Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Printable)

Tender chicken skewers coated with garlic Parmesan crumbs, air-fried until crispy and golden. Perfect quick meal for busy weeknights.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes

→ Marinade

02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 - 4 cloves garlic minced
05 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano and basil mix
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Coating

08 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs use gluten-free if desired
10 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ To Serve

12 - Lemon wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until fully incorporated.
02 - Add chicken cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor development.
03 - Combine Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, and lemon zest in a shallow bowl, mixing thoroughly.
04 - Thread marinated chicken onto skewers. Roll each skewer in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres to the meat.
05 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes before cooking.
06 - Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
07 - Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning skewers once halfway through, until chicken reaches golden color and internal temperature of 165°F.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The air fryer creates this impossibly crispy exterior without the mess of deep frying
  • You can prep everything in advance and cook them in just fifteen minutes
  • These skewers disappear faster than any other party appetizer I make
02 -
  • Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before threading or they will burn in the air fryer
  • Do not overcrowd the basket or the coating will not get properly crispy
  • Let the skewers rest for 2 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute
03 -
  • Use thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat
  • Double the coating mixture if you want an extra thick crust

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