There’s something about the combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan that feels downright irresistible—like a warm hug in food form. These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers take all that goodness and wrap it around juicy, tender chicken bites, making them crispy on the outside, succulent on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
The best part? You don’t need to fire up the grill or spend hours in the kitchen. These skewers cook up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that perfect crispy texture without the extra oil. Whether you’re serving them up for a casual dinner, a fun appetizer, or meal prepping for the week, trust me—you’re going to love these!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Is this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe for you? Let’s see. These skewers are…
- Crispy, buttery, and garlicky – The ultimate flavor trio that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Super easy to make – A handful of ingredients, minimal prep, and your air fryer does the rest!
- Healthier than deep frying – Enjoy all the crunch without excessive oil.
- Perfect for meal prep – These skewers reheat like a dream, making them great for lunches.
- Versatile – Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even a protein-packed snack.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Here’s what makes these skewers so addictive:
- Chicken: The star of the show! Use chicken tenders, thighs, or breast—whichever you prefer.
- Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and ensures the seasoning sticks.
- Butter: The rich, buttery base for that signature garlic Parmesan flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses every bite with bold, aromatic goodness.
- Parmesan Cheese: A salty, nutty kick that crisps up beautifully.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds a subtle herbal touch.
- Smoked Paprika: A little hint of smokiness for extra depth.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh finishing touch.
- Skewers: Either wooden or metal, perfect for easy handling and serving.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Let’s dive into the steps to create these flavorful skewers:
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and crispy results.
Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
Skewer the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Air Fry: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until smooth.
Coat the Skewers: Once the chicken is cooked, toss the skewers in the warm garlic Parmesan butter sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that rich, garlicky goodness.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy on their own or pair with a side of creamy ranch, garlic aioli, or a crisp salad.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- With a fresh salad: A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the richness.
- Over pasta or rice: Drizzle any extra garlic butter over the top for extra flavor.
- As an appetizer: Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or honey mustard.
- In wraps or sandwiches: Stuff them in pita bread with lettuce and tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Additional Tips & Variations
- Want more crunch? Add a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs to the Parmesan mixture for extra crispiness.
- Spice it up: A dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper adds a little heat.
- No air fryer? Bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make it keto-friendly: Swap regular Parmesan for freshly grated, and pair with a low-carb dip.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a total game-changer easy, flavorful, and beyond delicious. Try them once, and you’ll be making them on repeat.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders thighs, or breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter ½ cup
- 8-10 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers wooden or metal
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan.
- Once the chicken is done, brush or drizzle the garlic parmesan butter sauce over the skewers.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 2 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- You can also grill these skewers for a smoky flavor.
