Crispy, garlicky chicken skewer goodness!
If I could only make one recipe in my air fryer for the rest of my life (crazy specific, I know), it would hands down be these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
They’ve got the perfect combo of a crispy garlic-Parmesan crust on the outside with juicy, tender chicken on the inside. And all cooked up in just 15 minutes!
I first got the idea after making my famous Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings for maybe the hundredth time. I figured, why not take the same flavor combo and turn it into a quick, no-grill-needed skewer situation? Turns out, it works SO incredibly well!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Super fast and easy: Minimal prep and no need to fire up the grill—just 15 minutes in the air fryer and you’re good to go.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Crispy, garlicky, cheesy perfection with juicy chicken every time.
- Versatile: Serve them with salad, rice, veggies, or dip them in ranch or Caesar dressing for a fun twist.
- No mess: Forget the splatter from stovetop searing or the cleanup from grilling—this is weeknight-friendly cooking at its best.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
- Chicken. Thighs are where it’s at. They’ve got a little extra fat, which means super juicy results, and they’re way more forgiving since they don’t dry out as easily. If you’re using breasts, just decrease the cook time by a few minutes and keep a close eye on them.
- Italian seasoning. I used my homemade Italian seasoning blend, but a store-bought version works fine too. Just check the label. If it already has salt, you’ll want to reduce how much you add to the overall dish.
- Butter. I tested this with salted butter, but unsalted works great if you’re trying to keep the sodium in check.
- Garlic. You’ve GOT to use fresh here! Either finely, finely chop it or run it through a garlic press (which is what I always do).
- Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated melts best and gives you the most flavor, but pre-shredded can be used.
- Parsley. It might seem like just a garnish, but it actually adds a subtle, earthy freshness that really works with the garlic and cheese.
Don’t forget the skewers! If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes so they don’t burn in the air fryer. Metal ones work too, and I found that 8-inch skewers fit best in most air fryer baskets.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Preheat the air fryer and soak skewers.
Set your air fryer to 400°F. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes so they don’t burn while cooking.
Season the chicken.
In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Pro Tip: If you have the time, let them marinade in the refrigerator for up to an hour for the best flavor!
Assemble the skewers.
Thread the chicken onto the skewers, you should get about 7-8 pieces per skewer. Make sure not to pack them too tightly so the heat can circulate evenly.
Pro Tip: When cutting the chicken, try to cut them into similarly-shaped and sized pieces.
Start cooking and make the garlic butter.
Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5–6 minutes.
While the chicken cooks, stir together the melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, and lemon zest in a medium bowl.
Pro Tip: It’s totally fine if the cheese clumps up a bit—just spread it out the best you can when brushing it on.
Flip and brush, repeat, then dig in!
Flip the skewers and brush with half of the garlic Parmesan butter. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Rotate the skewers one last time and brush with the remaining sauce. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
When ready to serve, top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice!
FAQs
You can, but they won’t come out quite as juicy. For chicken breasts, make sure to reduce the cook time by a few minutes and keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
You totally do! If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes so they don’t scorch or burn in the air fryer.
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer! You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
You sure can. Marinate the chicken and even thread them onto skewers a few hours in advance—just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
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Equipment
- 5 (8-inch) skewers, wooden or metal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 4 garlic cloves finely minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until well coated.2 tablespoons avocado oil, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Thread the chicken onto the skewers, about 8 pieces per skewer. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5-6 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, stir together the melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Flip the skewers and brush with half of the Parmesan garlic butter sauce. (It’s fine if the cheese clumps a little, just spread it out the best you can.) Cook for another 5 minutes.5 tablespoons salted butter, 4 garlic cloves, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- Flip the skewers one last time, brush with the remaining sauce, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve with additional Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.
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Video
Notes
- Skewers: 8-inch skewers work the best in most standard-sized air fryers.
- Italian Seasoning: I used the Evolving Table Italian Seasoning when testing this recipe. Another store-bought variety can work, but you’ll want to make sure and adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
- Storage: Let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the texture won’t be as crisp.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What to serve with them?
These skewers are super versatile! You can really let your imagination soar here. But here are some of my favorite sides:
- A starchy companion such as these Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes, Mediterranean Yellow Rice, or Easy Greek Lemon Rice.
- A fresh Greek cucumber salad or salad with homemade Caesar Salad Dressing.
- Warm pita and homemade Greek Tzatziki Sauce.
- Honey Roasted Broccoli or Lemon Garlic Roasted Asparagus.
More Chicken Skewer Recipes
If you want to keep that skewer theme going, check out these other easy chicken recipes:
