Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, tender, and crispy chicken meal. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for your next gathering, these skewers hit the mark. With a perfect balance of garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken, you’ll be able to create a meal that’s not only mouthwatering but also super easy to prepare.

What Makes These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers So Special?

Air frying is a game-changer when it comes to cooking chicken. The method offers the best of both worlds: juicy, tender meat with a crisp, golden exterior. If you’re wondering how to achieve this perfect texture, it all comes down to the air fryer’s ability to circulate hot air around the food, cooking it evenly while locking in moisture.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer:

• Faster Cooking: The hot air circulation cooks food much quicker than traditional methods.

• Crispier Texture: You get a crispy outer layer without the need for deep frying.

• Healthier: It uses significantly less oil, reducing fat content.

• Easy Cleanup: No messy pots or pans to clean afterward.

By using fresh chicken thighs, you ensure that your skewers remain juicy, while the garlic parmesan butter adds richness and a depth of flavor that complements the crispy, golden exterior.

The Secret to Juicy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

When it comes to making these skewers, there are a few key points to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Here’s a breakdown of the main components that make these garlic parmesan chicken skewers stand out.

Why Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs?

Choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs over breasts is the secret to keeping the meat tender and juicy. Chicken thighs are naturally higher in fat, which helps retain moisture during cooking. While chicken breasts can dry out more quickly, thighs remain flavorful and tender, even when cooked at higher temperatures.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 640g/1.4 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp paprika

• ¾ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)

For the Garlic Parmesan Butter:

• 75g/5 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)

• 20g/¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

• 3 cloves of garlic (minced or finely grated)

• 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

• ¼ tsp salt and black pepper (adjust to taste)

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Air fryer (perfect for evenly cooking the skewers while keeping them crispy)

• Wooden or metal skewers

• Sharp knife and chopping board

• Large mixing bowl

• Small bowl for garlic parmesan butter

• Brush for basting

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Follow these steps to create juicy, flavorful, and crispy chicken skewers that are perfect for any meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Slice the chicken thighs: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size to cook evenly.

• Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss them well to coat. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes (or refrigerate it for up to an hour for a deeper flavor).

Step 2: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

• Prepare the skewers: If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning. For metal skewers, make sure to use tongs when handling them, as they get extremely hot.

• Thread the chicken: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them closely together but leaving small gaps at both ends for easy handling.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready to cook your skewers evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Skewers

• Air fry the skewers: Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 200°C/400°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the skewers to ensure even cooking, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

• Prepare the garlic parmesan butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, freshly grated parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Wrap-Up: A Quick and Delicious Meal

The Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can enjoy juicy, tender chicken with a crispy exterior, all infused with the rich taste of garlic and parmesan. It’s perfect for a family meal, a dinner party, or even as a healthy snack option.

By following the tips provided here, you can ensure that every batch of these chicken skewers turns out perfect, no matter the occasion. Whether you’re using bamboo or metal skewers, the key is balancing the seasoning and cooking times to create an unforgettable dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

1. Prepare Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

2. Thread onto Skewers: Skewer chicken pieces tightly, leaving space at the ends.

3. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter: Mix melted butter with grated parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.

5. Baste and Finish: Flip skewers and baste with garlic butter. Cook for another 5 minutes, then brush with remaining butter.

6. Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Even Pieces: Make sure the chicken pieces are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Larger chunks may need more time, while smaller pieces may cook too fast and dry out.

• Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing from the air fryer. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender.

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated parmesan can be too dry and may not melt as well.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

These skewers are super versatile. Here are a few simple ideas for serving:

1. In a Flatbread Wrap
   Wrap the skewers in flatbread with Caesar dressing or a fresh salad for a quick, tasty meal.

2. Alongside Mashed Potatoes
   Serve the skewers with mashed potatoes for a comforting dish. The garlic parmesan butter pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes.

3. As a Salad Topping
   Add the skewers to a salad for a light yet filling meal. Combine with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a refreshing meal.

4. With Roasted Veggies
   Pair the skewers with roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots. The crispy chicken goes great with tender veggies.

5. At a Party
   These skewers work wonderfully as an appetizer. Serve them with extra garlic parmesan butter for dipping.

Variations:

1. Lemon Garlic Skewers: Add lemon zest to the garlic butter for a fresh, tangy flavor. You can also squeeze some lemon juice on the cooked skewers.

2. Spicy Garlic Skewers: Increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños to the butter for an extra kick.

3. Cheesy Garlic Skewers: Mix mozzarella with parmesan for a gooey, cheesy version. Add cream cheese for extra creaminess.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Skewers: Wrap the chicken in bacon before threading it onto the skewers for a smoky, savory flavor.

5. Vegetarian Tofu Skewers: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Press tofu to remove moisture, then marinate and cook as directed.

6. Balsamic Garlic Skewers: Add balsamic vinegar to the garlic butter for a sweet, tangy twist.

7. Pesto Garlic Skewers: Use basil pesto instead of garlic butter for a fresh, herby version.

8. Crispy Garlic Skewers: Add panko breadcrumbs or extra parmesan on the chicken after the first air frying for a crunchy texture.

Nutrition Information for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients per skewer (estimate):

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back the crispiness.

FAQs on Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are preferred as they are juicier and less likely to dry out during cooking. If you use breasts, monitor the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.

2. How can I make these skewers spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top after cooking.

3. Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and thread it onto skewers up to a day in advance. Just store the skewers in the fridge. You can also prepare the garlic parmesan butter and refrigerate it until ready to use.

4. How do I know when the skewers are fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the skewers are safely cooked.

5. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook these skewers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Conclusion on Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy chicken, rich garlic parmesan butter, and a variety of ways to customize, these skewers are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making them for dinner, an appetizer, or a party, they’re easy to prepare and packed with irresistible flavor. By following this simple recipe and experimenting with the variations, you’ll be able to create a dish that suits your taste perfectly. Enjoy your juicy, crispy, and garlicky chicken skewers today!

Print Recipe

Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re easy to make and so delicious!

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Method: Air Frying

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Easy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Servings: 4

Calories: 384kcal

Ingredients

• 640 g 1.4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• ¾ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional

For the Garlic Parmesan Butter:

• 75 g 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 20 g ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss chicken in the seasoning and let marinate for 10 minutes.
• Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps at both ends.
• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C/400°F for 3-5 minutes.
• Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• While cooking, prepare the garlic parmesan butter by mixing softened butter, parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Once cooked, baste the skewers with garlic parmesan butter. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results. Chicken breasts can be used but monitor the cooking time to avoid dryness.
• Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
• Air fryer models vary; adjust cooking time as needed.

Nutritional Facts (per skewer):

• Calories: 384 kcal
• Protein: 33.1g
• Carbohydrates: 2.18g
• Fat: 26.62g
• Saturated Fat: 12.63g
• Cholesterol: 194mg
• Sodium: 826mg
• Potassium: 432mg
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugar: 0.12g
• Vitamin A: 921 IU
• Calcium: 68mg
• Iron: 1.6mg