Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini

Welcome to your new favorite way to enjoy chicken! These Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini are the epitome of tender, juicy chicken skewers, perfectly breaded and generously slathered with a vibrant, zesty lemony garlic butter. Not only are they incredibly simple to prepare, but they also offer a fantastic way to incorporate essential lean protein into your diet. Prepare to transform your weeknight dinners with this irresistible air fryer recipe that delivers on flavor, convenience, and health!

Contents

Discover the Magic of Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini

If you’re searching for an exciting upgrade from your usual chicken dishes, look no further. This Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini recipe is a game-changer, promising a “winner winner air fryer chicken dinner” every time! Combining Italian-inspired flavors with the convenience of air frying, these breaded chicken skewers offer a delightful crunch and an explosion of taste. Say goodbye to dry, bland chicken and hello to succulent, flavor-packed Spiedini that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

While the recipe involves a few distinct steps, each one is quick to execute and plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor profile of these chicken skewers. The resulting dish is a symphony of textures and tastes that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Unbeatable Tenderness: The initial marination process isn’t just about flavor; it’s key to breaking down the chicken fibers, ensuring each bite of your Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini is incredibly tender and moist.
Explosion of Flavor: Infused with a light, zesty lemon marinade, the chicken absorbs a refreshing citrus note that perfectly complements the rich flavors to come.
Perfectly Crispy Coating: Our special breading mixture, enriched with savory Parmesan cheese, crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, delivering a satisfying crunch without the excess oil of traditional frying. This makes for a healthier yet equally delicious breaded chicken skewer.
Irresistible Finish: The final drizzle of a bright lemony garlic butter takes the taste of this homemade Chicken Spiedini right over the top, adding a layer of aromatic richness that ties all the elements together. This garlic butter chicken is truly a treat!
Quick and Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Healthy Protein Boost: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making this a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken while still providing a substantial protein boost. It’s a fantastic healthy air fryer recipe for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini

Crafting the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini begins with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component contributes to the overall success of this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Chicken Marinade:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of our dish. Cut into uniform 1 1/2 to 2-inch cubes for even cooking. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, adjusting cook time slightly if needed.
Olive Oil: Forms the base of our marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken and carry the flavors. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best taste.
White Cooking Wine: Adds a subtle tang and depth. If you prefer not to use wine, a good quality chicken broth or additional lemon juice can be a suitable substitute.
Fresh Lemons (Juice & Zest): Crucial for that bright, zesty flavor that defines this Spiedini. Lemon juice tenderizes, while the zest provides intense aromatic oils.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.

For the Breading Mixture:

Italian Bread Crumbs: Provides the classic crispy coating. Choose a good quality brand, or make your own for extra freshness.
Garlic Powder: Adds an earthy, savory note that complements the chicken beautifully.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a salty, umami depth to the breading, helping it brown and crisp in the air fryer.
Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped, it adds a touch of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a beautiful fleck of green to the coating.

For the Lemony Garlic Butter Drizzle:

Unsalted Butter: The base for our decadent finishing sauce. Melted butter carries the garlic and lemon flavors beautifully.
Fresh Garlic Cloves: Minced finely, fresh garlic is indispensable for a robust, aromatic garlic butter. Avoid garlic powder here for the best results.
Fresh Lemon Juice: A final squeeze brightens the rich butter, adding that signature tang to the lemony garlic butter.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini

Making these delicious Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure tender, juicy, and perfectly crispy results every time.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Begin by preparing your vibrant chicken marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, white cooking wine, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. The lemon juice and zest are crucial here, providing both flavor and a natural tenderizer for the chicken.

Next, add your uniformly cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast pieces to the marinade. Toss the chicken gently until every piece is completely coated. This ensures even flavor distribution and tenderization. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in your refrigerator to marinate for at least one hour. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to four hours, but an hour is usually sufficient for fantastic results. Do not marinate for longer than 6 hours as the acidity from the lemon can start to break down the chicken too much.

Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Breading Mixture

While your chicken is marinating, prepare the breading. In another medium bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. You can also add the finely chopped fresh parsley to this mixture for added color and herbaceousness. Whisk all the breading ingredients together until they are well combined. This ensures that each chicken piece gets an even coating of all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Skewer and Bread the Marinated Chicken

Once the chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator. You don’t need to pat it dry; the slight moisture from the marinade will help the breading adhere better. Take the chicken pieces, a few at a time, and toss them into the breading mixture. Ensure each cube is fully coated on all sides. Gently press the breading onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.

Now, thread the breaded chicken cubes onto your skewers. If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to prevent burning in the air fryer. Arrange the chicken pieces snugly but leave a small gap between them to allow for even cooking and air circulation. Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Repeat until all chicken is breaded and skewered.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) according to your manufacturer’s directions. Proper preheating is essential for achieving that desirable crispy exterior. Once preheated, carefully place a few chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure optimal air circulation and even crisping. Overcrowding can lead to steamed, rather than crispy, chicken.

