When it comes to weeknight dinners or a quick recipe to wow your guests, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect solution. This dish combines juicy, bite-sized chicken cubes with the bold flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. The best part? Your trusty air fryer does all the heavy lifting, making this recipe not just flavorful, but also fast and mess-free. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ, prepping for a family meal, or simply looking for a change from the usual chicken recipes, these skewers are sure to become a favorite. Packed with flavor, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, they’re a treat for your taste buds and a breeze to prepare! Let’s dive in and see why these skewers deserve a spot in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cooking time, these skewers are perfect for busy schedules.
• Everyday Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items; everything is likely already in your pantry.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs ensures every bite is bursting with taste.
• Healthier Cooking: The air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, delivering crispy chicken with fewer calories.

Suitable For

• Weeknight Dinners: When you want something delicious but don’t have time for complicated recipes.
• Family Gatherings: These skewers are fun to eat and perfect for sharing.
• Exploring Air Fryer Recipes: If you’re new to air fryers, this simple recipe is a great place to start.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Core Ingredients

To bring these skewers to life, you’ll need:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken while keeping it moist.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic provides a rich and robust flavor.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a cheesy, salty kick that makes this dish irresistible.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs to give the skewers a Mediterranean flair.
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors.
• Wooden skewers (pre-soaked): Prevents burning during air frying.

Substitutions and Tips

• Swap Chicken Breasts with Thighs: For even juicier skewers, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Alternative to Parmesan: Pecorino Romano works great for a sharper, saltier taste.
• Add a Kick of Heat: Sprinkle in some red chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you enjoy a spicy twist.

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan is a must. Its bold, nutty flavor melts perfectly onto the chicken during cooking. While pre-grated varieties are convenient, they often lack the full-bodied flavor of fresh Parmesan.

Chicken Cuts

While chicken breasts are lean and easy to work with, chicken thighs are slightly fattier and add extra juiciness to the recipe. Choose the cut that best suits your preference!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

• Air Fryer: The star appliance for this recipe, creating crispy chicken without deep frying.
• Wooden Skewers: Soaked in water to prevent burning during cooking.
• Mixing Bowls: For marinating and preparing your chicken.
• Tongs: To flip the skewers easily.
• Brush: For applying the garlic Parmesan butter.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.
• Metal Skewers: If they fit your air fryer, they’re reusable and provide even cooking.

Let’s Talk Cooking: Tips for Success

1. Don’t Skip the Soaking: If using wooden skewers, soaking them for at least 30 minutes ensures they won’t burn in the air fryer.
2. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: Keep the skewers spaced out so the hot air circulates evenly for a golden, crispy finish.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your chicken is cooked to perfection without drying out.

Are you ready to get started? Let’s bring these delicious skewers to life with just a few simple steps!

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is simpler than you might think. With just a few steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that’s crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step, so you can enjoy this delicious recipe with confidence.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

First, let’s get that chicken ready for its garlic Parmesan makeover!

1. Cut the Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. This ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix Thoroughly: Use your hands or a rubber spatula to toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. Pro tip: Massage the seasonings into the chicken for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Soak the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking.

Tip: Marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes if you have the time—it will elevate the flavors even further!

Step 2: Skewering the Chicken

Here’s where the fun begins:

1. Take your soaked wooden skewers and start threading the seasoned chicken pieces onto them.
2. Add 6-8 pieces per skewer, leaving a tiny gap between each piece. This helps the hot air circulate around the chicken for even cooking.
3. Set the skewers on a plate or tray while you prepare the air fryer.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the skewer; the chicken pieces need space to crisp up nicely!

Step 3: Air Fryer Cooking

Time to fire up the air fryer!

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
2. First Cooking Phase: Place the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping for even cooking. Cook for 8 minutes.
3. Flip the Skewers: Using tongs, carefully flip each skewer over. This helps the chicken brown evenly on both sides.

Step 4: Garlic Parmesan Butter Basting

Now comes the mouthwatering finishing touch.

1. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your garlic butter. Combine softened butter, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of Italian seasoning in a small bowl.
2. After flipping the skewers, brush them generously with the garlic butter. Be sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor.
3. Cook Again: Return the skewers to the air fryer for another 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Once cooked, give the skewers one final brush of garlic butter for an irresistible finish.

Tip: Serve hot with extra garlic butter on the side for dipping—because you can never have too much flavor!

Tips for Success

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1. Don’t Skip Soaking the Skewers: Wooden skewers burn easily if not soaked in water. Give them at least 30 minutes to absorb enough moisture.
2. Proper Spacing in the Air Fryer: Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure every skewer is perfectly crispy.

Ensuring Proper Flavor and Texture

1. Use Fresh Garlic and Parmesan: Fresh ingredients take this dish from good to great. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan for the best results.
2. Check the Temperature: Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety and the juiciest texture.

That’s it! With these tips and detailed instructions, you’re all set to enjoy delicious, golden-brown Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Perfect for any occasion, these skewers are a guaranteed hit. Ready to give them a try?

How to Store Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

To keep your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers tasting fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Here’s how to handle leftovers like a pro:

At Room Temperature

Once your skewers are cooked, they can safely sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Any longer, and they risk bacterial growth. So, if you’re not enjoying them right away, make sure to transfer them to the refrigerator.

In the Refrigerator

Place any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container to lock in the flavors and prevent moisture loss. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep the chicken juicy and the garlic-Parmesan coating flavorful.

Freezing Tips

If you want to save your skewers for another day, freezing is a great option:

1. Allow the skewers to cool completely.
2. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
3. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and pop them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. They’ll come out as tasty as the day you made them!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Metal Skewers?

Absolutely! Metal skewers work just as well as wooden ones—as long as they fit in your air fryer basket. They’re reusable, sturdy, and help conduct heat for faster cooking. Just be mindful when handling them as they can get very hot.

What Other Proteins Work for This Recipe?

Chicken is the classic choice, but you can switch it up with shrimp or pork for a fun twist. Shrimp cooks much faster, so check for doneness after just a few minutes. Pork cubes follow a similar cooking time to chicken, but ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

How Do I Make This Without an Air Fryer?

No air fryer? No problem!

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F. Bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with garlic butter.
• Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high. Cook the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, and baste with garlic butter after each flip.

How Do I Prevent Overcooking?

The secret to perfectly juicy chicken is using a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the meat is fully cooked without drying it out.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, check out these other delicious recipes:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipes: A creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with garlic and Parmesan flavors.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps: A quick and easy wrap bursting with cheesy garlic goodness.
• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta: Bite-sized garlic chicken served on a rich Parmesan pasta base.

These recipes are great options to expand your air fryer or garlic-Parmesan-themed meal ideas!

Wrap-Up and Encouragement

There you have it! These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit. We’d love to hear how your skewers turned out! Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to experiment with seasonings or sides to make this recipe truly your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Print