Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Skewers

This garlic parmesan chicken skewer recipe transforms your air fryer into a flavor powerhouse. The combination of tender chicken bites and a rich buttery garlic sauce creates an irresistible dish that's quicker than traditional grilling but delivers all the satisfaction of perfectly cooked skewers.

I first made these skewers when my outdoor grill was covered in snow, and now my family requests them year-round. The air fryer creates that perfect exterior texture while keeping every bite juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup mayonnaise: creates the base for a marinade that locks in moisture
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: adds nutty saltiness look for authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil: helps distribute flavor and promotes browning
• 1 Tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning: provides a perfect blend of savory spices in one ingredient
• 1 Tablespoon garlic powder: gives an aromatic base flavor throughout the chicken
• 1 ½ teaspoons cajun seasoning: adds a subtle heat and depth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: contributes rich color and smoky notes
• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: cut into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
• ½ cup salted butter: very soft for easy mixing and basting
• 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley: brightens the rich sauce with color and freshness
• 2 garlic cloves: minced for fresh punchy flavor in the basting sauce
• Additional parmesan: for serving brings extra umami to the finished dish
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt: seasons the basting sauce perfectly
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: balances all flavors with subtle heat

How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Create the marinade:

Combine mayonnaise, parmesan, olive oil, Montreal seasoning, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Stir until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This flavor base is crucial for developing depth in the final dish.

Prepare the chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into uniform 1 to 1.5 inch pieces. Consistency in size ensures even cooking throughout. Add chicken to the marinade bowl and thoroughly coat each piece. The marinade not only flavors but also helps maintain moisture during cooking.

Make the basting sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine very soft butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, parmesan, garlic salt and black pepper. The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted. This creates a luxurious sauce that will baste the chicken while cooking.

Skewer the chicken:

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving slight space between pieces for hot air circulation. If using wooden skewers, there's no need to soak them first since you're using an air fryer rather than an open flame.

First cooking phase:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place skewers in the air fryer, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Cook for 8 minutes to establish initial cooking.

Basting and finishing:

Remove skewers carefully and generously baste with the butter mixture. Flip skewers and baste the other side. Return to air fryer for remaining 8 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. This two-stage cooking with basting creates layers of flavor.

Final touches:

Remove skewers and baste once more with remaining butter sauce. Sprinkle with additional fresh parmesan cheese while still hot so it slightly melts. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

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My favorite aspect of this recipe is the basting sauce. I discovered through trial and error that very soft but not melted butter creates the perfect consistency that clings to the chicken rather than running off into the air fryer basket.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare both the marinade and basting sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store refrigerated. For the basting sauce, return to room temperature before using for easy spreading. The chicken can marinate for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator, making this perfect for morning prep and evening cooking.

Creative Serving Ideas

These skewers work beautifully served over a bed of garlic butter rice or alongside roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. The skewers also make excellent appetizers for gatherings when removed from the sticks and served with toothpicks.

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Perfect Pairings

The robust garlic parmesan flavors pair wonderfully with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon complements the rich flavors beautifully. Consider serving with garlic bread for a double dose of garlic goodness, or balance with a light cucumber and tomato salad.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover chicken skewers will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best reheating results, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch but may result in slightly less crisp texture. Consider making extra basting sauce to refresh leftovers when reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?

Using mayonnaise in the marinade helps retain moisture, and basting with garlic butter during cooking adds an extra layer of juiciness and flavor.

→ Can I use wooden skewers in the air fryer?

Yes, but make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Trim them if necessary to fit your air fryer.

→ Is there a substitute for parmesan cheese?

You can use pecorino romano or asiago cheese as substitutes for parmesan to achieve a similar nutty, savory profile.

→ How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This guarantees it's safe to eat.

→ Can I make these skewers in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the skewers a few hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook for optimal freshness.