Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with savory, cheesy flavor but still incredibly simple to whip up, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are about to become your new obsession. Juicy cubes of chicken soak up the rich blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and olive oil, then get finished with a shower of fresh Parmesan and vibrant parsley for a main dish that feels just as special for weeknights as it does for a party platter. This quick-cooking air fryer recipe gives you golden, tender chicken skewers in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably have most of these kitchen staples already, but don’t underestimate their impact! Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the bold, craveworthy flavors and mellow, juicy texture that make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers such a favorite.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the ideal bite-sized cubes that stay juicy and tender after air frying.
- Olive oil: Its richness helps the spices cling to the chicken and ensures a golden, moist finish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and flavor—don’t skimp here!
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, drawing out the chicken’s natural flavor and balancing the cheesy finish.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of bite and heat to complement the Parmesan.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings earthy, savory complexity to the marinade.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient—grate it fresh if possible for the best melt and flavor payoff.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green contrasts the golden chicken and adds a bright, peppery finish.
- Optional extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish: For even more flavor and that irresistible “wow” moment when serving.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Skewers keep the chicken perfectly portioned, and soaking wooden ones prevents charring.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prep the Marinade
Start by combining the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. This fragrant mixture will hug every morsel of chicken, ensuring each skewer is packed with flavor from the very beginning. The olive oil not only helps the spices stick but also adds just the right amount of richness to the finished dish.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Add your chunks of chicken breast right into the marinade you just made. Gently toss everything together, getting every piece evenly coated. Don’t rush—giving the chicken a minute or two to soak up the seasonings is the secret to those signature bold flavors in Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
Step 3: Thread the Skewers
Whether you’re using metal or well-soaked wooden skewers, neatly thread those seasoned chicken cubes on, leaving a little breathing room between each chunk. This spacing helps the air fryer heat circulate, guaranteeing juicy, fully cooked bites from edge to edge.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then arrange the skewers in a single layer inside the basket. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should hit that magic 165°F internal temperature, signaling pure juiciness and safety in every bite. If you’re adding sliced veggies between the chicken, they’ll cook up perfectly along with the meat!
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley
Pull those gorgeously golden skewers out and immediately shower them with plenty of Parmesan and bright parsley. The heat melts the cheese ever so slightly, letting it cling to the chicken and create that signature, irresistible coating. An extra pinch of cheese or herbs makes your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, I love to sprinkle even more freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley right before serving. The extra burst of green and salty cheese really pops against the golden chicken, making each bite as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
These skewers play well with just about any side! Try pairing with a crisp green salad, buttery roasted potatoes, or hot steamed rice. For a lighter touch, serve with grilled or air-fried veggies. Don’t forget plenty of your favorite dipping sauces for the table—creamy ranch, garlic aioli, or zesty marinara are all crowd-pleasers.
Creative Ways to Present
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are made for sharing, so stack them on a platter for easy snacking at parties, or tuck them into wraps, pita, or even over pasta for a fun, hands-on meal. For grilling season, mix in colorful veggies between the chicken and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers keep fabulously in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just transfer the cooled skewers to an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment to keep the cheese from sticking too much.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze these skewers after cooking. Simply wrap each skewer tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, skip garnishing with fresh herbs until after reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, which keeps the chicken moist and revives the Parmesan’s flavor. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven, or pop individual skewers in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy in the air fryer and work beautifully with the garlic Parmesan coating. Just be sure to cook until the internal temperature hits 165°F for safety.
Are Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your Italian seasoning if you’re using a store-bought blend.
What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken on. This step keeps them from scorching or snapping in the air fryer’s heat.
Can I add vegetables to these skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion slices tucked between the chicken cubes add color, nutrients, and a delicious sweet contrast to the savory cheese and garlic.
Is it necessary to preheat my air fryer?
For the most consistent results, it’s best to preheat your air fryer so the chicken cooks evenly and develops that ideal, golden exterior. A 2–3 minute preheat at 375°F is usually all you need.
Final Thoughts
Give these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a try and get ready for a new staple in your easy dinner rotation. Every batch comes out flavorful, juicy, and coated in cheesy goodness—guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a tasty appetizer. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then air fried to crispy perfection. Serve these skewers with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Optional: extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken and coat evenly.
- Thread Chicken: Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook Skewers: Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve warm with dipping sauce or side dish.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before air frying to prevent burning.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini between chicken pieces for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
