Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Skewers

This air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers recipe transforms simple chicken breast into a flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. The combination of savory seasonings and a rich garlic butter sauce creates juicy, tender bites that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

I created this recipe when looking for quick weeknight dinners that would please my picky eaters. The first time I made these skewers, my family devoured them so quickly I barely had time to sit down before they were asking for more.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: creates the moist base for the marinade ensuring tender chicken
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth both in the marinade and finishing sauce
• Montreal chicken seasoning: provides the perfect blend of herbs and spices
• Garlic powder: infuses deep flavor into the chicken during cooking
• Cajun seasoning: adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat
• Smoked paprika: brings a hint of smokiness that mimics grilling
• Chicken breast: becomes incredibly juicy when prepared this way
• Butter: forms the luxurious base for the basting sauce
• Fresh parsley: brightens the rich flavors with color and freshness
• Fresh garlic cloves: provide punchy flavor in the finishing sauce

How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Create the marinade:

Mix mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika in a large bowl until completely smooth. This flavor base will penetrate the chicken as it marinates creating layers of taste in every bite.

Prepare the chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized bite sized pieces approximately 1 to 1.5 inches each. Toss the chicken in the marinade ensuring each piece is fully coated. Allow the chicken to sit in this mixture while you prepare the basting sauce.

Make the garlic butter baste:

Combine very soft butter with fresh chopped parsley, minced garlic cloves, grated parmesan, garlic salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This buttery mixture will create a golden, flavorful coating on the chicken as it cooks.

Skewer the chicken:

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers leaving small spaces between each piece to allow air circulation. If needed, trim skewers to fit your air fryer model. The spacing helps ensure even cooking through each piece.

First air fryer session:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the loaded skewers in a single layer and cook for 8 minutes which starts the cooking process and sets the marinade.

Baste and flip:

Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the partially cooked skewers before flipping them over. Apply another layer of the butter mixture to the newly exposed side. This double basting ensures maximum flavor development.

Final cooking phase:

Return skewers to the air fryer for approximately 8 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The precise timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken pieces.

Serve with flair:

Apply a final baste of the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle with additional fresh parmesan cheese just before serving. This finishing touch adds a beautiful presentation element and boosts the flavor intensity.

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My favorite element in this recipe is the smoked paprika. I discovered its transformative powers after experimenting with different spice blends. When my son who typically avoids chicken asked for thirds of these skewers, I knew this ingredient was the secret weapon that would stay in my recipe forever.

Make Ahead Options

These skewers can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance for easy cooking later. Simply prepare the chicken in the marinade, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. The garlic butter baste can also be made ahead and stored separately. When ready to cook, bring both to room temperature for about 15 minutes before proceeding with the skewering and air frying steps. This makes them perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights when time is tight.

Perfect Pairings

The garlic parmesan flavor profile of these skewers pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing. Serve them over buttery rice pilaf which soaks up the extra garlic butter sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta provides refreshing contrast. If you're entertaining, these make excellent appetizers served with a cool tzatziki dipping sauce on the side for an unexpected but delicious flavor combination.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your chicken is browning too quickly but not cooking through, reduce the air fryer temperature to 375°F and extend the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes. For chicken that seems dry, increase the amount of mayonnaise in the marinade by 1 tablespoon next time. Different air fryer models can vary significantly in power, so always check for doneness using a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on timing. Finally, if the garlic butter begins to burn during the second cook, simply apply most of it during the final basting instead.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use wooden skewers for air fryer cooking?

Yes, but make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning in the air fryer.

→ What type of chicken is best for skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they are easy to cut into bite-sized pieces and cook evenly on skewers.

→ Can I substitute parmesan cheese with another cheese?

While parmesan adds the best flavor, you can substitute it with pecorino romano, asiago, or any other hard cheese for a similar result.

→ How do I prevent the chicken from drying out in the air fryer?

Marinating the chicken before cooking and basting it with butter sauce during and after cooking helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

→ What side dishes pair well with these chicken skewers?

These skewers go well with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

→ Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasonings and ingredients, such as mayonnaise, are certified gluten-free.