Cook the Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through the cooking time (around 5-6 minutes), open the air fryer and flip the skewers to ensure all sides get beautifully golden and crisp. My Cosori air fryer typically cooks them perfectly in 10 minutes, so I flip at the 5-minute mark. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and perfect doneness.

Step 5: Drizzle with Zesty Lemony Garlic Butter

While your chicken skewers are air frying, prepare the irresistible lemony garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, finely minced garlic cloves, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended. You can also stir in some fresh chopped parsley here for an extra burst of freshness and color.

As soon as the Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer to a large baking sheet or serving platter. Immediately brush each skewer generously with the warm lemony garlic butter. This final step infuses the hot chicken with a rich, aromatic, and zesty finish, taking the flavor of your homemade Chicken Spiedini to an exceptional level. Serve hot and enjoy!

Storage, Reheating, and Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini are so delicious, you might not have many leftovers! However, if you do, they store wonderfully. Place any cooled leftover skewers in an airtight Tupperware container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. They make for fantastic quick lunches throughout the week or a convenient high-protein snack when you need an energy boost.

To reheat, simply place the skewers back in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the breading has crisped up again. This method helps prevent the chicken from drying out, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, a side of pasta with a light sauce, or even a simple lemon rice. For an extra touch, you can even serve them with an additional side of the lemony garlic butter for dipping!

This recipe is such a fantastic and simple way to add much-needed lean protein to your diet without sacrificing flavor. We truly hope you give this Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an easy air fryer recipe you’ll return to again and again!

Please let us know if you try this recipe and how you liked it! If you have any questions or need further tips, feel free to drop a comment below. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Spiedini!

Expert Tips and Cook’s Notes for Perfect Chicken Spiedini

Achieving perfectly cooked, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini is easy with a few key considerations:

Air Fryer Model Variations: Keep in mind that air fryer models can vary significantly in cooking power and efficiency. I use a Cosori air fryer, and my chicken skewers typically cook to perfection in 10 minutes total, with a flip at the 5-minute mark. Always consult your air fryer’s manual for specific recommendations.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is perhaps the most important rule for air frying. Overcrowding prevents hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking and a less crispy result. Cook in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s space around each skewer.
Monitor Internal Temperature: The safest and most accurate way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece (avoiding the skewer) to confirm it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking, which can lead to dry chicken.
Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning or charring in the hot air fryer. Metal skewers are also a great option and don’t require soaking.
Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cutting the chicken breast into uniformly sized cubes (1 1/2 to 2 inches) ensures that all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are dry.
Generous Breading: Don’t be shy with the breading! Press it firmly onto the chicken pieces to create a robust crust that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Marinate for Flavor: While an hour is sufficient, if you have more time, marinating for 2-4 hours will deepen the lemony flavor and ensure maximum tenderness.

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes to Elevate Your Meals

If you loved making these Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini, you’ll be thrilled to discover how versatile your air fryer can be. Explore some of our other favorite air fryer creations for more easy, delicious, and often healthier meals:

Air Fryer Basque Cheesecake: A surprisingly easy and decadent dessert that comes out perfectly in the air fryer, featuring a caramelized top and creamy interior.

Air Fryer Honey Jalapeño Lime Chicken Skewers: For those who enjoy a little sweet heat, these skewers offer a vibrant blend of flavors with a delightful kick, all cooked quickly in the air fryer.

Expand your air fryer repertoire and enjoy more convenient and flavorful meals with these fantastic recipes!

Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini Recipe

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 6 skewers

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These Air Fryer Chicken Spiedini are tender, juicy chicken skewers breaded and slathered with a lemony garlic butter. They’re super simple to make and a great way to get that much needed protein in your diet!

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white cooking wine
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. lemon zest
1/2 tsp. coarse kosher salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-2 inch cubes

Breading

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finally chopped

Lemony Garlic Butter

5 Tbsp. butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Chicken Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients and whisk together in a large bowl until well combined. Add your chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for one hour.

Breading and Air Frying

Combine all breading ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well combined. Remove the chicken from the marinade and toss your chicken, a few pieces at a time, into the breading mixture before adding to your skewers.
Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s directions. Add a few chicken skewers at a time in a single layer to the fryer without overcrowding and cook at 400 degrees F (200 C) for 10-12 minutes or until no longer pink inside or until the chicken has an internal temp of 165 degrees F (74 C), turning the skewers over at the halfway point. Mine took 10 minutes, so I flip at 5.

Lemony Garlic Butter Finish

Make your lemony garlic butter by whisking together all the ingredients. Remove the skewers when they’re done cooking to a large baking sheet or platter and brush generously with the lemony garlic butter. Serve immediately.

Notes

I have a Cosori air fryer. My chicken skewers took a total of 10 minutes to cook. I cook for five minutes on one side and then open the air fryer and flip the skewers and cook for another five minutes. You want to cook until your chicken has an internal temp of 165 degrees F (74 C).

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Keyword: air fryer, Chicken

Cuisine: Italian

Course: Main Dish

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