Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 3
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pound chicken breast tenders; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Time: 10 minutes

This crispy and flavorful air fryer recipe for Parmesan chicken tenders is a perfect quick meal for any time of day. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can have a healthy, protein-packed dish ready in no time.

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds chicken breast tenders
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C) according to the manufacturers instructions.

Step 2: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss again until the cheese is evenly distributed over the chicken tenders.

Step 4: Thread each chicken tender onto a skewer. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, making sure they are arranged in a single layer. The tenders can touch but should not overlap.

Step 5: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 7 minutes. Then, flip the skewers over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. You can check the doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer near the center of the chicken. It should read 165F (74C).

Step 6: Remove the skewers from the air fryer, allow to cool slightly, and serve. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	414
Total Fat	14g	19%
Saturated Fat	5g	24%
Cholesterol	175mg	58%
Sodium	794mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	3g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0g	1%
Total Sugars	0g
Protein	64g	127%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	174mg	13%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	540mg	11%

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers

History and Origin

The Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a modern twist on classic chicken recipes, combining the crispy texture of fried food with the health-conscious appeal of air frying. While Parmesan chicken is a long-standing favorite in Italian and American cuisines, the use of an air fryer revolutionized how this dish is prepared. The air fryer, introduced in the early 2000s, quickly became popular for its ability to deliver crispiness similar to deep frying, but with significantly less oil. This recipe, which uses chicken tenders coated with a blend of spices and Parmesan, offers a simple yet flavorful meal thats both easy to make and healthier than traditional fried chicken skewers.

Regional Variations

Although this dish is relatively new, it draws inspiration from traditional Italian cuisine, where Parmesan cheese is a key ingredient in many dishes such as chicken Parmesan. In the United States, chicken skewers are a popular choice for grilling and cooking in air fryers, making this recipe a fusion of both worlds. Depending on the region, the seasoning for the skewers can vary. For instance, in the southern U.S., the addition of cayenne pepper or hot sauce might give the dish a spicier kick, while in the Midwest, a milder approach with more herbs like thyme or rosemary might be preferred.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers may appear similar to dishes like chicken Parmesan or breaded chicken tenders, the main difference lies in the cooking method and the simplicity of the preparation. Chicken Parmesan typically involves breading and then frying or baking the chicken with a marinara sauce and melted mozzarella on top. In contrast, this air fryer recipe uses minimal ingredients and focuses on the crispiness achieved by air frying without the need for breadcrumbs or a heavy sauce. This makes the skewers lighter and quicker to prepare, appealing to those looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Where is it Typically Served?

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers are perfect for casual dining, family dinners, and quick weeknight meals. They are often served as an appetizer at parties or gatherings, paired with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. Because of their portability and ease of preparation, they are also great for picnics or barbecues. In more upscale restaurants, these skewers might be served as part of a larger appetizer platter or paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Interesting Facts

The air fryer was invented by a Dutch engineer named Fred van der Weij, who was inspired by the idea of cooking food using hot air and minimal oil.
Parmesan cheese, used in this recipe, is one of the most popular cheeses worldwide, especially known for its sharp and nutty flavor, and has been a staple of Italian cooking for centuries.
The air fryer continues to gain popularity due to its ability to cook foods faster than traditional ovens and with far less fat, making it a favorite among health-conscious cooks.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers combine the delicious flavors of Italian-inspired seasoning with the convenience of modern cooking technology. Whether you're serving them for a casual family meal or a party appetizer, they are sure to be a hit. Their crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior make them irresistible, and the air fryer method ensures they are healthier and quicker to prepare than traditional fried chicken dishes. Try them out for a fun, easy, and flavorful dish that everyone will love!

FAQ about Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Store leftover Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through.

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, but note that they may need a slightly longer cooking time due to their higher fat content. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To prevent the skewers from sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or brush with a small amount of olive oil before placing the skewers in.

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan cheese if you prefer, but this will alter the flavor and texture. For a different flavor, try substituting with another grated cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

To make the skewers spicier, you can add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. Adjust the amount to your desired level of heat.

These chicken skewers go well with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, garlic butter, buffalo sauce, or a tangy BBQ sauce. Choose your favorite or experiment with different flavors!

Yes, you can cook these skewers in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Yes, you can prepare and cook the skewers ahead of time, then refrigerate them. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving. They can also be served cold as part of a cold appetizer platter.

Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, onion powder, or smoked paprika to change the flavor profile. You can also add fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.