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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Easy Air Fryer Recipe)

Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
Air fried until tender and coated in homemade garlic Parmesan butter sauce.
Ready in approximately 30 minutes with simple, family-friendly ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Chicken Seasoning

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 8 –10 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon halal-friendly hot sauce or more to taste
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley finely chopped

Optional Garnish

  • Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps reduce the risk of burning in the air fryer.
  • Make sure the skewers are short enough to fit comfortably inside your air fryer basket.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  • Cut the chicken into approximately 3-inch pieces, keeping them as uniform as possible to encourage even cooking.
  • Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the olive oil and toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

  • In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken.
  • Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the spices.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Skewers

  • Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers.
  • Arrange the chicken pieces snugly together without compressing them too tightly.
  • Continue until all the chicken has been threaded onto skewers.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

  • Place the butter and minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave in short intervals until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.
  • Alternatively, gently melt the butter with the garlic in a small saucepan over low heat.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley.
  • Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
  • If the sauce begins to separate, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter until the mixture becomes more cohesive.

Step 6: Divide the Sauce

  • Transfer approximately one-third of the garlic Parmesan butter sauce into a separate bowl for basting the chicken during cooking.
  • Reserve the remaining sauce in a clean bowl for the final coating.
  • Keep the two portions separate to prevent cross-contamination.

Step 7: Air Fry the Chicken

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), if recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Arrange 2–3 skewers in the air fryer basket, depending on its size.
  • Leave enough space around the skewers for hot air to circulate.
  • Cook for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Flip and Baste

  • Carefully remove the basket and turn the skewers.
  • Brush the chicken with a portion of the basting sauce.
  • Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Step 9: Finish Cooking

  • Flip the skewers again and brush with more garlic Parmesan butter sauce.
  • Continue cooking for another 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • The total cooking time should be approximately 12–14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces and your air fryer model.

Step 10: Add the Final Garlic Butter Coating

  • Transfer the cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to a serving platter.
  • Brush generously with the clean, reserved garlic Parmesan butter sauce.
  • Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
  • Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, tender, and coated in buttery garlic sauce.

Notes

For a complete dinner, serve these garlic butter chicken skewers over steamed basmati rice or buttery mashed potatoes.
Roasted broccoli, grilled zucchini, sautéed green beans, and fresh cucumber salad are excellent side dishes.
For a lighter meal, serve the chicken over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
You can also remove the cooked chicken from the skewers and tuck it into warm pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, and a spoonful of garlic yogurt sauce.
For meal prep, divide the chicken into individual containers with rice and vegetables. Store the extra garlic Parmesan butter sauce separately until ready to reheat.