Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Get ready to meet your new dinner obsession: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video). These juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces are smothered in a rich garlic butter-parmesan sauce, then air fried until sizzling, golden, and irresistibly tender. With a few pantry staples, a handful of fresh ingredients, and a simple marinade, you’ll have a flavor-packed meal on the table in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun main course for family night, or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings together all the magic of crispy, cheesy, garlicky goodness—without ever turning on your oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video) couldn’t be easier, but each ingredient brings something special to the party. From tangy mayonnaise that locks in moisture to fresh parsley that adds a bright pop of color, you’ll love how every element contributes to bold flavors and tempting textures.

• Mayonnaise: Helps tenderize the chicken and binds the seasoning for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness to both the marinade and the buttery basting sauce.
• Olive oil: Gives a touch of fruity flavor and ensures juicy, golden chicken.
• Montreal chicken seasoning: A robust blend of herbs and spices that’s foolproof for quick, zesty flavor.
• Garlic powder: Delivers that signature savory punch right into the marinade.
• Cajun seasoning: Kicks up the warmth and adds depth, without the need for lots of extra spices.
• Smoked paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness and vibrant color that looks gorgeous once air fried.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein for skewers thanks to their tenderness and quick cooking time.
• Salted butter, very soft: Forms the heart of the luscious baste, ensuring every bite stays juicy and flavor-packed.
• Chopped fresh parsley: Brings a grassy, fresh finish (plus some lovely green flecks for presentation).
• Minced garlic cloves: Fresh garlic intensifies the flavor in the buttery baste for even more aromatics.
• Garlic salt: Boosts the garlicky goodness while seasoning the chicken to perfection.
• Black pepper: Just enough heat to round out all those creamy, cheesy flavors.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first, make your marinade! In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir until you have a creamy, dreamy mixture, then toss in the chicken pieces. Give everything a good mix, making sure every piece is gloriously coated. Let the chicken soak in that flavor while you prep your basting sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Baste

While the chicken marinates, get out another bowl and whip up your buttery baste. Combine the very soft salted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, more freshly grated parmesan, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it turns into a fragrant, flecked compound butter. You’ll want this super soft so it brushes on easily later.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving just a little bit of space between each to allow for even cooking. Don’t forget to check if your skewers fit into your air fryer basket—if they’re too long, you can trim them down or use shorter skewers. It’s those little details that ensure stress-free air frying!

Step 4: Air Fry the Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and give the basket a quick spritz of olive oil spray. Arrange your chicken skewers in a single layer, making sure not to crowd them. Air fry for 8 minutes to get a head start on crispiness, then get ready for that butter baste.

Step 5: Baste and Flip

Brush the tops of the skewers with your decadent garlic parmesan butter, then flip and baste the other side for extra shine. Pop them back in for another 8 minutes, or until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the skewers are perfectly cooked, give them one last generous brush with the remaining butter and a final flurry of freshly grated parmesan. Serve immediately while they’re hot, juicy, and dripping with flavor. For the full effect, check out the included video for a visual step-by-step guide!

How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video)

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a shower of extra parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color. If you want an added zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dusting of smoked paprika pulls everything together beautifully and looks stunning for guests.

Side Dishes

These skewers shine alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad. For small plates or game day, try serving them with garlic breadsticks, roasted veggies, or a zippy dipping sauce—think ranch, blue cheese, or even extra garlic butter.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video) into party food by sliding the finished pieces off the skewers and threading them with roasted veggies on toothpicks for easy snacking. You can even serve them taco-style in warm tortillas with crunchy lettuce and more cheese for a unique, crowd-pleasing twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, any leftover chicken skewers can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days. They’re fantastic for easy lunches, salads, or quick wraps the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze, remove the chicken from the skewers and place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents sticking and keeps them fresh for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Pop cold or thawed chicken pieces back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to revive their crispiness, or reheat gently in the microwave for a quick meal on-the-go. If you have leftover garlic butter, drizzle a little on just before serving to restore those bold flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs turn out extra juicy and have a slightly richer flavor. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries—these skewers are just as delicious roasted in a conventional oven. Bake them at 425°F on a lined baking sheet, flipping and basting halfway, until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.

Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise in the marinade?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a tangy, lighter spin on Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video). You’ll still get plenty of moisture with a touch more protein and a little less fat.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and thread the pieces onto skewers a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining without last-minute fuss.

What’s the best type of skewer to use?

Both wooden and metal skewers work well. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes first to prevent burning in the air fryer. Shorter skewers often fit better in smaller baskets and make serving easier.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate (or two) of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video) with those you love. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with that dreamy garlic-parm flavor—they’re almost too good to be true! I hope you give this recipe a try soon and watch them disappear right before your eyes—it’s sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.

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