Name: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1 Tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning; 1 Tablespoon garlic powder; 1 ½ teaspoons cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, very soft; 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); 1 teaspoon garlic salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 15 reviews

If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, ready in no time, and perfect for sharing, the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken bites are marinated in a savory blend of spices and parmesan, then cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. Coated with a garlic butter parmesan baste, every skewer delivers a deliciously crispy exterior and a rich, comforting taste that is sure to become your new favorite. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a creamy, pale yellow mixture speckled heavily with chopped green herbs. The mixture has a soft, whipped texture with some uneven swirls and peaks showing the blend of ingredients. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, partially covered in the herb mixture. The scene is bright and clean, highlighting the fresh and light feel of the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple but play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture for the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. Each component, from the creamy mayonnaise to the aromatic fresh parsley, works together to create a dish that’s juicy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.

Mayonnaise: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy richness to the marinade.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Provides that irresistible nutty and salty flavor essential to the dish.
Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
Montreal chicken seasoning: Brings a savory, slightly smoky kick with a well-balanced spice blend.
Garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor without overpowering the other spices.
Cajun seasoning: Adds a subtle, spicy warmth that enhances the overall taste.
Smoked paprika: Introduces a rich smokiness for deeper complexity.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that’s cut into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering.
Salted butter: Forms the velvety garlic parmesan baste that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes in the baste.
Minced garlic cloves: Delivers an aromatic punch in the butter sauce.
Garlic salt: Balances the butter sauce with a savory saltiness and extra garlic flavor.
Black pepper: Enhances the seasoning with a mild heat and zing.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Begin by mixing the mayonnaise, freshly grated parmesan, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika in a large bowl until smooth. This marinade is your flavor base, combining creamy, spicy, and smoky notes that will permeate every bite of chicken. Then, add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Letting the chicken sit in this mixture for at least 20 minutes will make the meat irresistibly flavorful and tender.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Baste

While the chicken marinates, prepare the luscious baste by combining softened salted butter with chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic cloves, parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper. This butter sauce is going to elevate your skewers by adding a rich, buttery coating infused with fresh herbs and garlic — it’s the secret ingredient that keeps the chicken moist and irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, making sure to keep them evenly spaced for thorough cooking. Tip: Check that the skewers fit comfortably in your air fryer basket; trimming the ends if needed will prevent any hassle when cooking. These skewers bring convenience and a delightful presentation to your meal.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (roughly 200°C). Spray the basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Cook the skewers for 8 minutes, then generously baste the tops with your garlic parmesan butter. Flip the skewers over, baste the other side, and continue cooking for another 8 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This method ensures the chicken cooks evenly while soaking up the buttery garlic goodness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

After cooking, baste the skewers once more with the buttery sauce and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for an irresistible final touch. Serve them piping hot for the best textural contrast between the crispy, cheesy exterior and the juicy, tender inside.

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Three skewers of grilled chicken pieces with a golden-brown, slightly crispy texture are placed side by side inside a black air fryer basket. The chicken pieces have a rich orange color with some darker charred spots, showing they are well cooked. The basket’s ridged surface and the outer edges of the air fryer are visible, set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple scatter of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese can brighten up the dish visually and elevate the fresh flavor immediately before serving. A light drizzle of lemon juice right after cooking can also add a fresh zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

The Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or vibrant roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of garlic butter rice complement the buttery, cheesy notes of the skewers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the skewers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a tangy marinara. Wrapping the skewers in warm pita bread with fresh greens and a dollop of tzatziki turns this dish into a fun handheld meal perfect for casual gatherings or game day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover skewers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the butter baste separate if possible to maintain the best texture when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring the skewers back to life, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use a conventional oven, but avoid microwaving to keep that delicious crispy texture intact.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and will work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using them?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer or oven.

Is it necessary to baste the chicken during cooking?

Basting adds moisture and wonderful flavor on every side of the chicken, making the dish so much more irresistible, so it’s highly recommended.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

You sure can! The marinade can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Marinate the chicken just before cooking to keep it fresh.

What if I don’t have freshly grated parmesan?

While freshly grated parmesan delivers the best flavor and texture, pre-grated parmesan can be used in a pinch. Just make sure it’s a good quality cheese to avoid any graininess.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to indulge in a dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with aromatic garlic and rich parmesan flavors, the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is your next kitchen win. It’s quick, simple, and endlessly delicious — perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to something special. Grab your skewers and your air fryer, and get ready to savor every buttery, garlicky bite!