Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Zesty Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Succulent chicken transforms into a mouthwatering delight with these air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers bursting with flavor.

The crispy exterior and tender interior create a perfect balance that tempts every taste bud.

Marinades infuse each tender piece with robust garlic and savory parmesan notes.

Lean protein meets irresistible seasoning in this simple yet impressive dish.

Quick cooking methods ensure juicy results without excessive oil or complicated techniques.

Versatile skewers work brilliantly as a standalone meal or appetizer for casual gatherings.

Serve these golden-brown beauties straight from the air fryer and watch them disappear in moments.

Dive into this easy recipe that promises restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort.

What You Need For Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

For Marinade:
  • Olive Oil: Carries flavors and helps create a luscious coating for the chicken, choose a high-quality extra virgin variety for best taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty depth and creates a crispy exterior, opt for freshly grated for maximum flavor impact.
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic punch, select fresh garlic cloves for the most vibrant taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile, look for a blend without added salt.
  • Paprika: Brings a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken, choose sweet or smoked for different flavor dimensions.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers the most robust taste.
For Protein:
  • Chicken Cubes: Serves as the main protein, select boneless, skinless chicken breast for a lean and tender result.
For Skewers and Garnish:
  • Wooden Skewers: Helps in easy handling and creates an attractive presentation, soak in water beforehand to prevent burning.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish, choose vibrant green leaves with no wilting.
  • Lemon Wedges: Offers a zesty, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken, select firm, bright yellow lemons.

Supplies To Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Skewers: Wooden or metal skewers for threading chicken pieces.
  • Air Fryer: Essential for cooking the chicken evenly and creating a crispy exterior.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for preparing the marinade and coating chicken.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and oil.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting chicken into cubes and chopping herbs.
  • Tongs: Great for flipping skewers and handling chicken during cooking.
  • Serving Platter: For presenting the finished skewers attractively.
  • Grater: Used for creating fresh Parmesan cheese garnish.

Instructions For Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Flavor Explosion Marinade

Dive into a world of taste by whisking together olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Let the chicken swim in this delicious bath, soaking up every single drop of flavor magic for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

  • Skewer Artistry

Transform your marinated chicken into beautiful kebab masterpieces. Carefully thread the juicy chunks onto skewers, creating a mouthwatering work of culinary art with perfect spacing between each piece.

  • Air Fryer Magic

Crank up your air fryer to a sizzling 400F. Arrange the skewers in a single, graceful layer without crowding. Let the hot air work its crispy transformation for 10-12 minutes, giving them a gentle flip midway to ensure gorgeous golden edges.

  • Celebration Presentation

Slide those gorgeous skewers onto a stunning platter. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan snow and fresh herb confetti. Optional lemon wedges add a bright, zesty finale that makes taste buds dance with joy.

Tips To Get Perfect Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Perfect Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the marinade for up to 4 hours to develop deeper, more intense flavor profiles that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Skewer Smart Technique: Space chicken pieces slightly apart on skewers to ensure even air circulation and guarantee perfectly crispy exterior with juicy interior.
  • Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace regular Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free seasonings to make this recipe suitable for sensitive dietary needs.
  • Protein Power Alternatives: Swap chicken with firm tofu, salmon, or shrimp for exciting protein variations that maintain the same delicious garlic Parmesan flavor profile.

How To Present Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Flavor Burst Plating: Arrange skewers on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs, creating a restaurant-style presentation that makes the dish look gourmet and inviting.
  • Mediterranean Companion Sides: Pair with a crisp Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or warm pita bread to complement the garlic Parmesan flavors and add refreshing textures to the meal.
  • Dipping Delight Station: Set up a small plate with extra marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or homemade aioli for guests to customize their skewer experience and enhance the overall taste profile.
  • Party-Perfect Appetizer: Cut skewers into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at gatherings, making them an ideal finger food for game nights, potlucks, or casual entertaining.

How To Store Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers With Care

  • Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and food safety.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap cooled skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Sealed properly, they maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm skewers in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispy texture. Avoid microwave to prevent chicken from becoming rubbery.
  • Marinade Magic: Save time by preparing marinade and chicken cubes a day ahead. Keep marinating mixture sealed in the refrigerator, ready for quick meal preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 3

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Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Succulent air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers bring Mediterranean zest to home cooking. Crispy exterior, juicy interior guarantee a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning)
  • Additional grated Parmesan
  • Chopped parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until perfectly blended and aromatic.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken cubes in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavor infusion and tenderization.
  3. Skewer Assembly: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers with uniform spacing, ensuring each piece is securely positioned for optimal air circulation.
  4. Air Fryer Preheating: Set air fryer to 400F and warm for 3 minutes, creating an ideal cooking environment for crisp, golden exterior.
  5. Cooking Process: Arrange skewers in the basket without overcrowding, rotating midway through 10-12 minute cooking cycle. Verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165F for safe, juicy results.
  6. Serving Presentation: Transfer skewers to a platter, garnish with additional Parmesan shavings, chopped parsley, and accompany with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.

Notes

  • Optimize Marinade Absorption: Ensure chicken cubes are cut uniformly and completely submerged in marinade for maximum flavor penetration and consistent seasoning.
  • Prevent Skewer Sticking: Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking oil or use non-stick parchment paper to prevent chicken from adhering and tearing during cooking.
  • Achieve Perfect Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining juicy texture.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for dairy-free version or use gluten-free herbs to accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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