix olive oil parmesan garlic Italian seasoning paprika salt and black pepper in a large bowl until it becomes a cohesive paste

Marinate the Chicken:

Add chicken cubes into your marinade Stir to coat every piece evenly Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge at least thirty minutes or up to a few hours for deeper flavor

Assemble the Skewers:

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers Space pieces a finger width apart so air can reach all sides for even cooking

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Turn your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred Celsius Let it heat for about three minutes for even cooking

Cook the Chicken:

Arrange the skewers flat in your air fryer basket They should not touch or overlap Set the timer for ten to twelve minutes Flip the skewers halfway through so all sides brown Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temp of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit and gets golden edges

Serve:

Take skewers out and set on a platter Sprinkle with extra parmesan parsley and add fresh lemon wedges if you like

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You Must Know

• These skewers are high in protein
• They store and reheat well for lunches
• The marinade doubles as a quick salad dressing too

Parmesan is my favorite bit here I love how its nutty savoriness melts over the hot chicken Every time I pull these out for family movie night the platter empties fast and the kids beg for seconds

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes so the edges stay crisp If using the microwave add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist

Ingredient Substitutions

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are perfect for extra tenderness If you have no parmesan try finely grated pecorino or another sharp dry cheese Dried oregano and basil can stand in for Italian seasoning

Serving Suggestions

Serve on top of quinoa or tossed salads for a fresh lunch They also go well in wraps or pitas with lettuce and tomato For appetizers slice each skewer into bite size pieces and add toothpicks

Cultural Context

Garlic parmesan is a classic combo borrowed from Italian American cooking Blending it with air frying makes an old favorite quicker and lighter This recipe brings traditional comfort into modern quick cooking

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How long should chicken marinate for best flavor?

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense garlic and parmesan flavor.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and add extra juiciness to each skewer.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning during air frying.

→ What temperature should I set my air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even, golden cooking of the chicken skewers.

→ How can I make the skewers crispier?

For a crispier texture, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the chicken before air frying.

→ What garnishes pair well with these skewers?

Try extra grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and fresh lemon wedges for added flavor and brightness.