Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. Infused with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of spice, these skewers cook quickly in the air fryer for a deliciously tender bite every time.

The image shows a close-up of a skewer holding a piece of breaded and baked or fried chicken covered with a textured topping of finely chopped green herbs, melted pale yellow cheese, and white grated cheese sprinkled on top. Behind this skewer, there are three more skewers of the same type arranged parallel on a white marbled surface, slightly out of focus. The chicken is golden brown with some darker crispy spots, and the woman's hand holding the skewer has red nail polish, adding a pop of color to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 stick butter
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 2: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Step 3: Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil and the seasoning mixture, tossing to coat well.
Step 4: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers, leaving no gaps to keep the meat juicy. Trim skewers if necessary to fit in your air fryer.
Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with minced garlic. Stir in hot sauce, remaining red pepper flakes, parsley, and parmesan until smooth. If sauce separates, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons softened butter.
Step 6: Reserve about one-third of the sauce for basting the fully cooked chicken. Use the remaining sauce to baste the partially cooked chicken, washing your basting brush between uses for food safety.
Step 7: Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer at 400°F. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 8: Flip skewers again, baste with more sauce, and cook for 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cooking time is about 12-14 minutes but may vary by air fryer model.
Step 9: When cooked through, brush the skewers with the reserved clean sauce, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use boneless chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful skewers.
Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
For an extra smoky flavor, finish the skewers briefly on a grill instead of the air fryer.
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Grilled chicken skewers are shown close up on a white rectangular plate set on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken, with a slightly charred texture on the edges. The chicken is generously covered with a thick layer of creamy garlic parsley butter sauce, showing small bits of finely chopped green herbs and garlic. The sauce looks melted and slightly bubbly, with a light dusting of grated white cheese sprinkled on top. The wooden skewers peek out from underneath the chicken pieces, adding a rustic touch. The colors are warm and inviting, mainly golden orange for the chicken and pale yellow with green flecks for the sauce, with contrasting textures of juicy meat and smooth butter sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use wooden or metal skewers?

Wooden skewers need to be soaked before cooking to prevent burning, while metal skewers can be used directly. Both work well in the air fryer.

Can these skewers be grilled instead of air fried?

Yes, grilling is a great alternative. Cook over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.