Craving a quick, comforting meal without drowning in leftovers? These small-batch Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers are the answer. Each tender piece is marinated for extra flavor, then coated in crisp breadcrumbs that turn golden and irresistible after just a few minutes in the air fryer. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but uses a fraction of the oil you’d need to pan-fry.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a quick lunch fix, this simple dish has you covered. The marinade keeps the chicken moist, the air fryer locks in that crunch, and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to pull everything together. No more wrestling with big pans of hot oil—just assemble, air fry, and serve.

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

• 1 lbs chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch strips
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup real mayonnaise
• 1 tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 6 small wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using wooden)
• Cooking spray (or a light drizzle of oil)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• (Optional) pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and your custom seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme, plus an optional pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat).
   2. Add the chicken strips to the bowl, making sure they’re fully coated.
   3. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Thread onto Skewers
   1. Remove the chicken from the fridge.
   2. Carefully thread each strip onto the skewers, keeping the flat sides facing roughly the same way for even air frying.
3. Bread the Skewers
   1. Pour the Italian breadcrumbs onto a large plate or shallow dish.
   2. Press or roll each chicken skewer into the breadcrumbs, patting gently so they stick.
   3. Shake off any excess crumbs.
4. Preheat and Arrange
   1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
   2. Lightly mist the basket with cooking spray or use a small drizzle of oil.
   3. Place the skewers in a single layer. If they don’t all fit, it’s best to cook them in batches so they turn out crisp and evenly cooked.
5. Air Fry the Chicken
   1. Lightly spray the tops of the skewers with cooking spray to help brown the crumbs.
   2. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, then use tongs to carefully flip each skewer.
   3. Continue cooking for another 4–5 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   1. Let the skewers rest for a minute on a plate.
   2. Serve hot. They’re fantastic on their own or paired with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or even a zesty sriracha-mayo combo.

If these chicken skewers hit the spot, I’d love for you to share them on Pinterest and let everyone in on this crispy, savory goodness!

Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers

Feel free to get creative with your seasonings to match any craving or occasion. Below are a few ideas to switch up the taste while keeping the same simple process:

1. Zesty Lemon-Herb
   • Marinade Boost: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a pinch of lemon zest to your mayo mixture.
   • Herb Swap: Replace the oregano and basil with dried rosemary and parsley for a bright, citrusy spin.
   • Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of lemon-garlic aioli or drizzle fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving.
2. Spicy Cajun Kick
   • Seasoning Twist: Swap the Italian breadcrumbs for plain breadcrumbs, and blend in 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
   • Amp Up the Heat: Stir a bit of cayenne pepper into the marinade if you really want to bring the fire.
   • Dipping Sauce: Cool things off with ranch or a creamy chipotle sauce on the side.
3. Savory Garlic-Parmesan
   • Cheesy Crumbs: Mix half a cup of grated Parmesan into your breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
   • Garlic Punch: Mince one or two garlic cloves into the marinade, or sprinkle garlic powder into the breadcrumb mixture.
   • Finishing Touch: Top the skewers with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving.
4. Sweet BBQ Glaze
   • Before the Breadcrumbs: Brush each chicken strip with a thin layer of barbecue sauce before coating in breadcrumbs.
   • Flavor Tip: Opt for a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce to complement the mayo marinade.
   • Post-Cook Glaze: Lightly dab extra BBQ sauce on the skewers once they’re done to give them a fresh, tangy finish.
5. Mediterranean-Inspired
   • Mediterranean Marinade: In place of the custom seasoning blend, add a teaspoon of dried oregano, a sprinkle of dried dill, and a hint of lemon zest to the mayo mixture.
   • Breadcrumb Mix-In: Consider folding in some crumbled feta or a little dried thyme for a bolder Mediterranean vibe.
   • Serving Suggestion: Pair with tzatziki sauce or a light cucumber and tomato salad.

Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Skewers Video Recipe

There’s a special place in my heart for meals that are both comforting and bursting with flavor. This Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Garlic Sesame Glaze is one such dish that never fails to delight.

I remember the first time I whipped it up on a busy weeknight, rummaging through my fridge for ingredients and hoping to create something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The result was a harmonious blend of tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a glaze so good I found myself licking the spoon.

Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, and it’s become a beloved staple in my household. It’s quick to prepare, it takes less than 30 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve spent much more time on it—a perfect meal for sharing with family and friends. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Beef and Broccoli Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Garlic Sesame Glaze:

• 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, toasted sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Cook the Beef:

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

4. In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil.
5. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add broccoli florets and bell pepper slices. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Combine Everything:

7. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
8. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and veggies.
9. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serve:

10. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
11. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

If this beef and broccoli stir-fry had you double-checking that you really made it yourself, it’s only fair to share the magic. Save the image to your Pinterest board and share the joy of cooking together.

Tips & Tricks for the Recipe

• Prep Ahead: Chop all your vegetables and slice the beef before you start cooking. Having everything ready to go makes the stir-fry process quick and seamless.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Although not required, marinating the beef in a bit of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for 20 minutes can enhance its flavor.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking over high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is thoroughly heated before adding the beef to get a nice sear.
• Cook Beef in Batches: To avoid steaming and ensure even browning, cook the beef in small batches without overcrowding the pan.
• Blanch Broccoli: For even more vibrant and tender-crisp broccoli, consider blanching it in boiling water for 1 minute before adding it to the stir-fry.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots based on your preference.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it’s too thin, mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in.
• Taste and Season: Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want a bit more soy sauce, sweetness, or spice.
• Serve Immediately: Stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh off the stove while the flavors are vibrant, and the vegetables are still crisp.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the texture of the beef and veggies.

