Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. Coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a spicy kick, these skewers come together easily with an air fryer for tender, delicious results every time.

A close-up view of a hand holding a skewer with a crispy, golden-brown fried piece of food covered in melted cheese and finely chopped green herbs, with a layer of white grated topping sprinkled over it. The piece has a rough and crunchy texture with some dark brown edges, and the skewer extends from top to bottom. In the background, three more similar skewers rest on a white marbled surface, slightly blurred to highlight the main skewer. The woman's fingernails are painted bright red, adding a pop of color to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 stick butter
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Step 2: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces and toss in olive oil and seasoning mixture until well coated.
Step 3: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the skewers, leaving no gaps to keep the meat juicy. Trim skewers if needed to fit your air fryer.
Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with minced garlic until partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan, whisking until smooth. If the sauce separates, add a little softened butter to re-emulsify.
Step 5: Reserve about one third of the sauce for basting partially cooked chicken. Use the remaining sauce later for the fully cooked skewers to avoid cross-contamination. Clean your basting brush between uses.
Step 6: Cook 2-3 skewers at a time in a 400°F air fryer for 5 minutes. Remove, flip, and baste with reserved sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 7: Flip skewers again, baste with more sauce, and cook for 5-6 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cooking time is about 12-14 minutes, but may vary by air fryer.
Step 8: Once cooked, brush with the reserved clean garlic parmesan sauce one final time. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Soaking wooden skewers helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer or grill.
For extra smoky flavor, finish the skewers on a hot grill for 1-2 minutes after air frying.
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or tenders for a leaner option.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished skewers to brighten the flavors.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

Storage

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.

How to Serve

Several grilled chicken skewers are stacked closely on a long white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has a golden-brown grilled chicken layer as the base, covered with a thick layer of melted cheese mixed with finely chopped green herbs and small bits of minced garlic. The cheese topping is bubbly and slightly browned, with sprinkled white grated cheese on top adding a rough texture. The wooden skewers stick out from the bottom, showing some char marks from grilling. The image focuses closely on the food, highlighting the melty, cheesy, and savory details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?

Yes, metal skewers can be used and don’t require soaking. Just be careful when handling as they get very hot during cooking.

Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

You can season and skewer the chicken a few hours in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to cook. Prepare the garlic parmesan sauce fresh for best flavor and to avoid spoilage.