Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Cut the chicken into even-sized chunks for consistent cooking.
- Mince the garlic and finely chop the parsley.
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes, if possible, for best flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each for even cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese while hot.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Serve skewers hot with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
- Great over rice, salad, or dipped in your favorite garlic sauce!
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw first. Reheating Tips: Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. Microwave: 1–2 minutes (note: may lose some crispiness). 🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade. Herb Upgrade: Use fresh thyme or rosemary for added depth. Grilled Version: Cook on a hot grill for 5–6 minutes per side. Low-Fat Option: Use chicken breast and reduce olive oil slightly. Cheese Lovers: Add shredded mozzarella before serving for a gooey twist. Yogurt Marinade: Swap olive oil for Greek yogurt for tender texture. Pesto Twist: Use pesto instead of Italian seasoning for bold herb flavor. Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or Caesar dressing. Keto-Friendly: These are naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto! Meal Prep Favorite: Prep skewers ahead and cook when ready for dinner. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and very flavorful. 2. Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer. 3. Can I use grated Parmesan from a can?
Freshly grated tastes better, but the canned version will work in a pinch. 4. What temperature should the chicken reach?
165°F (74°C) internally is safe and juicy. 5. How long do I marinate the chicken?
15–30 minutes is ideal, but even 10 minutes adds great flavor. 6. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the skewers and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. 7. What sides go well with this?
Serve with a green salad, rice pilaf, or roasted veggies. 8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! You can tone down garlic and skip pepper if needed. 9. Can I bake these instead?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. 10. How do I keep them juicy?
Don’t overcook and let them rest for a minute before serving. 🏁 Conclusion
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers deliver big flavor in small bites. From their juicy interior to their crispy, cheesy crust, they’re a surefire hit for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re whipping them up for a fast weeknight dinner or serving them at your next party, these skewers are quick, mess-free, and totally irresistible. Plus, they’re air fryer-friendly, so you’ll get all the crunch without the grease!
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw first. Reheating Tips: Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. Microwave: 1–2 minutes (note: may lose some crispiness). 🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade. Herb Upgrade: Use fresh thyme or rosemary for added depth. Grilled Version: Cook on a hot grill for 5–6 minutes per side. Low-Fat Option: Use chicken breast and reduce olive oil slightly. Cheese Lovers: Add shredded mozzarella before serving for a gooey twist. Yogurt Marinade: Swap olive oil for Greek yogurt for tender texture. Pesto Twist: Use pesto instead of Italian seasoning for bold herb flavor. Dipping Sauce Ideas: Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, or Caesar dressing. Keto-Friendly: These are naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto! Meal Prep Favorite: Prep skewers ahead and cook when ready for dinner. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and very flavorful. 2. Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer. 3. Can I use grated Parmesan from a can?
Freshly grated tastes better, but the canned version will work in a pinch. 4. What temperature should the chicken reach?
165°F (74°C) internally is safe and juicy. 5. How long do I marinate the chicken?
15–30 minutes is ideal, but even 10 minutes adds great flavor. 6. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the skewers and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. 7. What sides go well with this?
Serve with a green salad, rice pilaf, or roasted veggies. 8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! You can tone down garlic and skip pepper if needed. 9. Can I bake these instead?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. 10. How do I keep them juicy?
Don’t overcook and let them rest for a minute before serving. 🏁 Conclusion
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers deliver big flavor in small bites. From their juicy interior to their crispy, cheesy crust, they’re a surefire hit for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re whipping them up for a fast weeknight dinner or serving them at your next party, these skewers are quick, mess-free, and totally irresistible. Plus, they’re air fryer-friendly, so you’ll get all the crunch without the grease!