I absolutely love this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe because it brings together juicy, tender chicken with that irresistible garlic-parmesan combo we all crave. The best part? It’s done in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to whip up for friends without breaking a sweat.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the air fryer crisps the chicken beautifully while keeping it moist inside, and the garlic parmesan butter adds such rich flavor that gets everyone at the table asking for seconds. If you’re looking for something easy, flavorful, and a little fancy without the fuss, you’re going to want to make these skewers ASAP!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes.
- Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: The garlic parmesan butter seals in moisture and packs intense flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Weeknight dinners, game days, or casual get-togethers made simple.
- Hands-Off Cooking: The air fryer does most of the work, freeing you up to prep sides or relax.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a savory, garlicky chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor—plus, they’re easy to find at any grocery store and come together quickly.
- Chicken thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, tender bites that stay moist during air frying.
- Garlic and herb seasoning: This is your flavor base—if you don’t have a mix handy, you can whip up a simple blend of garlic powder, dried basil, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and allows the seasoning to stick better.
- Bamboo or metal skewers: Bamboo should be soaked to avoid burning, metal works great and doesn’t require soaking.
- Unsalted butter: Softened, to mix smoothly into the garlic parmesan butter sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Minced or grated for that fresh, aromatic kick.
- Kosher salt: To balance and enhance the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and a fresh herb note to the butter.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated, the star of the garlic parmesan butter that makes this recipe so crave-worthy.
Variations
One thing I love about this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to play around with the flavors or adjust cooking methods to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
- Spicy Twist: I sometimes add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic parmesan butter for a subtle heat that pairs amazingly with the rich flavors.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for basil or cilantro depending on what’s fresh or what you’re in the mood for.
- Protein Swap: Tried it with shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option and it worked beautifully.
- Oven or Grill Alternative: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake at 375°F or grill the skewers, just watch them closely to avoid drying out.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers and Chicken
If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes—this prevents them from burning in the air fryer. Meanwhile, cut your boneless skinless chicken thighs into roughly 2-inch pieces; this size cooks evenly and quickly. Toss the pieces in olive oil and garlic and herb seasoning until everything’s nicely coated. My trick? Let it sit for 10 minutes if you can; it really lets the flavors seep in.
Step 2: Thread Chicken onto Skewers
Grab your skewers and thread about 7 to 8 pieces on each one. Keep the pieces snug but not too tight so the heat can circulate and cook the chicken evenly. This step is fun—you’ll see how colorful and inviting your skewers look before they hit the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the skewers in the basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them or you risk uneven cooking. Air fry for 8 minutes uncovered. This first cook gets the chicken beautifully crisp on the outside while keeping it juicy inside. Be sure to flip them carefully halfway through the total cooking time!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
While the chicken starts cooking, mix your softened butter with minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, kosher salt, chopped fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. This butter is the real magic—it melts over the chicken and gives every bite that rich, cheesy garlic flavor.
Step 5: Brush, Flip, and Finish Cooking
After the first 8 minutes of air frying, carefully flip your skewers. Brush them generously with the garlic parmesan butter on all sides. Air fry for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. This last step seals in flavor and finishes that beautiful golden-brown coating.
Step 6: Final Brush and Serve
Once done, pull the skewers out and give them one last brush of the garlic parmesan butter while still hot. This delivers an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish that makes these skewers look as incredible as they taste.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Don’t Skip Soaking Bamboo Skewers: It’s a small step that saves you from blackened ends and unhappy smoke alarms.
- Use Chicken Thighs Not Breasts: Thighs stay more tender and juicy during the air frying process.
- Brush Butter Twice: Applying the garlic parm butter before and after cooking locks in flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Crowding leads to uneven cooking; air needs to circulate freely for that perfect crisp.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley and a tiny dusting of grated Parmesan right before serving. It brightens up the dish visually and adds fresh, vibrant notes that balance the rich garlic butter. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a lovely zing if you want a little something extra.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these skewers are a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to keep the meal light and fresh. Garlic mashed potatoes or warm, crusty bread also pair wonderfully for a heartier dinner. For a refreshing contrast, cucumber salad with a simple vinaigrette really works well.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to arrange these skewers on a wooden board with small bowls of extra garlic parmesan butter and lemon wedges on the side for dipping. They also look amazing served over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and herbs—adds a nice touch for a dinner gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the skewers cool completely, then wrap them tightly with foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay great for 3-4 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers first. Wrap pieces tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I find the air fryer is best for maintaining crispiness—just 3-4 minutes at 350°F does the trick without drying the chicken out. You can also gently warm in the oven, but avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture nice.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
You can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving in the air fryer. If using breasts, cut them into similar-sized pieces and watch closely to avoid drying out—checking internal temperature is key.
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Do I have to use an air fryer, or can I bake these?
While the air fryer crisps the chicken so nicely, you can bake the skewers at 375°F for 20-25 minutes in a conventional oven. Just turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the air fryer?
Mixing the garlic into softened butter helps protect it from burning during cooking, and brushing the butter on at two stages ensures the garlic flavor comes through without scorching.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your garlic and herb seasoning and Parmesan cheese don’t contain any added gluten ingredients.
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What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, check that juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple yet feels special every time I make it. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, the juicy chicken paired with that luscious garlic parmesan butter always impresses. I encourage you to give these skewers a shot—you’ll have a delicious, fuss-free meal ready in no time and probably find yourself making them over and over again!
Print
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with garlic and herb blend, air fried to perfection, and brushed with a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 6 skewers, metal or bamboo
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare: Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using to prevent burning. If using metal skewers, soaking is not required. Ensure skewers fit comfortably in the air fryer basket.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and garlic and herb seasoning until all pieces are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, placing about 7-8 pieces per skewer to ensure even cooking without overcrowding.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and air fry for 8 minutes to start cooking through.
- Make Garlic Butter: While the chicken cooks, combine softened butter, minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, kosher salt, chopped fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl and mix well.
- Continue Cooking: After 8 minutes, flip the chicken skewers over, generously brush them with the prepared garlic parmesan butter, then air fry for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring fully cooked and juicy chicken.
- Brush and Serve: Once cooked, brush the skewers again with any remaining garlic butter before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 4 servings but can be scaled as needed.
- For a homemade garlic and herb seasoning, mix dried minced garlic, kosher salt, garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Oven alternative: Bake skewers at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Grill alternative: Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