Welcome to a world where simple onions transform into a culinary delight! Caramelized onions are a game-changer, adding a rich, sweet depth to your dishes. The process is straightforward but requires patience, allowing the natural sugars in the onions to develop into a beautiful golden brown.

This guide will take you through each step, providing tips to ensure perfect results every time. Ready to bring some extra flavor to your meals? Let’s start caramelizing those onions and discover just how delicious they can be!

Various Methods to Caramelize Onions

Caramelizing onions is a versatile process with numerous techniques to suit different preferences and time constraints. Here are a few popular methods:

• Quick Caramelization: Achieve a browned surface in about 15 minutes by cooking over high heat. This method yields a stronger, more intense flavor.
• Moderate Caramelization: A 30-minute method that balances flavor development with a shorter cooking time.
• Different Cooking Mediums: Onions can be caramelized in olive oil, butter, clarified butter, bacon fat, or other fats, each imparting its unique flavor profile.
• Varied Cooking Techniques: Caramelization can be done on the stove, in the oven, or even on a grill, each method producing different textures and flavors.

Each method offers distinct results, allowing you to tailor the process to your specific needs and preferences. In the next part, we’ll explore a slow stove-top method that draws out the onions’ natural sugars, creating a sweet, deeply flavored final product.

Quick Method to Clarify Butter

1. Melt the Butter: Place unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed pot and turn the heat to low.
2. Remove Milk Solids: As the butter melts, use a metal spoon to skim off the creamy foam that rises to the surface. These are the milk solids.
3. Check Clarity: Continue until the butter is mostly clear, with some minor spots remaining. This clarified butter is now ready for cooking.

Types of Onions for Caramelizing

Caramelizing onions can be done with various types, each bringing unique flavors and textures to the dish:

1. Yellow Onions: The most popular choice for caramelizing due to their balanced flavor and sweetness when cooked.
2. White Onions: These have a sharper taste, but when caramelized, they mellow out nicely and offer a slightly more pungent flavor.
3. Red Onions: These add a touch of color and have a milder, sweeter flavor that becomes richer when caramelized.
4. Sweet Onions: Varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla are naturally sweeter and require less cooking time to achieve caramelization.
5. Shallots: Smaller and more delicate, shallots caramelize quickly and offer a mild, sweet flavor.

Choosing the Right Onion

• For Intense Flavor: Yellow and white onions are ideal.
• For Sweetness: Opt for sweet onions or shallots.
• For Color and Mildness: Red onions are the best choice.

Each type of onion can bring a different twist to your caramelized creations, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your dish’s needs.

Uses for Caramelized Onions

• Spreadable: Perfect for sandwiches or pizzas.
• Versatile Addition: Enhance hors d’oeuvres, soups, stews, dips and sauces.
• Toppings: Excellent on sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and steaks.
• Mix-Ins: Stir into mashed potatoes, pasta, or risotto for added flavor.
• Breakfast Boost: Add to omelets, frittatas, or breakfast burritos.
• Direct Enjoyment: Occasionally delicious on its own by the spoonful!

How to Caramelize Onions

Ingredients

• 3 large onions: Peeled and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup unsalted butter: Clarified for optimal caramelization
• Salt and pepper: To taste

Instructions

1. Clarify the Butter:
   • Add butter to a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat.
   • Melt and skim off milk solids using a metal spoon until the butter is clear with minor spots.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
   • Increase heat to medium-high and add sliced onions.
   • Stir every couple of minutes for the first 15 minutes with metal tongs.
   • Reduce heat to medium, stirring every 4 minutes for the next 15 minutes.
   • Lower heat to low, stirring periodically with a wooden spatula, incorporating browned bits from the pan.
3. Final Steps:
   • Continue cooking for a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes until onions are deeply browned and reduced in size.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you enjoyed this recipe, why not spread the joy? Share it on your Pinterest board so others can discover the deliciousness of caramelized onions too! Also, see some delicious caramelized onion variations below. 

Variations on Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions can be customized to suit different flavors and dishes. Here are some exciting variations:

1. Balsamic Caramelized Onions: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar during the final 10 minutes of cooking for a tangy, sweet finish.
2. Herbed Caramelized Onions: Stir in fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage towards the end for an aromatic twist.
3. Spicy Caramelized Onions: Include a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to add some heat.
4. Honey-Glazed Caramelized Onions: Drizzle a bit of honey during the last few minutes of cooking for extra sweetness.
5. Wine-Infused Caramelized Onions: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white or red wine midway through cooking to add depth and complexity.
6. Garlic Caramelized Onions: Add minced garlic in the last 15 minutes of cooking for a savory, garlicky flavor.
7. Maple Caramelized Onions: Use a touch of maple syrup for a rich, autumnal sweetness.
8. Asian-Inspired Caramelized Onions: Add a splash of soy sauce and a bit of ginger for a unique, savory flavor profile.
9. Beer-Braised Caramelized Onions: Deglaze with beer for a hearty, robust flavor.
10. Mustard Caramelized Onions: Stir in a spoonful of whole-grain mustard for a tangy, slightly spicy variation.

Notes

• Cooking times may vary based on the pan’s thickness and heat levels.
• Periodic stirring ensures even caramelization and prevents burning.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer shelf life.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave to retain texture and flavor.