Sometimes, all you need in life is a skewer of perfectly grilled chicken—juicy, tender, and infused with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and Parmesan. It’s like a summer barbecue strayed into an Italian trattoria and decided to stay for dinner. Picture this: the sizzle on the grill, the savory scent wafting through the air, a hint of lemon in the wind—pure bliss on a stick.
Steps
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and toss them in olive oil and spices until well coated.
- Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto each skewer, leaving no gaps in between. Trim the skewers if needed to fit into your air fryer.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and combine with minced garlic, grated parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Reserve 1/3 of this sauce for basting during cooking.
- Cook 2-3 skewers at a time in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, baste with the sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes. Baste again and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, apply a final coat of the reserved garlic parmesan sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan before serving. Enjoy your tender, flavorful chicken skewers!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thighs or breast)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 stick of butter
- 8-10 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, more if desired)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least 30 minutes)
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken tenders with breast or thighs. However, chicken tenders are recommended for their moist texture.
- What can I do if I don’t have an air fryer?
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 450°F for 14 minutes, flipping and basting them halfway through. Alternatively, you can grill them over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, basting them with the sauce as they cook.
- How can I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
- To prevent wooden skewers from burning, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This will help them withstand the cooking process without charring.
- Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?
- Absolutely! The recipe calls for a tablespoon of hot sauce for a subtle kick, but you can increase or decrease the amount based on your preference for heat.
- How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you’re using an air fryer, the total cook time should be around 12-14 minutes, but this may vary depending on your appliance.
Tips
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Ensure you soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them. This helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Basting Technique: When making the garlic parmesan sauce, set aside a portion specifically for basting the cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Use the reserved sauce to give a final flavor boost before serving.
- Packing the Chicken: When threading the chicken onto skewers, pack the pieces tightly with no gaps. This ensures the chicken remains juicy throughout the cooking process.
- Adjust Skewer Length: If your skewers are too long for the air fryer, trim the top few inches to fit them comfortably. This ensures even cooking and prevents the skewers from sticking out.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If you plan to follow the air frying method as suggested in the recipe.
- Metal Skewers – Specifically sized for air fryers; reusable and durable compared to wooden skewers.
- Basting Brush – Useful for applying the garlic parmesan butter sauce during and after cooking.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – Needed for melting butter and mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
