Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re craving juicy, flavor-packed chicken with a garlicky punch and a cheesy finish, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are here to save the day! They’re quick, easy, and positively addictive—perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in the simplicity of their ingredients. Each component plays an important role—bringing tenderness, juicy flavor, and that crave-worthy garlicky kick to every skewer.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1½ lbs): Thighs keep things juicy and flavorful, but you can swap for breast if you prefer leaner meat—just don’t skip the step of cutting evenly for even cooking!
• Garlic and Herb Seasoning (1½ Tbsp for chicken + 1 Tbsp for butter): This blend infuses each bite with herby, savory depth—make your own if you like, using the notes below!
• Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Helps lock in moisture and ensures the seasoning sticks beautifully.
• Butter (½ cup, unsalted): Softened butter forms the rich base for that luxurious garlic-parmesan finish—don’t skimp, it’s worth it!
• Fresh Garlic (4 cloves): Freshly minced or grated, it becomes the backbone of garlic flavor throughout.
• Kosher Salt (½ tsp): Heightens all the other vibrant flavors—if your seasoning blend already has lots of salt, adjust to taste.
• Fresh Parsley (⅓ cup, chopped): Adds color and a fresh finish; save a little extra for garnish.
• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds a salty, umami punch and the signature “Parmesan crust” when it hits hot chicken.
• Skewers (metal or bamboo): Threading the chicken makes for even cooking and easy serving; bamboo skewers need soaking!

Variations

One of the joys of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is how beautifully they adapt to your kitchen, your mood, and your guests’ tastes. Shake things up and truly make them your own!

• Use Chicken Breast: Swap thighs for boneless skinless breast for a lighter, leaner skewer—just be sure not to overcook so they stay moist!
• Add Veggies: Thread bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini between chicken pieces to add color and more nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to your garlic and herb seasoning for a subtle, warming heat.
• Dairy-Free or Keto: Swap the butter for ghee or a quality olive oil, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a delicious twist.
• Try Different Cheeses: Grated Pecorino or Asiago is fantastic in place of Parmesan if you want a slightly different flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using bamboo skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes (this prevents them from burning in the air fryer!). Metal skewers? Skip the soak, but double-check that they fit inside your air fryer basket to avoid any squishing or juggling later on.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Add your chicken thigh pieces to a big mixing bowl, drizzle on the olive oil, and toss until lightly coated. Sprinkle in the garlic and herb seasoning and get in there with your hands, a spatula, or tongs—massage in all that flavor for crazy-good chicken.

Step 3: Thread the Skewers

Thread chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers—about 7-8 pieces per skewer is perfect. Lay them out on a plate or tray, ready for air fryer action. Aim for evenly spaced pieces for that gorgeous, even browning.

Step 4: Air Fry the Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. When it’s hot, arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches so the air can circulate). Air fry for 8 minutes to develop that lovely golden color.

Step 5: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Butter

While the chicken cooks, whip up your garlic parmesan butter: in a small bowl, combine the softened butter, fresh garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, salt, parsley, and Parmesan. Stir it all into a fragrant, dreamy spread you’ll want to slather on everything.

Step 6: Flip, Brush, and Finish Cooking

After 8 minutes, flip the skewers with tongs and brush them liberally with the garlic butter. Slide them back in the air fryer for another 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a juicy 165°F in the center (test with a meat thermometer if you can—it’s worth it!).

Step 7: Final Brush & Serve

When your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are done, flip them once more and brush the other side with more garlic parmesan butter. Serve hot, with any extra garlic butter for dipping or drizzling—trust me, you don’t want to miss a single garlicky drop!

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

To really highlight that irresistible garlic-parmesan magic, sprinkle your skewers with a bit of extra grated Parmesan and a shower of fresh parsley just before serving. A squeeze of lemon over the top adds a lively, zesty kick that makes everything pop!

Side Dishes

These skewers crave company! Pair them with buttery garlic bread, crisp green salads, or classic roasted potatoes. For lighter fare, simple steamed veggies or a big bowl of lemony rice make these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers the centerpiece of an unforgettable (and fuss-free) meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the skewers on a big platter with extra garlic butter in the center for dipping. Try sliding the cooked chicken pieces off the skewers onto wraps or salads for a fun twist, or stuff them into pita pockets with crunchy cucumbers and a dollop of tzatziki. The options are as limitless as your cravings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers keep beautifully. Let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic butter on the side for drizzling or dipping when you reheat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked (and cooled) chicken skewers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. The chicken will stay moist and flavorful—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I recommend making fresh garlic butter for the ultimate finish after freezing.

Reheating

To keep your leftovers tasting their very best, reheat the skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until hot and sizzling. Add a fresh brush of garlic butter after warming—just as delicious as day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience just how effortless and delicious these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are. They deliver big, bold flavor with barely any work—and nothing beats that cheesy, garlicky goodness hot off the air fryer. I just know they’ll become a new family favorite!

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