Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you love quick, flavorful weeknight dinners that feel special but don’t come with a big time commitment, you’re going to adore this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. This recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic — tender, juicy chicken pieces coated in garlicky, cheesy goodness and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. I first tried these when I needed something fast for dinner, and ever since, they’ve become a family favorite. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll want to keep these skewers in your regular rotation!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create that classic garlic Parmesan flavor, with a little smoky kick from the paprika. Plus, each component adds to the juiciness and crispness you’ll love. When shopping, grab fresh garlic for the best aroma, and don’t skip the real Parmesan cheese — it elevates the whole dish.

• Chicken breast: Choose fresh, skinless boneless breasts and cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the seasoning mix and butter sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic adds vibrant, pungent flavor that garlic granules alone can’t replicate.
• Olive oil: Helps marinade the chicken and promotes a crisp outside in the air fryer.
• Mayonnaise: A secret tenderizer that also helps the spices stick to the chicken wonderfully.
• Chili paste: Adds a subtle heat; adjust based on your spice preference, or omit for milder flavor.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a lovely smoky depth that pairs perfectly with garlic and cheese.
• Garlic and onion granules: Boost the savory notes without overpowering the fresh garlic.
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, luscious garlic Parmesan butter glaze to brush at the end.
• Dried and fresh parsley: Adds freshness and color to brighten the dish.

Variations

I love how this recipe invites a little creativity—you can tweak the heat level or swap herbs based on what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking; I often change things up depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge!

• Spicy Kick: I once added a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra punch—delicious if you like heat!
• Herb Swap: Try fresh cilantro or basil if you’re craving a fresher, brighter flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan gives a sharper bite that I find irresistible.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute with firm tofu or halloumi cheese cubes marinated the same way for a tasty twist.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even, bite-sized 1-inch cubes—that way, each piece cooks evenly in the air fryer. Toss the chicken cubes in a bowl with olive oil, mayonnaise, chili paste, smoked paprika, garlic granules, onion granules, dried parsley, a portion of the Parmesan cheese, plus salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly. I like to use my hands here—it ensures every cube is beautifully coated and ready to soak up all those flavors.

Step 2: Skewer and Air Fry to Perfection

Thread about 4 to 6 chicken pieces onto each skewer—you want the pieces nestled close but not squished. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers in a single layer; if needed, cook in batches to keep them from overcrowding. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re cooked through with a nice golden char and no pink inside. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure—the internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make and Brush on the Garlic Parmesan Butter

While the chicken cooks, melt your unsalted butter in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’s okay if it’s not fully melted; just warm enough to combine well. Stir in the remaining Parmesan cheese, freshly minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. After the chicken is cooked, generously brush this buttery mixture all over the skewers on every side. This step is what makes these skewers truly irresistible — the garlic Parmesan butter adds richness and a glossy finish you’ll crave.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers immediately. I love them tucked inside wraps with some fresh greens, spread on a bed of fluffy rice, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. And honestly, they’ve been a hit wherever I take them—parties, quick dinners, or even meal prep. The combination of juicy, savory chicken with that buttery Parmesan glaze never disappoints.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I adore sprinkling a little extra fresh parsley and a tiny pinch of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. It makes the skewers look vibrant and adds a fresh, cheesy finish that really pops. A lemon wedge on the side for squeezing adds a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richness, which I find irresistible!

Side Dishes

These skewers pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for something lighter. I also love serving them over steamed rice or with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist. Roasted veggies or a crunchy slaw are other great options that add texture and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I like to arrange the skewers upright in a glass or vase, with parsley sprigs for a rustic look. They’re perfect as party appetizers! Another fun idea is to serve them alongside little dipping bowls of extra garlic butter or a tangy marinara sauce for dipping—you’ll get so many compliments on the presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually stay tender and delicious for up to 3 days. To keep them from drying out, I add a little extra garlic butter on top before storing—it works like a charm.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these skewers successfully by skipping the final butter brush before freezing and wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh garlic Parmesan butter when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftover skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4-5 minutes to regain crispiness without drying out. Alternatively, warming them in the oven wrapped in foil works well too. Just make sure to brush on some fresh garlic Parmesan butter after reheating to bring back that fresh flavor and moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers strike the perfect balance between speedy prep and rich, comforting flavor. They’ve saved many of my hectic weeknights and never fail to impress. You don’t have to be a pro chef to nail this recipe—just follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy, garlicky chicken on skewers that’ll make everyone ask for seconds. Give this one a try and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your house!

Print