Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, juicy, and full of garlicky flavor.
Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Great for dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
No grill or frying oil needed—just your air fryer!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika
Italian seasoning
Butter, melted
Fresh garlic, minced
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C).
Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat.
Thread the skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Air fry the skewers: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the skewers in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
Make the garlic parmesan sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in grated parmesan cheese.
Coat the skewers: Brush or drizzle the garlic parmesan mixture over the cooked chicken skewers.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 people
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Herb butter twist: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the garlic butter for an aromatic touch.
Lemon garlic flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
Crispier texture: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before air frying.
Skillet version: Pan-sear the chicken pieces if you don’t have an air fryer.
Vegetable skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for a balanced meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked skewers (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Air fry at 350 °F for 4–5 minutes or until hot. Brush with fresh garlic parmesan butter before serving.
Tip: Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful when air-fried.

2. Do I need to soak wooden skewers before air frying?

Yes, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

3. Can I make these without skewers?

Absolutely—just air fry the chicken pieces directly and toss in the garlic parmesan sauce after cooking.

4. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Coat lightly in cornstarch before air frying for a crispier texture.

5. What type of parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated parmesan gives the best flavor and melts beautifully into the butter.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate and skewer the chicken in advance, then air fry when ready to serve.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure your parmesan and seasonings are gluten-free.

8. What can I serve with these skewers?

Pair with rice, pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

9. Can I add more garlic to the sauce?

Definitely! Adjust the amount to your taste for an extra garlicky punch.

10. How long do I cook them in the air fryer if they’re larger pieces?

Increase cook time by 2–3 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers made in the air fryer are a fast, flavorful way to enjoy restaurant-quality chicken at home. With tender bites coated in a buttery garlic-parmesan glaze, these skewers are perfect for any occasion—from quick weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing appetizers. Crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a household favorite.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer)

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, golden bites of chicken cooked in the air fryer and coated in a rich garlic-parmesan butter glaze. This quick and easy recipe delivers crispy, tender chicken with loads of flavor—perfect for dinners, parties, or appetizers.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine chicken cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat evenly.
Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece for even air circulation.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange skewers in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Brush or drizzle the garlic-parmesan butter over the cooked chicken skewers.
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before using to prevent burning.
For extra crispiness, coat chicken lightly in cornstarch before air frying.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy twist.
Pair with rice, salad, or pasta for a complete meal.
Reheat in the air fryer to keep the chicken crispy.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 skewer
Calories: 320
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 105mg