If you’re looking for an easy, crispy, and flavorful chicken dish, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a must-try. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, bold garlic, rich parmesan, and a hint of spice creates an irresistible meal that is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep.
These skewers are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown texture without the need for deep frying. Plus, they are quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making them a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a hassle-free meal.
- Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer locks in the moisture while creating a crispy outer layer.
- Garlic Parmesan Perfection: The rich butter, garlic, and parmesan coating makes each bite irresistible.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners.
- Versatile: Serve with salads, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional for extra flavor)
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 25-45 minutes (depending on marination time)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast (cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- 1 stick butter (melted)
- 8-10 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a slight kick)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley (minced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle the seasoning blend on top. Toss well to coat evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
- Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them tightly.
- If needed, trim the tops of the skewers so they fit inside your air fryer basket.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter and minced garlic.
- Heat for about 30 seconds, then add red pepper flakes, hot sauce (if using), minced parsley, and grated parmesan.
- Whisk everything together to create a flavorful sauce.
- Set aside ⅓ of the sauce for basting during cooking, and keep the rest for brushing after cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Skewers
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 2-3 minutes.
- Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the skewers and baste with some of the reserved butter sauce.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, then flip again and baste once more.
- Continue cooking for 5-6 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a crispy, golden-brown texture.
Total cook time: 12-14 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
- Once the skewers are fully cooked, brush them with the remaining garlic parmesan butter sauce.
- Sprinkle extra grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
How to Serve These Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine or garlic butter rice.
- With Vegetables: Pair with air-fried broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad.
- With Pasta: Toss them into creamy alfredo pasta for an indulgent meal.
- As a Wrap: Remove the chicken from the skewers and wrap it in a warm tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of garlic sauce.
Tips for the Best Chicken Skewers
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor compared to garlic powder.
- Adjust the spice level: Reduce or increase the red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Let them rest: Allow the skewers to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them properly for easy reheating:
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place cooled skewers in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken rubbery.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
If you love bold garlic flavors, crispy textures, and cheesy goodness, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewer recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a family barbecue, or even a meal-prep option.
Try this recipe and impress your family and friends with a simple yet gourmet-style dish that takes minimal effort. Enjoy the perfect balance of garlic, parmesan, butter, and tender chicken in every bite!
Let us know how your skewers turn out in the comments on Facebook . Happy cooking!