Some recipes are effortless yet packed with bold flavors, and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are exactly that. This dish combines the richness of butter, the aromatic depth of garlic, and the savory bite of parmesan, all wrapped around juicy, tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or looking for a protein-packed snack, these crispy, cheesy chicken skewers deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dish special, expert cooking tips, variations, serving ideas, and answers to common questions so you can create restaurant-quality chicken skewers in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Packed with Bold Flavors
Each bite of these skewers is a flavor explosion. The smokiness of paprika, the kick of garlic, and the richness of butter blend perfectly, while freshly grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish.
2. Quick and Easy with Minimal Cleanup
Thanks to the air fryer, this dish cooks in under 20 minutes, with no need for deep frying or excessive oil. Plus, everything comes together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.
3. A Healthier Take on Fried Chicken
By using an air fryer instead of deep frying, you get crispy, juicy chicken with less oil. The result? A lighter but still indulgent meal that satisfies your cravings without the extra calories.
4. Versatile and Customizable
These chicken skewers can be adjusted to fit your personal taste. Whether you prefer extra heat, a tangy twist, or a different protein, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – 640g (1.4 lbs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder – ¾ teaspoon
- Salt – ¾ teaspoon
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Onion Powder – ¼ teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper – ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste)
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter:
- Unsalted Butter – 75g (5 tablespoons), softened
- Freshly Grated Parmesan – 20g (¼ cup)
- Garlic Cloves – 3, finely minced or grated
- Fresh Parsley – 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Extra Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Marinate the Chicken
- Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix well to coat evenly and thread onto skewers.
- Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat.
- Cook the Skewers
- Arrange skewers in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter
- Combine softened butter, grated parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Stir until smooth.
- Brush and Finish Cooking
- After 10 minutes, brush skewers with ⅓ of the garlic parmesan butter.
- Air fry for 2 minutes 30 seconds, flip, brush again, and cook for another 2 minutes 30 seconds.
- Serve and Garnish
- Brush with remaining garlic parmesan butter and sprinkle with extra parmesan and parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutritional Information (Per Skewer – Makes 4 Skewers):
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
Secrets to Making the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
1. Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
For maximum juiciness, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice. They have more fat than chicken breasts, ensuring they stay tender and flavorful throughout cooking. If using chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook them to prevent dryness.
2. The Perfect Marinade for Flavorful Chicken
The key to deeply flavorful skewers is letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking. The blend of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper allows the spices to infuse the meat, creating a rich, well-seasoned bite in every piece.
3. Preheating the Air Fryer for Crispier Chicken
Just like an oven, the air fryer works best when preheated. A hot air fryer ensures the chicken cooks evenly, giving it a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
4. Balancing the Garlic Parmesan Butter
The garlic parmesan butter is the star of the dish, adding a luxurious, creamy coating to the skewers. The trick to making it perfect:
- Use softened butter, not melted—this helps it stick to the chicken instead of running off.
- Freshly grate the parmesan for the best texture and taste.
- Don’t skip the parsley! It adds a fresh, herby balance to the richness.
5. Cooking the Skewers Evenly
To ensure every piece of chicken is cooked perfectly:
- Thread the chicken tightly onto the skewers, which keeps them juicy.
- Flip the skewers halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Creative Variations to Try
1. Spicy Garlic Parmesan Skewers
For those who love extra heat, add:
- More cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- A drizzle of sriracha over the finished skewers.
- Crushed red pepper flakes in the garlic parmesan butter.
2. Lemon Herb Garlic Chicken Skewers
For a brighter, citrusy twist, add:
- Zest and juice of one lemon to the marinade.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary in the butter mixture.
3. BBQ Parmesan Chicken Skewers
For a smoky-sweet variation, mix:
- 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce into the marinade.
- A bit of honey into the garlic butter for a sweet-savory glaze.
4. Asian-Inspired Garlic Parmesan Skewers
Give this dish an Asian twist by adding:
- Soy sauce and a splash of rice vinegar to the marinade.
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds as a finishing touch.
- A side of sweet chili sauce for dipping.
5. Vegetarian Garlic Parmesan Skewers
Replace the chicken with:
- Cubed tofu or paneer for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed alternative.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Pairings for Chicken Skewers
1. Classic Side Dishes
- Garlic Butter Rice – A simple but flavorful pairing.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes – Adds a crunchy contrast.
- Grilled Vegetables – A healthy, colorful side.
2. Dipping Sauces for Extra Flavor
- Garlic Aioli – A creamy, garlicky dip.
- Honey Mustard Sauce – A sweet and tangy option.
- Tzatziki Sauce – A cool and refreshing pairing.
3. Light and Fresh Accompaniments
- A Simple Green Salad – Balances out the richness of the skewers.
- Cucumber Yogurt Dip – A cooling contrast to the garlic butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven Instead of an Air Fryer?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.
2. How Do I Prevent Wooden Skewers from Burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer or on the grill.
3. Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can:
- Marinate the chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Cook the skewers ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
4. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
5. Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts can dry out faster. If using them, reduce the cooking time slightly and baste with extra butter to keep them moist.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Any Occasion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Whether you cook them in the air fryer, on the grill, or in the oven, these juicy, cheesy, and garlicky skewers will quickly become a household favorite.
With minimal effort, a handful of ingredients, and endless customization options, this dish is a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, and game-day snacks.
So grab your skewers, fire up the air fryer, and enjoy a dish that is guaranteed to impress!
Print
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – Air Fryer Magic!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 skewers (2 servings) 1x
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the ultimate quick and flavorful dish. Tender, juicy chicken pieces seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, air-fried to golden perfection, and brushed with rich garlic parmesan butter. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they’re easy to make and packed with irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 640g / 1.4lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter:
- 75g / 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 20g / ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Additional grated parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat evenly. - Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto 4 skewers, leaving a small gap at both ends. Pack the chicken pieces tightly to keep them juicy during cooking. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 200°C/400°F and let it preheat for a few minutes. - Cook the Chicken Skewers:
Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. - Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter:
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with grated parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. The mixture should be soft and spreadable, not melted. Use short 5-second microwave bursts to achieve the right consistency if needed. - Brush and Finish Cooking:
After the first 10 minutes of cooking, flip the skewers and brush them with ⅓ of the garlic parmesan butter. Cook for another 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Flip again, brush with another ⅓ of the butter, and cook for a final 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until lightly charred and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). - Serve:
Remove the skewers from the air fryer and brush with the remaining garlic parmesan butter. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, but you can use breasts if preferred.
- Adjust Spice Level: Reduce or omit cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.
- Soften Butter Properly: Ensure the butter is soft enough for brushing but not melted.
- Prevent Burning: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
