Zesty Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Sizzling and golden, these air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers deliver a mouthwatering punch of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Tender chicken pieces coated in a savory blend of herbs and cheese create an irresistible combination that’s sure to impress.

The air fryer works its magic, ensuring each skewer comes out perfectly crisp and juicy without excess oil.

garlic lovers will go crazy for the robust seasoning that infuses every single bite with incredible depth.

Quick to assemble and even faster to cook, these skewers become a weeknight dinner hero in less than 30 minutes.

Packed with protein and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to elevate your dinner game with these delectable skewers that promise to satisfy every craving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and ensures even coating for succulent chicken.
• Paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth and beautiful reddish color to the skewers.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers intense, concentrated garlic flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic background note.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall taste profile.
• Tabasco: Introduces subtle heat and tangy kick to elevate chicken's flavor.

• Chicken: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy skewers.

• Butter: Creates rich, silky base for sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Fresh Garlic: Brings pungent, authentic garlic essence to the sauce.
• Chili Flakes: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spiciness to complement the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty complexity and creamy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy acidity to cut through richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant green color.

Air Fryer Tools for Chicken Skewer Success

• Air Fryer: Essential for cooking skewers quickly and evenly with crispy results.
• Wooden Skewers: Soak in water to prevent burning during cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for coating chicken with marinade ingredients.
• Saucepan: Used for preparing the delicious garlic parmesan sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing and trimming chicken and skewers.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chicken and trimming skewer ends.
• Tongs: Great for flipping skewers safely in the air fryer.
• Pastry Brush: Helps baste skewers with sauce during cooking.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Skewers

• Skewer Preparation

Wooden skewers need a water bath to prevent charring during cooking. Let them soak peacefully while you prepare the chicken.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a zesty marinade by blending aromatic spices and oil. Massage the mixture into chicken pieces, allowing each morsel to absorb the delicious seasonings.

• Skewer Assembly

Carefully thread chicken onto moistened skewers, ensuring tight placement for even cooking. Trim edges if needed for perfect presentation.

• Magical Sauce Creation

Craft a mouthwatering sauce by gently warming butter with fragrant garlic and spicy chili flakes. Finish with tangy parmesan, bright lemon, and fresh herbs for an explosion of flavor.

• Air Fryer Magic

Transform skewers in the air fryer, cooking at high heat. Flip midway and baste with luxurious sauce. Aim for golden perfection and safe internal temperature.

• Finishing Touch

Plate the skewers with a final drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of additional parmesan. Serve immediately to capture maximum deliciousness and impress your dining companions.

Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite that stays tender during air frying.
• Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the marinade for a kick of heat that complements the garlic and parmesan perfectly.
• Marinate chicken for 2-4 hours before cooking to allow seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat and enhance overall taste.
• Prepare skewers and marinade the night before, storing them in an airtight container to save time and intensify flavors before cooking.
• Thread zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes between chicken pieces to create a complete meal and add extra nutrition to your skewers.

Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Beautifully

• Plate with Fresh Herbs: Garnish skewers with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a vibrant green pop of color and added herbal freshness.
• Pair with Cooling Dip: Serve alongside a creamy tzatziki or ranch dressing to balance the spicy and garlicky flavors of the chicken skewers.
• Create a Complete Meal: Accompany skewers with a light Mediterranean-style salad or fluffy couscous to transform this appetizer into a satisfying main course.
• Add Zesty Side Squeeze: Provide lemon wedges for guests to squeeze fresh citrus over the skewers, enhancing the bright, tangy notes of the dish.

Storing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers the Smart Way

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Freshness: Keep refrigerated skewers for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in sealed containers to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Smart Reheating: Warm skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture and maintain original taste.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled skewers in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best quality and taste.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken skewers emerge from air fryer magic with golden crispy edges. Herb-infused marinades and quick cooking techniques deliver restaurant-quality results you’ll savor alongside fresh salad or rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 3-inch pieces
• 2 tsps paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, 1 stick
• 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
• ⅓ tsp red chili flakes
• ½ cup parmesan, grated
• 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh
• ⅓ cup parsley, fresh, minced

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Instructions

1. Skewer Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and Tabasco sauce into a harmonious blend.
3. Chicken Preparation: Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes, then thoroughly coat with prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Skewering Process: Thread marinated chicken tightly onto pre-soaked skewers, trimming ends for even cooking and polished presentation.
5. Sauce Crafting: Melt butter over medium-low heat, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes briefly, then remove from heat and incorporate parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley.
6. Air Frying Technique: Preheat air fryer to 400°F, arrange skewers in a single layer without overcrowding, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side.
7. Final Touches: Verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, transfer to serving platter, generously brush with prepared sauce, sprinkle additional parmesan, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes to stop them from charring during high-heat cooking.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to sit in the seasoned mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Air Fryer Spacing Strategy: Arrange skewers in a single layer without touching to guarantee even crispy browning and consistent cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American-Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg