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Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, making sure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
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Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or longer if you have time).
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Skewer the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
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Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
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Cook the chicken skewers: Place the chicken skewers into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
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Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skewers from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad or vegetable side dish.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve these garlic Parmesan chicken skewers with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even on top of pasta for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to maintain the crispiness.
- You can also freeze the cooked skewers for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake in the oven or use the air fryer for best results.
Variants:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade to give the chicken a little heat.
- Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of one lemon to the marinade and a squeeze of lemon juice over the skewers after cooking.
- Veggie Skewers: Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers with the chicken for a complete and colorful dish.
FAQ:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Chicken thighs will work well for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can be thicker than chicken breasts.
2. Can I make these skewers without the air fryer? Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can grill or bake the chicken skewers. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
3. Can I prepare these skewers in advance? Yes, you can marinate the chicken and skewer them a day ahead. Simply refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together even more!
4. What dipping sauce pairs well with these skewers? These garlic Parmesan chicken skewers are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a creamy ranch dip, tangy BBQ sauce, or even a zesty lemon aioli.