Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly golden, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick and irresistible dinner or appetizer idea. Marinated in a savory garlic-Parmesan blend and crisped to perfection in the air fryer, these skewers deliver bold flavor with minimal effort. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or over a salad for a high-protein, low-carb meal the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 25 minutes from start to finish.
Air Fryer Perfection – Crispy edges, juicy center, no need to heat the oven.
Bold Garlic Parmesan Flavor – Classic combo with loads of umami.
Great for Any Occasion – Weeknight dinners, meal prep, parties, or snacks.
Customizable – Switch up the seasoning, use your favorite cheese, or add veggies to the skewers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1½-inch chunks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Juice of ½ lemon

For Finishing:

• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spatula
• Basting brush (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, and ⅓ cup grated parmesan.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
Cover and let marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 3: Air Fry the Skewers
Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
Place chicken skewers in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden, cooked through, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Once cooked, brush each skewer with melted butter.
Sprinkle with extra parmesan and chopped parsley for a fresh and cheesy finish.

Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, over rice or pasta, or on a salad for a lighter meal.

Tips for Success
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches so the air circulates for even crisping.
Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay tender and flavorful.
Adjust the Heat – Skip the red pepper flakes for milder flavor, or add more for spice.
Parmesan Tip – Use finely grated Parmesan (like powder) for better coating and melting.
Cut Even Pieces – Ensures even cooking across all the skewers.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Aioli – Perfect for dipping and double garlic goodness.
Over Salad – Serve with a Caesar or garden salad for a healthy lunch.
With Pasta – Pair with creamy Alfredo or pesto for a full meal.
In Wraps – Add to a pita or tortilla with veggies and sauce for an easy handheld meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Remove chicken from skewers if storing for meal prep convenience.

Freezing:
Freeze cooked skewers (wrapped or in bags) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, though it may reduce crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cook these without skewers?
   Absolutely! Just air fry the marinated chicken pieces directly in the basket.
2. Can I use pre-grated bagged Parmesan?
   Yes, but finely grated (powder-style) melts and sticks better for this recipe.
3. Can I prep these ahead of time?
   Definitely. Marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers up to a day in advance.
4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
   Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, or grill for a smoky flavor.
5. Are these low-carb/keto friendly?
   Yes! They’re naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats.

Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, prepping lunches for the week, or feeding a crowd, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy, delicious, and endlessly versatile.

Try them once, and you’ll be making them on repeat! Don’t forget to tag your creations online—I’d love to see how you serve them.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Skewer):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 1g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 320mg

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