Description
Succulent Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Crispy, herb-infused chicken pieces create a delightful meal that quickly becomes a family favorite for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3-inch pieces
Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Nonstick cooking spray
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
- ⅓ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Immerse wooden skewers in cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, smoky paprika, granulated garlic, powdered onion, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and zesty Tabasco sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized cubes, ensuring each piece is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in size.
- Gently fold chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each morsel is evenly and generously coated with the seasoned mixture.
- Carefully thread marinated chicken cubes onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, pressing pieces tightly together without leaving any gaps between them.
- Trim skewer ends if they extend beyond the chicken to ensure even cooking and neat presentation.
- For the luxurious sauce, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, then add minced fresh garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Sauté aromatics until fragrant, approximately 30-45 seconds, then remove from heat and incorporate grated parmesan cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and arrange chicken skewers in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook skewers for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip and generously baste with prepared sauce.
- Continue air frying for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer skewers to a serving platter, brush with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Wooden skewers need a 30-minute water bath to prevent charring and potential fire hazards during air frying.
- Marinate chicken thoroughly by massaging spice mixture to ensure deep, even flavor penetration across all meat pieces.
- Use tightly packed chicken chunks on skewers to guarantee uniform cooking and optimal texture.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm safe 165°F doneness and prevent foodborne illness.
- Brush sauce during mid-cooking process to develop rich, caramelized exterior and lock in moisture.
- Extra parmesan sprinkle adds final luxurious touch, enhancing visual appeal and providing delightful crispy cheese element.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530 cal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg