Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s impossible to mess up, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. I love how the air fryer locks in juiciness while creating a perfectly crisp exterior, and that garlicky Parmesan butter? It’s an absolute game changer that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Plus, skewers always feel a little festive, making weekdays feel special without a ton of effort.

What makes this recipe a go-to for me is how straightforward it is, yet it still tastes like you spent hours toiling away in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends at a casual get-together, or just craving a cozy dinner, this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite weeknight fixes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in the simple yet complementary ingredients. Each one plays a role—chicken thighs for juiciness, garlic and herb seasoning for depth, and that luscious Parmesan butter that ties everything together.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs here because they’re tender and stay juicy during air frying without drying out.
• Garlic and Herb Seasoning: A mix you can buy or easily make at home; it layers in tons of flavor effortlessly.
• Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a little richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened to mix easily into the garlic Parmesan butter—you control the salt this way.
• Garlic: Fresh and pungent, I grate mine finely so it blends smoothly into the butter.
• Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors, especially important for seasoning the butter.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh note in the butter that cuts through the richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Goes straight into the butter to create that signature garlicky, cheesy crust as it cooks.
• Skewers (Metal or Bamboo): Bamboo needs soaking to prevent burning, but metal skewers save you that step.

Variations

I love playing with this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe to fit whatever mood or dietary needs I have. Once you get the base down, try mixing it up—you’ll be surprised how versatile these skewers are!

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter—I did this last time and wow, it added just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have fresh parsley, fresh basil or cilantro also works beautifully and gives a different but delicious twist.
• Low-Carb / Keto: This recipe is naturally low-carb, just remember to skip any sugary marinades or sauces when serving.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with large mushroom caps or tofu cubes—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep & Season Your Chicken

First things first—if you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning later. Then, cut your chicken thighs into around 2-inch pieces; bite-sized chunks are best for even cooking. Toss these chunks with olive oil and your garlic and herb seasoning until every piece is nicely coated. This step is where your chicken really starts to soak up flavor.

Step 2: Thread Chicken onto Skewers

Now, carefully thread about 7-8 pieces of chicken per skewer. I like to leave a tiny bit of space between each piece so the heat circulates well in the air fryer—it helps get that crispy texture all around. If you’re new to skewering, just go slow and try to keep pieces similar in size for even cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry & Make Garlic Parmesan Butter

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the skewers inside (you might need to do this in batches), and air fry for 8 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, mix your softened butter with minced garlic, garlic seasoning, kosher salt, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese. This butter mixture is the star of the show, so I recommend tasting a tiny bit (it’s safe!) to see if it’s packed with that garlicky goodness you want.

Step 4: Brush Butter & Finish Cooking

After 8 minutes, flip the skewers over carefully and brush a generous amount of the garlic Parmesan butter on all the chicken pieces. Return the skewers to the air fryer and cook for another 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. This butter basting at the halfway point creates a beautifully rich and flavorful crust. When done, brush some more butter for that extra pop right before serving.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these skewers with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley and a little fresh cracked black pepper—it brightens them up and looks so inviting on the plate. Sometimes a wedge of lemon on the side gives a lovely acidic contrast that cuts through the rich butter beautifully.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing includes a crisp salad with tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies tossed with olive oil and herbs. Garlic Parmesan chicken and buttery mashed potatoes also make a totally comforting combo. When I want it low-carb, I serve it alongside cauliflower rice or sautéed greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, I arranged the skewers on a large platter lined with fresh greens and scattered toasted pine nuts on top for crunch. It got rave reviews and made a simple weeknight recipe feel fancy. You can even serve the garlic Parmesan butter on the side as a dipping sauce for guests to coat their skewers again.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, wrapped tightly to keep moisture in. They usually stay great for 3-4 days. Just make sure to add a fresh brush of melted garlic Parmesan butter before reheating to keep that flavor bright.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these skewers a couple of times, tightly wrapped in foil and then sealed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to bring back that crispy finish. This method works well when you want to prep in advance for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the skewers back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. The air fryer crisps them up without drying out the chicken like a microwave tends to do. I also like to brush just a touch more garlic Parmesan butter before reheating to refresh those flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe because it feels like a treat without being complicated or time-consuming. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy for those juicy, garlicky bites, and it’s become my secret weapon for easy weeknight dinners. If you want something that’s quick, tasty, and a little bit special, give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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