Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat a 6-litre air fryer to 200°C/392°F for 5 minutes. During preheating, cut the broccoli into small florets and thinly slice its tender stalk.

2. 2

   Put the uncooked long-grain white rice and 560 ml water in a 3-litre saucepan, approximately 20 cm wide. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and reduce to low. Simmer for 10 minutes, quickly arrange the broccoli on top, cover again and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave covered for 10 minutes. Prepare the chicken and butter while the rice cooks.

3. 3

   Cut it into approximately 2.5 cm pieces. Toss with the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, 0.75 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Thread evenly onto eight 18 cm metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.

4. 4

   Finely grate the Parmesan, mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Put the butter in a 500 ml microwave-safe nonmetal bowl and cover with a vented microwave-safe lid. Microwave at 800 watts for 15 seconds, stir, then heat in 10-second intervals until just softened and partly melted. Stand for 30 seconds, then stir in the Parmesan, garlic, parsley, remaining 0.25 tsp salt and remaining 0.25 tsp black pepper.

5. 5

   Transfer half the garlic butter to a serving bowl and reserve it for finishing. Divide the other half between two small bowls, one for basting each batch.

6. 6

   Arrange four skewers in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, with space between them. Cook at 200°C/392°F for 10 minutes. Turn and brush with some butter from the first basting bowl, cook for 3 minutes, then brush with the rest of that bowl's butter. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the thickest chicken pieces reach 74°C/165°F on a food thermometer. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely.

7. 7

   Cook the remaining four skewers in the same way, using the second basting bowl. Allow approximately 15–16 minutes for this batch and confirm 74°C/165°F in the thickest pieces.

8. 8

   Fluff the rice and gently fold through the broccoli. Divide between four plates, add two skewers to each, and spoon the separately reserved garlic-Parmesan butter over the chicken.