If you’re on the hunt for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that packs so much flavor with minimal effort, you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. I absolutely love how the garlic and Parmesan blend with the tender chicken, and the air fryer gives it this awesome char without heating up your whole kitchen. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers. Let me walk you through everything so you can nail this at home, just like I do.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Easy: You can have flavorful skewers on the table in under 30 minutes, making weeknights way less stressful.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: The marinade locks in moisture, so every bite is soft and delicious.
- Perfect Garlic Parmesan Flavor: Crispy cheese and rich butter with garlic make these skewers irresistibly tasty.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using the air fryer means no greasy pans and less time scrubbing afterwards.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to create that perfect garlicky, cheesy coating that clings to tender chicken bites. A quick tip: using fresh garlic really elevates the flavor, but garlic granules help keep it consistent and easy to blend in the marinade.
- Chicken breast: Go for boneless, skinless breasts to get tender, lean meat that cooks evenly.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan works wonders—don’t substitute with pre-grated powders for the best flavor and texture.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds that punch of aroma that garlic granules just can’t replicate fully.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps it juicy during cooking.
- Mayonnaise: A secret weapon here for moisture and making the seasoning stick like a dream.
- Chili paste: Adds a subtle kick; adjust based on your heat preference or leave it out if you want milder skewers.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a wonderful smoky depth that’s incredibly satisfying.
- Garlic granules & onion granules: Enhance the savory base flavor without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: Used for that decadent garlic Parmesan butter glaze at the end.
- Dried parsley: Adds a mild herbaceous note in the marinade.
- Fresh parsley: To stir into the butter and finish the skewers with a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Variations
One thing I love about this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tailor it to whatever you’ve got on hand or your taste preferences. Don’t be shy to experiment and make it your own!
- Spicy Variation: When I want extra heat, I add a dash of cayenne or swap chili paste for hot sauce—my family goes crazy for this fiery twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped Parmesan for nutritional yeast and butter for olive oil when catering to dairy-free friends, and it still tastes amazing.
- Herb Variations: Sometimes I throw in fresh thyme or rosemary to change up the herbal profile depending on what’s fresh in my garden.
- Veggie Skewers: Pairing the chicken with bell peppers or cherry tomatoes on the skewers adds color and freshness—great for getting kiddos to eat more veggies.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into roughly 1-inch cubes—this size cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Toss the chicken in a bowl with olive oil, mayonnaise, chili paste, smoked paprika, garlic and onion granules, dried parsley, part of the Parmesan cheese, plus salt and pepper. Give it a good mix so every cube is fully coated in this flavorful marinade. I like to let it sit for at least 10 minutes if I have time, but honestly, if you’re in a rush, it’s tasty even right away.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Grab your skewers (wooden ones soaked beforehand or metal) and carefully thread the chicken pieces, about 4-6 per skewer depending on size. Try to keep the pieces spaced evenly so they cook uniformly. Trust me, this part feels therapeutic once you get going!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil so the chicken doesn’t stick, then arrange the skewers in a single layer—you might need to do this in batches. Pop them in and air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through. You’re looking for nicely charred edges and no pink in the middle—an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) is your safety net.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
While the chicken cooks, melt your butter in the microwave for about 10 seconds—it’s okay if it’s just partially melted; that’s perfect. Mix in freshly minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This butter is where the magic happens, adding richness and that signature garlic-Parmesan flavor.
Step 5: Brush and Serve
Once the chicken skewers are fully cooked, brush them generously with the garlic Parmesan butter on all sides. This adds that luscious coating that your taste buds will thank you for. Serve immediately—whether wrapped up in flatbreads, over fluffy rice, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Even Chicken Pieces: I always cut the chicken into similar-sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly without drying out or being undercooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leaving enough space between skewers in the air fryer helps the hot air circulate for that perfect crispy char.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid any guesswork, I always check for 165°F internal temp to keep the chicken juicy and safe.
- Butter Brush Timing: Avoid brushing the butter before cooking, as it may burn; applying it right after cooking locks in flavor and moisture beautifully.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling extra freshly chopped parsley and a little more grated Parmesan right on top before serving — it adds a fresh, vibrant look and an extra hit of flavor that makes it feel special.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides include garlic mashed potatoes, a green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or fluffy rice to soak up all that buttery goodness. For a lighter option, steamed veggies or roasted asparagus work beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party, I’ve served these skewers wrapped in warm flatbreads with tzatziki and sliced cucumbers, turning them into tasty wraps everyone loves. Another hit was serving them on a charcuterie board with other grilled veggies and dipping sauces for a casual finger-food vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually store the chicken and garlic Parmesan butter separately to keep the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these skewers both cooked and uncooked. Frozen raw marinated chicken skewers thaw in the fridge overnight and cook just like fresh ones. Cooked skewers freeze great too; just wrap tightly and pop them in a freezer bag.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to regain that crispy edge and juicy interior—much better than the microwave, which can make the chicken rubbery. Then brush with some fresh garlic butter before serving to refresh those flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat that’s naturally juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same marinating and cooking steps. They might need a minute or two longer in the air fryer, so keep an eye on them.
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Do I need to soak wooden skewers before air frying?
Yes, definitely soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20-30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning or catching fire in the air fryer. Alternatively, use metal skewers for an even simpler option.
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Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes! You can marinate and skewer the chicken a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge and air fry when you’re ready. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer – can I bake these instead?
For sure! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get quite the same crispness as the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become a staple for me because it’s such a flavorful, fuss-free meal that I can trust will impress every time. Whether I’m feeding the family on a busy weeknight or making something quick for friends, it never disappoints. I’m so excited for you to try this and discover just how easy and delicious air fryer cooking can be—let me know how it turns out!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken breast pieces marinated in a flavorful garlic parmesan seasoning blend, then air fried to perfection for a juicy, charred finish. Quick and easy to prepare, they make a delicious and versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights. Serve them in wraps, over rice, or with creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated (divided into 2 portions)
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Remaining parmesan cheese from above
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces about 1 inch cubes and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add olive oil, mayonnaise, chili paste, smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, dried parsley, half of the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Mix thoroughly ensuring all pieces are well coated with the marinade.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, placing about 4-6 pieces per skewer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Skewers: Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), nicely charred, and no longer pink inside. You may need to do this in batches.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Add the minced garlic, fresh chopped parsley, and the remaining parmesan cheese to the melted butter, then whisk together until combined.
- Brush and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, generously brush the garlic parmesan butter over all sides of the skewers. Serve immediately alongside your choice of sides like wraps, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- These skewers are quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes including prep and cook time.
- Chicken breast is tenderized by the mayonnaise in the marinade which helps keep it juicy.
- The chili paste adds a subtle heat but can be adjusted or omitted according to preference.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model; always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- For easy cleanup, spray the air fryer basket before cooking to avoid sticking.
- These skewers are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides or in wraps for a quick meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 346 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 303 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
