Looking for the most delicious Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers that will have your family asking for seconds? This recipe combines tender chicken chunks and savory parmesan for a juicy dish that’s packed with garlic-infused flavor. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick but impressive meal.
🔥 Difficulty: Easy
👨👩👧👦 Servings: 4 people
💰 Cost: Budget
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- ⏰ Save time – Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- 💸 Budget-friendly – Uses simple pantry ingredients that won’t break the bank
- 👶 Family-approved – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds
- 🔄 Versatile – Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
- ❤️ Wholesome – Packed with protein and lower in fat than traditional fried options
Discover how to make homemade Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers easily with this foolproof method. This is the best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for beginners, with clear steps and helpful tips throughout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken skewers:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6-8 wooden or metal skewers
For the garlic Parmesan dipping sauce (optional):
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Essential pantry ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers include olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. For the best spice blends for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, combine Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Substitution options: For a dairy-free version of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Make it keto-friendly by keeping all ingredients as-is and serving with a low-carb side.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Step 1:If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes before using to prevent burning in the air fryer.
Step 2:Cut chicken breasts into even 1-inch cubes. Try to make them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
🔍 PRO TIP: Partially freeze the chicken for about 15 minutes before cutting—it makes it easier to get clean, even cubes!
Step 3:In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ¼ cup of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create your marinade.
Step 4:Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).
Cooking Process
Step 5:Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Step 6:Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Step 7:Place skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
Step 8:Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through cooking time. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a golden-brown exterior.
🔍 PRO TIP: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Leave space between skewers for proper air circulation—this is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
Final Assembly
Step 9:Immediately after removing from the air fryer, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the hot chicken skewers so it slightly melts.
Step10:While the skewers are cooking, prepare the optional dipping sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mixing until smooth.
Step 11:Garnish skewers with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with the garlic Parmesan dipping sauce on the side.
Pro Tips for Success
- 🌡️ Temperature matters – Always preheat your air fryer for at least 3 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start
- ⏱️ Timing is key – Chicken can dry out quickly, so check for doneness at the 10-minute mark
- 🔪 Preparation technique – Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure they all finish cooking at the same time
- 🥣 Ingredient quality – Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged for better melting and flavor
- 👁️ Visual cues – Look for a light golden-brown color and slight caramelization on edges to know your skewers are done
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Overcrowding the air fryer basket – Solution: Cook in batches to ensure proper air circulation
- Mistake: Using pieces that are too large – Solution: Keep chicken pieces small and uniform, about 1-inch cubes
- Mistake: Not using oil in the marinade – Solution: The olive oil helps the chicken stay moist and promotes browning
Nutritional Information
Values per serving (2 skewers)
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 0 g
*Approximate values. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized information.
Dietary Adaptations
Low-carb version: This recipe is naturally low in carbs at just 2g per serving.
High-protein option: Use chicken breast as indicated for maximum protein content of 38g per serving.
For specific diets: This recipe is gluten-free as written. For dairy-free, substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free dipping sauce alternative.
Storage and Leftovers
🧊 Refrigeration
Store leftover Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing.
❄️ Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! Remove the chicken from the skewers, place in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.
♨️ Reheating
For the best way to reheat Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, use the air fryer again at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery and cause the cheese to become gummy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love these chicken skewers because they’re fun to eat and have a mild, cheesy flavor profile. The garlic isn’t overpowering, and the Parmesan adds a familiar taste that most children enjoy.
Can I make these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Thread onto skewers just before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook them completely, refrigerate, and reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F when ready to serve.
Can I add vegetables to these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken ?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions work well. Cut them into similar-sized pieces as your chicken. You can either make separate vegetable skewers (as they may cook at different rates) or alternate them with the chicken pieces.
What can I serve with these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken ?
These skewers pair wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or over a bed of rice or pasta. For a complete meal, serve with the garlic Parmesan dipping sauce and a simple side like steamed broccoli or a Mediterranean couscous salad.
Ready to Make the Best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Now you know exactly how to make the best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken S easily at home. This recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort – the perfect combination for any home cook. Your family will be amazed at how delicious homemade can be!
What occasion will you make these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken for? Let me know in the comments!
Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Ready in Just 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Quick and delicious Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ready in just 30 minutes! Tender chicken chunks coated in a crispy garlic Parmesan crust.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into even 1-inch cubes. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
- In a shallow dish, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- If using wooden skewers, ensure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure even cooking. Each skewer should hold about 4-5 pieces of chicken.
- Roll each skewer in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the chicken.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, carefully remove the hot skewers from the air fryer using tongs. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy. These skewers pair well with a side salad, rice, or dipping sauce of your choice.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, swap panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
- To make it dairy-free, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: air fryer chicken skewers, garlic parmesan chicken, quick air fryer recipes, low fat chicken recipes, easy chicken skewers
