Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer Recipe)

Juicy, tender chicken skewers basted in a rich, buttery garlic parmesan sauce — perfect as a party appetizer or a weeknight dinner winner! These air fryer chicken skewers are easy to make and packed with flavor in every bite.

 Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 6 skewers

 Ingredients

For the Chicken Skewers

• 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thighs/breast), cut into 3″ pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Chicken Seasoning

• 2 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

• 1 stick unsalted butter

• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• 2 tsp red pepper flakes

• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken & Skewers

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

• Mix together seasoning spices in a small bowl.

• Toss chicken pieces with olive oil and seasoning until well coated.

• Thread chicken onto skewers, packing tightly with no gaps. Trim ends if needed to fit in the air fryer.

2. Make Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter halfway.

• Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan.

• Whisk to combine. (If it separates, stir in 1–2 tbsp of softened butter to re-emulsify.)

• Reserve ⅓ of the sauce for basting while cooking and keep the rest separate for final glazing.

3. Air Fry the Skewers

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

• Air fry 2–3 skewers at a time for:

  • 5 minutes → Flip & baste

  • 2 more minutes → Flip again & baste

  • Final 5–6 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F

• Total Cook Time: 12–14 minutes

• Once done, glaze with reserved sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan.

 Alternate Cooking Methods

Oven Instructions

• Preheat to 450°F.

• Bake skewers on a foil-lined sheet for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting throughout.

• Broil for 2 minutes at the end to brown the tops.

• Glaze with remaining sauce and parmesan.

Grill Instructions

• Preheat grill to medium-high.

• Grill skewers 5–6 minutes per side, basting as you go.

• Glaze and sprinkle with parmesan before serving.

 Serving Ideas

• Serve over rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies.

• Make it a wrap or salad topper!

• Great with a side of garlic bread or a dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli.