Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, juicy treat perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer. Coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice, these skewers cook quickly in the air fryer for a crispy, tender finish.

The image shows three grilled chicken skewers placed closely on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has a thick, unevenly charred layer of golden brown grilled chicken with a crispy texture. The top layer includes a creamy sauce with green herbs, finely chopped garlic, and a sprinkling of grated cheese, creating a speckled effect with white, green, and light yellow colors spread unevenly across the chicken. The wooden skewers are visible underneath, running lengthwise through the chicken pieces. The sauce also drips slightly around the chicken on the plate, adding a moist look. 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 during cooking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make the chicken seasoning.
Step 3: Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and toss with olive oil and the seasoning mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Step 4: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers, leaving no gaps for maximum juiciness. Trim the skewers if necessary to fit your air fryer.
Step 5: Prepare the garlic Parmesan butter sauce by melting the butter and garlic together in a microwave-safe bowl until partially melted.
Step 6: Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and Parmesan until well combined. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and whisk to re-emulsify.
Step 7: Set aside about one-third of the sauce for basting the partially cooked chicken. Reserve the rest for basting after cooking to avoid cross-contamination. Remember to wash your basting brush between uses.
Step 8: Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes.
Step 9: Flip the skewers, baste with the reserved third of the sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes at 400°F.
Step 10: Flip the skewers back, baste with more sauce, and cook for 5-6 more minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time is about 12-14 minutes, depending on your air fryer.
Step 11: Once cooked, give the skewers a final brush of the clean reserved garlic Parmesan sauce, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for extra moist and tender skewers, or chicken breast for a leaner option.
For more heat, increase the hot sauce or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Swap fresh parsley with chopped basil or cilantro for a different herbal note.
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the skewers at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for 15-18 minutes, turning and basting halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or in the oven until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of a grilled skewer held by a woman's hand with bright red nail polish. The skewer has a thick, unevenly shaped layer of golden-brown cooked meat covered with a coarse topping made of chopped green herbs, melted yellow cheese, and a sprinkle of white grated cheese. The skewer is held vertically in the center with three more skewers blurred in the white marbled background, showing similar layers. The texture looks slightly crispy with a mix of rough and soft parts, highlighting the herbs and cheese on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and longer air frying times.

How do I prevent skewers from drying out?

Thread the chicken pieces tightly together to keep moisture locked in. Also, basting with the garlic Parmesan butter throughout cooking helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.