Ah, my friends — gather around because I have a delightful recipe to share with you that’s bound to become a crowd-pleaser! Today, I’m talking about Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Every time I make these, it reminds me of those carefree summer nights spent grilling on the patio, with laughter in the air and the tantalizing smell of garlic wafting around. Who doesn’t love a dish that brings back sweet memories like that?
What I love most about these skewers is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, needing a quick weeknight meal, or planning a cozy movie night, these chicken skewers are perfect for any occasion. Plus, they’re air-fried, which means you get that crispy exterior without all the greasiness. Trust me, you’re going to want to write this recipe down!
What’s in Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Let me break down what goes into these delicious skewers for you, so you know exactly what to expect:
Chicken Breast: The star of the dish! I prefer using skinless, boneless chicken breast since it’s lean and cooks up wonderfully tender in the air fryer.
Garlic: Quite frankly, is there ever such a thing as too much garlic? For this recipe, three cloves minced will do the trick. It infuses the chicken with that mouthwatering flavor we all love.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a savory, cheesy goodness that makes each bite irresistible. I usually grab freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch!
Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps to keep the chicken moist and aids in that lovely golden color. I always choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor profile.
Dried Oregano and Dried Basil: These herbs impart a delightful Mediterranean vibe. If you have fresh herbs lying around, feel free to swap in some fresh basil or oregano!
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley as a garnish brings brightness to the dish and makes it look super fancy.
Wooden Skewers: Don’t forget to soak these! It prevents them from burning in the air fryer and makes for easier handling.
Is Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Good for You?
You might be wondering about the health aspect of these skewers, and I’m here to tell you they come with some great benefits. The **chicken breast** is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It’s low in fat, especially when removing the skin, making it a guilt-free choice for dinner.
On the other hand, **Parmesan cheese** does have some calcium and protein, but it can be a bit high in sodium, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. To balance things out, the **olive oil** offers healthy monounsaturated fats, which are heart-friendly.
Even with a few minor considerations, these skewers are a balanced choice, especially when you pair them with a hefty salad or some roasted veggies!
Ingredients List
– 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Alright, my friends, roll up those sleeves! Here’s how we do it:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it forms a lovely marinade.
2. Toss in the chicken pieces, ensuring they get a generous coating of that delicious marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for letting all those flavors meld together.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). You want to make sure it’s nice and hot for the best results!
4. While that’s heating up, thread the marinated chicken on the soaked wooden skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
6. Cook the skewers for about 12-15 minutes, giving them a gentle flip halfway through to ensure they get a nice golden brown on all sides.
7. Once they’re cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for that extra pop of flavor and color.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or salad. Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions and Extra Tidbits
These skewers are incredibly versatile! They pair beautifully with a simple yogurt sauce or a zesty chimichurri. If you want to switch things up, consider adding bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for a colorful veggie addition.
Oh, and if you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence around here!), they’re amazing cold in a salad the next day. Trust me, these skewers are sure to steal the show at any meal!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and make these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers tonight! I can’t wait for you to experience the joy they bring to your table. And don’t forget to let me know how they turn out! Happy cooking!
