The Tastiest Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Crispy garlic parmesan chicken skewers elevate ordinary weeknight dinners into delightful culinary experiences.

These mouthwatering bites pack an incredible flavor punch that will instantly elevate your meal game.

Marinating tender chicken pieces in a zesty blend of herbs and seasonings ensures maximum taste absorption.

The air fryer works its magic, creating a perfectly golden exterior while maintaining succulent interior meat.

Succulent proteins coated with a crunchy parmesan crust deliver incredible texture and robust Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Light, healthy, and surprisingly simple to prepare, these skewers offer a guilt-free approach to satisfying protein cravings.

Impressive enough for entertaining yet quick enough for busy families, this recipe promises to become a household favorite.

Best Storage for Leftover Chicken Skewers

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Separate skewers carefully to maintain their shape and prevent sticking.
• Reheating: Warm skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning once to ensure even heating. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture. Brush with reserved sauce before serving to restore moisture and flavor.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal taste and texture.

Pair These Skewers with Something Crisp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the zesty chicken skewers with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the rich garlic and parmesan flavors.
• Match with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a light side of cucumber, tomato, and feta salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, complementing the skewers' herbal and tangy notes.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Couscous: Prepare light, fluffy couscous mixed with fresh parsley and lemon zest to absorb the delicious garlic butter sauce from the skewers.
• Cool Down with Tzatziki Dip: Offer a cool, creamy tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill as a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy and garlicky chicken.

Skewer Flavor Combos You Might Like

• Herbaceous Mediterranean Mix: Replace paprika with dried oregano and thyme, swap Tabasco for lemon zest, and use feta cheese instead of parmesan for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Sriracha Fusion: Substitute Tabasco with sriracha sauce, add ginger powder to the marinade, and replace parmesan with sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired kick.
• Smoky Barbecue Reimagined: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika, mix in BBQ seasoning, replace parmesan with a light BBQ sauce drizzle, and add a touch of brown sugar to the marinade for caramelization.
• Herb-Crusted Wellness Version: Use Greek yogurt as a marinade base, incorporate fresh chopped rosemary and sage, reduce butter in the sauce, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a healthier alternative.

Garlic Parmesan Skewers Everyone Will Love

• Boost Flavor Instantly: The combination of paprika, garlic powder, and Tabasco creates a bold, zesty marinade that infuses every bite of chicken with incredible depth and excitement.
• Zero-Hassle Cooking Method: Air fryer technology delivers perfectly cooked, juicy chicken skewers in just minutes, eliminating the need for complex grilling or oven techniques while ensuring a crispy exterior.
• Gourmet Touch with Minimal Effort: The homemade garlic parmesan sauce with chili flakes transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-quality dish, adding luxurious flavor without requiring advanced culinary skills.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From prep to plate, these skewers take less than 30 minutes, making them an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious, protein-packed meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly.

What Goes on These Flavorful Skewers

• Chicken Breast: Lean, tender meat that absorbs marinades well and creates juicy skewers.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat chicken and enhance flavor absorption.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet color and mild smoky taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides concentrated garlic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Onion Powder: Brings subtle sweet and savory background notes.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps tenderize meat.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the marinade.
• Tabasco Sauce: Introduces spicy kick and complex flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for sauce.
• Garlic: Adds intense, aromatic flavor to sauce.
• Red Chili Flakes: Provides gentle heat and texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and creamy texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, acidic balance to rich sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh, herbaceous finish and color.

• Wooden Skewers: Helps shape and hold chicken during cooking.

Easy Air Fryer Skewer Guide

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Submerge wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Step 2: Create Marinade

• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Tabasco sauce

Add chicken pieces and thoroughly coat each piece with the marinade.

Step 3: Assemble Chicken Skewers

Thread marinated chicken tightly onto prepared skewers, ensuring no gaps between pieces. Trim skewer ends if needed for even cooking.

Step 4: Craft Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Melt butter
• Add minced garlic
• Sprinkle chili flakes

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley

Step 5: Air Fry Chicken Skewers

• Flip skewers
• Baste with prepared sauce

Cook for an additional 6-7 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Place cooked skewers on serving plate. Brush with remaining sauce and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top.

Chicken Skewer Tips for Bold Taste

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken to avoid charring and potential fire hazards in the air fryer.
• Maximize Flavor Coating: Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated in the seasoning mixture by gently massaging the marinade into the meat for even distribution and deep flavor penetration.
• Pack Chicken Tightly: Thread chicken chunks close together on skewers without gaps to promote uniform cooking and prevent smaller pieces from falling through the air fryer basket.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.
• Crisp Up Chicken Exterior: Pat chicken dry before marinating to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when air frying, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Crispy, herb-infused chicken pieces create a delightful meal that quickly becomes a family favorite for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless and skinless chicken thighs, cut into 3-inch pieces

Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons regular paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Nonstick cooking spray
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 10 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
• ⅓ teaspoon red chili flakes
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup minced fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Immerse wooden skewers in cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, smoky paprika, granulated garlic, powdered onion, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and zesty Tabasco sauce until thoroughly combined.
3. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized cubes, ensuring each piece is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in size.
4. Gently fold chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each morsel is evenly and generously coated with the seasoned mixture.
5. Carefully thread marinated chicken cubes onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, pressing pieces tightly together without leaving any gaps between them.
6. Trim skewer ends if they extend beyond the chicken to ensure even cooking and neat presentation.
7. For the luxurious sauce, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, then add minced fresh garlic and crushed red pepper flakes.
8. Sauté aromatics until fragrant, approximately 30-45 seconds, then remove from heat and incorporate grated parmesan cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
9. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and arrange chicken skewers in a single layer without overcrowding.
10. Cook skewers for 6-7 minutes, then carefully flip and generously baste with prepared sauce.
11. Continue air frying for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
12. Transfer skewers to a serving platter, brush with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese.
13. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Wooden skewers need a 30-minute water bath to prevent charring and potential fire hazards during air frying.
• Marinate chicken thoroughly by massaging spice mixture to ensure deep, even flavor penetration across all meat pieces.
• Use tightly packed chicken chunks on skewers to guarantee uniform cooking and optimal texture.
• Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm safe 165°F doneness and prevent foodborne illness.
• Brush sauce during mid-cooking process to develop rich, caramelized exterior and lock in moisture.
• Extra parmesan sprinkle adds final luxurious touch, enhancing visual appeal and providing delightful crispy cheese element.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 cal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg