Quick Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
		If you’re craving a quick and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are just what you need. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with a blend of garlic and parmesan goodness, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or serving up as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Plus, making these skewers in the air fryer means you get that irresistible crisp without the extra oil or mess, all ready in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy Cooking: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
 - Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer ensures a golden, crispy crust while locking in tender, juicy chicken.
 - Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have for a fuss-free meal.
 - Versatile Snack or Meal: Works great as an appetizer, snack, or paired with sides for a full dinner.
 - Less Oil, More Flavor: Enjoy the rich parmesan and garlic taste with a healthier cooking method.
 
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe shines because the ingredients are straightforward but deliver amazing taste and texture together. Each one plays its role, from tender chicken to the bold cheese and garlic coating.
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes for even cooking and tenderness.
 - Garlic powder: Gives that essential savory garlic kick without overpowering the dish.
 - Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated to provide a rich, nutty flavor and crispy golden crust.
 - Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and adds a slight fruity note to the chicken.
 - Dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for an aromatic depth.
 - Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
 - Wooden or metal skewers: Use soaked wooden skewers or metal ones for easy handling in the air fryer.
 
Variations for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Feel free to experiment with your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers by customizing spices or adding ingredients to suit your mood or dietary goals. It’s a super flexible recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
 - Herb swap: Try fresh chopped rosemary or thyme instead of dried herbs for a fresher herbal punch.
 - Cheese choices: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper, different cheesy twist.
 - Veggie additions: Thread cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the chicken for color and freshness.
 - Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your parmesan and spices are certified.
 
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Place them in a mixing bowl to get ready for the flavorful marinade.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine garlic powder, freshly grated parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. This mixture will coat your chicken and deliver that irresistible flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in the parmesan garlic mixture until every bite is coated evenly for maximum flavor and a perfect crunchy texture.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the coated chicken pieces onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so the hot air can circulate and crisp them evenly.
Step 5: Air Fry the Skewers
Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skewers from the air fryer, let them cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dips or sides.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Uniform pieces: Cut chicken into consistent sizes to ensure it cooks evenly and thoroughly.
 - Preheat your air fryer: Warming it up before cooking helps achieve crispiness faster.
 - Don’t overcrowd: Leave space between skewers for the air fryer to circulate hot air and crisp the coating.
 - Fresh parmesan matters: Grate your own parmesan for the best texture and flavor; pre-grated options can be less flavorful.
 - Rest before serving: Let the skewers rest a couple of minutes to lock in the juices.
 
How to Serve Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the finished skewers for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the parmesan and garlic beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy garlic aioli dip to balance the crunchy chicken’s flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your skewers on a wooden board alongside lemon wedges and small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo for a fun appetizer platter style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store them without sauce to maintain crispness as long as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked marinated chicken pieces in a sealed bag up to 1 month. Thaw completely before threading onto skewers and air frying for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes to regain crispness without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work well; just cut them into similar sized chunks and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before cooking?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning during air frying or grilling.
Can I make these skewers without an air fryer?
You can cook these in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes or grill them for a smoky flavor but the air fryer delivers the quickest crispiness.
What dips go best with Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Garlic aioli, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo pair wonderfully and elevate the flavor experience.
Are these skewers suitable for meal prep?
Yes! They’re great for meal prep since they store well and reheat nicely, making lunchtime quick and flavorful throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers quickly become a favorite because they’re fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners, hosting friends, or just craving a delicious snack, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try today and enjoy that perfect combo of crispy, garlicky, cheesy goodness!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick, flavorful, and crispy meal or appetizer option. Juicy chicken pieces coated in a savory blend of garlic powder, freshly grated parmesan, dried Italian herbs, and olive oil, air fried to golden perfection in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or a healthy snack with less oil while delivering maximum taste and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
 - Cook Time: 12 minutes
 - Total Time: 22 minutes
 - Yield: 4 servings 1x
 - Category: Appetizers
 - Method: Air Frying
 - Cuisine: American
 - Diet: Gluten Free
 
Ingredients
Chicken and Skewers
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
 - Wooden or metal skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes if using)
 
Seasoning and Coating
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Place them in a mixing bowl ready for seasoning.
 - Mix the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine garlic powder, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create the flavorful coating.
 - Coat the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in the Parmesan garlic mixture until every piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor and a crispy texture.
 - Skewer the Chicken: Thread the coated chicken onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving some space between pieces for even hot air circulation.
 - Air Fry the Skewers: Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
 - Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skewers from the air fryer, let them rest a couple of minutes to lock in the juices, then serve warm with your favorite dips or sides.
 
Notes
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
 - Preheat your air fryer to help achieve crispiness faster.
 - Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space for air circulation.
 - Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
 - Let skewers rest a few minutes before serving to retain juiciness.
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers
 - Calories: 250 kcal
 - Sugar: 0.5 g
 - Sodium: 400 mg
 - Fat: 12 g
 - Saturated Fat: 4 g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
 - Trans Fat: 0 g
 - Carbohydrates: 2 g
 - Fiber: 0.3 g
 - Protein: 32 g
 - Cholesterol: 90 mg
 
Keywords: air fryer, garlic parmesan, chicken skewers, quick recipe, healthy snack, appetizer, gluten free