Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Deliciously juicy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and spices, then brushed with a rich and creamy garlic parmesan butter. Quick and easy to prepare, these skewers are perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 640g / 1.4lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 75g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 20g / 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
- 1 tbsp very finely diced fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoning.
- Thread the chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto 4 skewers, leaving space at both ends of each skewer. Pack the pieces tightly so they stay juicy and cook evenly on the air fryer.
- First air fry: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes. This starts cooking the chicken through while developing a nice surface.
- Make the garlic parmesan butter: While the chicken cooks, combine softened butter with freshly grated Parmesan, minced garlic, diced fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Warm it in short 5-second bursts in the microwave until it becomes creamy and easy to brush but not melted.
- Flip and butter the skewers: After the initial 10 minutes, carefully flip the skewers using tongs. Brush each skewer with one-third of the garlic parmesan butter. Air fry for an additional 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Flip and finish air frying: Flip the skewers again, brush with another third of the butter, and air fry for a final 2 minutes and 30 seconds until the chicken is lightly charred outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Final touch: Remove skewers from the air fryer and brush with the remaining butter. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan and parsley over the hot skewers to enhance flavor and presentation before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use softened butter for easier mixing and brushing.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, grill or bake the skewers at 200°C (400°F) until cooked through and browned.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning if using them instead of metal skewers.
