The Best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – 15-Minute Recipe

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s packed with bold flavors. The chicken is tender, juicy, and perfectly coated in a flavorful garlic parmesan butter, all thanks to the air fryer. This recipe is ideal for a quick dinner that requires minimal prep time but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving a healthy, family-friendly meal or looking for something unique to try in your air fryer, these chicken skewers are the perfect option. Plus, they’re ready in just 20 minutes!

Why Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Are Perfect for Your Dinner

When you’re in need of a quick yet delicious meal, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the answer. They’re not only easy to make, but they’re also healthier than traditional frying methods, thanks to the air fryer. The seasoning blend enhances the chicken, giving it a bold and savory flavor that everyone will love. Additionally, the garlic parmesan butter adds a rich, irresistible touch that complements the chicken perfectly.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for skewering and air frying.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and keeps the chicken moist.
• Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Adds a savory, herby flavor to the chicken.
• Fresh Garlic: Provides a fresh, aromatic kick in the garlic parmesan butter.
• Unsalted Butter: The base of the garlic parmesan butter, adding richness and flavor.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Delivers that classic nutty, salty taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and a fresh herbal note to the garlic butter.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the garlic butter and seasoning blend.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing some ingredients or have dietary preferences, here are a few swaps to consider:

Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a leaner cut of chicken, boneless skinless chicken breasts will work as well.
Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used in the garlic butter.
Pork or Shrimp: Not in the mood for chicken? Try pork or shrimp as alternatives! Adjust the cooking time for different proteins.
Salted Butter: If you prefer salted butter, omit the added salt from the garlic butter mixture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  1. Season the Chicken
    Start by cutting the boneless skinless chicken thighs into 2-inch pieces. In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat. Sprinkle the garlic and herb seasoning and massage it into the chicken for maximum flavor.
  2. Prepare the Skewers
    Thread about 7-8 pieces of chicken onto each skewer. If you’re using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer
    Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. Arrange the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space between them for even cooking.
  4. First Air Frying
    Cook the skewers in the air fryer for about 8 minutes, checking for doneness. The internal temperature should be 165°F when fully cooked.
  5. Prepare Garlic Butter
    While the chicken is cooking, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, kosher salt, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese in a bowl. Stir until well combined.
  6. Flip and Brush
    After the first 8 minutes, flip the skewers over using tongs. Brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture and air fry for an additional 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Final Brush and Serve
    Once the chicken is cooked, flip the skewers back to the unbuttered side and brush with garlic butter. Serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious garlic parmesan flavor!
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken has reached 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as it can result in uneven cooking. If necessary, cook the skewers in batches.
Use Softened Butter: For easy application, make sure the butter is softened before mixing it with the garlic and seasonings.
Use Metal Skewers: If possible, opt for metal skewers as they conduct heat better and cook the chicken faster.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:

Cheesy Rice Pilaf: A creamy, cheesy rice pilaf makes for a perfect balance to the savory skewers.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized flavor of roasted brussels sprouts complements the richness of the garlic parmesan butter.
Green Salad: A simple salad with a basil shallot vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch.

For a twist, you can make this dish spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or serving it with a spicy dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for Meal Prep

These chicken skewers can be made ahead for easy meal prep! Prepare the chicken and seasonings, and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. The garlic butter can also be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Just let it soften before using.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover garlic parmesan chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and health. With the air fryer doing most of the work, you can enjoy juicy, tender chicken skewers without the mess and hassle of traditional frying methods. The garlic parmesan butter brings out the best in the chicken, while simple ingredients make this dish accessible for any home cook. Whether you’re preparing this for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, these skewers are sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken breasts can be substituted for chicken thighs. The cooking time will be similar, but make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.

How long do I cook the chicken skewers in the air fryer?

For best results, cook the skewers in the air fryer for 8 minutes, then flip them, brush with garlic butter, and cook for another 7 minutes. The total cook time is approximately 15 minutes, but it’s important to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Can I make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and seasonings a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. The garlic butter can also be made ahead and kept in the fridge. Just ensure the butter is softened before applying to the chicken.

What sides pair well with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

These skewers pair wonderfully with cheesy rice pilaf, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad with basil vinaigrette. You can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

More Relevant Recipes

If you love Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’ll enjoy these mouthwatering recipes too:

  1. Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets – A perfect twist on a classic Caesar salad, these crispy chicken cutlets cooked in the air fryer are ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
  2. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Enjoy garlic butter chicken bites served alongside creamy parmesan pasta for a savory and satisfying dinner.
  3. Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Garlic Parmesan – Another great option for garlic and parmesan lovers, these crispy chicken tenders are packed with flavor and easy to make.

These recipes share similar flavors and cooking methods, making them perfect additions to your air fryer meal collection!

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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers


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  • Author: Elina
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a mouthwatering garlic parmesan butter that adds bold flavors, making this recipe perfect for a quick dinner. Using an air fryer ensures minimal effort with maximum flavor, and it’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 skewers (metal or bamboo)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil and garlic and herb seasoning. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly.
  2. Prepare the skewers: Thread about 7-8 pieces of chicken onto each skewer.
  3. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for a few minutes.
  4. Air fry the chicken: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes.
  5. Make the garlic butter: While the chicken is cooking, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic and herb seasoning, kosher salt, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
  6. Flip and brush: Flip the skewers and brush generously with the garlic butter mixture. Air fry for an additional 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Brush and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, flip the skewers again and brush with any remaining garlic butter. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.
  • For best results, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
  • Feel free to experiment with other proteins, such as shrimp or pork, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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