Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe with you because it’s one of those quick, flavorful dishes that feels special but is actually super simple to pull off. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, these skewers deliver juicy chicken with that irresistible garlicky, cheesy hit you can’t get enough of. Plus, the air fryer means you get that crispy, golden finish without the mess or extra oil.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how the garlic parmesan butter completely transforms the chicken, giving it a rich, indulgent taste in every bite. You’ll find that the marinade and cooking technique make these skewers tender and smoky, with just the right balance of herbs and cheese. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to for anytime you need a crowd-pleasing protein that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role to bring out the classic garlic parmesan flavor while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. I like to use fresh parsley for brightness and real Parmesan for that authentic taste—both really lift the whole dish.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicier than breasts and don’t dry out in the air fryer.
• Garlic and herb seasoning: Adds a blend of savory herbs and garlic punch without extra effort.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• Unsalted butter: The base for that luscious garlic parmesan butter coating.
• Fresh garlic: Use fresh for vibrant flavor—minced or grated works great.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the other flavors without overpowering.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, slightly peppery note to balance richness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient for cheesy, nutty flavor.
• Metal or bamboo skewers: Soak bamboo skewers if using to avoid burning in the air fryer.

Variations

I love tweaking this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe depending on the mood or what I have in my pantry. You should definitely experiment with your favorite herbs or even add a little heat if you like things spicy—it’s such a flexible recipe that welcomes customization.

• Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter when craving a little heat; my family loves the extra zing!
• Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap parsley with fresh basil or oregano for a different herbaceous note.
• Cheese Swap: Using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan gives a sharper flavor if you prefer something more robust.
• Different Proteins: This marinade works well with shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian twist.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Skewers and Chicken

If you’re using bamboo skewers, the very first thing you want to do is soak them in water for at least 30 minutes—it helps prevent burning in the air fryer. Meanwhile, cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized 2-inch pieces and toss them in a bowl with olive oil and that garlic and herb seasoning until they’re well coated. This step is really quick, but seasoning well is key to getting delicious flavor on every bite.

Step 2: Thread and Preheat

Once your chicken is seasoned, thread about 7-8 pieces onto each skewer. Don’t overcrowd them; a little space helps the air circulate and cook the chicken evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F—this usually takes just a couple of minutes but makes a difference in getting a nice sear on the chicken.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Skewers for 8 Minutes

Place the skewers in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Cook them for 8 minutes—just enough to start cooking through and get a good golden color. You’ll want to keep the basket somewhat open so the air flows freely and crisps up the edges without drying out the meat.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

While the chicken is air frying, mix together your softened butter, minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, kosher salt, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan. I like to mix it thoroughly with a fork until it’s smooth and creamy—this is what gives the skewers their rich, indulgent finish, so don’t skip it!

Step 5: Flip, Brush with Butter, and Finish Cooking

After the first 8 minutes, flip the skewers over gently and brush them generously with the garlic parmesan butter. Then pop them back in the air fryer for another 7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This second cooking step lets that buttery goodness soak in and form a mouthwatering crust.

Step 6: Brush and Serve Warm

When the skewers are perfectly cooked, give them one last brush with the garlic parmesan butter—you really can’t have too much! Serve immediately while hot and buttery for the best experience. I promise, the aroma alone makes it impossible not to dig in right away.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some extra chopped fresh parsley right on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. A squeeze of lemon juice also brightens the flavor nicely if you want a little zing. If you’re serving guests, adding some shaved Parmesan over the skewers looks beautiful and tastes delicious too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these chicken skewers are roasted veggies or a crisp green salad for freshness. Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto pairs wonderfully for a heartier meal, and sometimes I just serve them with crusty garlic bread to soak up all that buttery goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, I’ve served these skewers on a large platter garnished with extra herbs and lemon wedges—everyone loves grabbing a skewer and customizing with dipping sauces. I also like to thread cherry tomatoes and bell peppers between the chicken pieces sometimes for a colorful, festive look that doubles as side veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, usually eating them within 2 to 3 days. To keep things easy, I leave the skewers in but cover the container tightly to avoid drying out. When you reheat, the chicken stays moist and flavorful if warmed gently.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing cooked chicken skewers wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or oven to bring back that crisp finish. Just be aware the fresh parsley might lose some vibrancy after freezing, so I add a little fresh on top once reheated.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat leftovers is back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes. This helps retain that crispy exterior and melts any remaining butter that’s solidified. If you don’t have an air fryer, warming under a broiler or in a hot oven will work too, just watch closely so you don’t dry the chicken out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become one of my favorite quick dinners because it’s packed with flavor, super easy, and perfect for any occasion. I love how the air fryer transforms simple ingredients into this crispy, buttery delight I know you’ll enjoy just as much as my family does. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever dinner needs to be delicious and stress-free.

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