Tender, juicy, flavorful, Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the best weeknight dinner idea, especially when you need dinner FAST!

AN AIR FRYER CHICKEN RECIPE

I know I can’t be the only one who gets tired of the same things for dinner or trying to find an easier way to make some of my families favorites. Using the Air Fryer to change up the usual routine of making some recipes is really nice, especially recipes like these Air Fryer Garlic Chicken Skewers. You still end up with a flavorful dinner without having to bust out the grill or spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, I am always looking for different ways to make chicken. These tender chicken skewers combine a blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs with melted butter to create the perfect sauce to lather them in!

A few Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an Air Fryer basket.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make these chicken skewers on the stovetop instead?

It’s very simple to make this recipe on the stovetop instead. First, prep the chicken as done in this Air Fryer recipe. Add chicken to a pan over medium to medium-high heat on the stove with a bit of cooking oil. Cook the chicken skewers until meat thermometer reaches 165F. Make sure all sides of chicken get cooked on skewers. Use the brush to add more garlic butter as you cook the chicken, brush again when finished and serve.

What to serve with these skewers?

Seriously, this recipe is so good! It has so much seasoning and that butter just takes it over the top. I enjoy these chicken skewers with Mashed Potatoes as you’ll see in my pics, but I think it would also be great with simple rice or over a bed of noodles. You can serve it with some steamed veggies, or other vegetable of your choice and a nice salad as well.

How do I know when my skewers are done cooking?

The best option is to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches 165F. Keep in mind that Air Fryers come in different makes and models, so your Air Fryer may require more or less time than the Air Fryer that I tested this recipe with. With that being said, always keep an eye on the chicken in your fryer and keep your meat thermometer handy so you don’t dry it out by overcooking it.

Should I use wood or metal skewers?

Typically, I prefer to use metal skewers, but the kind I have don’t fit in my basket. So, I had to use wooden skewers.

How should I store leftovers skewers?

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or keep them longer by storing in the freezer for up to 3 months. It may be helpful to soak your wooden skewers before using them to help prevent them from burning as the chicken cooks.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover Chicken Skewers?

To reheat, I would wrap leftovers in foil and do so in the oven or microwave. You could even pop the skewers back in the Air Fryer. Just be careful not to dry them out.

A plate of Garlic Parmesan Skewers being brushed with more sauce.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

  • mayonnaise – I know this might seem weird but trust me on this. It adds amazing flavor to this chicken!
  • Montreal chicken seasoning– you can change up the flavor profile by changing the spices used. If you don’t have this, feel free to change it up to whatever you enjoy and have on hand.
  • garlic powder – yep, I use fresh garlic and garlic powder – it really amplifies that garlic flavor that helps this really stand out in amazing flavor!
  • cajun seasoning – I like ‘Slap Ya Mama’ or Tony Chachere’s but any cajun seasoning works here. If you don’t have it, just substitute with your favorite seasoning blend that you think will work here.
  • smoked paprika – don’t have smoked paprika? You can use regular paprika.
  • large boneless skinless chicken breasts– cut into bite-sized pieces. You could use chicken thighs in place of the chicken breasts, but, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time as dark meat takes longer than white meat to cook. I know chicken thighs can be cheaper than other cuts of chicken, so this may be an easy way to make this meal cheaper.
  • salted butter– very soft. You can use these Tips to Soften Butter Quickly if needed.
  • chopped fresh parsley – this adds great color and a hint of pepper flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, it’s ok. Try adding some dried parsley if you have it.
  • garlic – I think you get the best punch of flavor from freshly minced garlic but if you just do not want to bother with it or don’t have time, you can use the jarred stuff.
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese – I think this works best with freshly grated, it really melts better but if you are in a pinch, the stuff in the green bottle works fine.
  • garlic salt and black pepper
Chicken breast, Montreal seasoning, mayo, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, butter, parsley, garlic cloves, garlic salt, and black pepper.

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER PARMESAN CHICKEN SKEWERS

In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, parmesan, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and paprika until smooth.

A bowl with mayonnaise, parmesan, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and paprika being mixed together.

Add the chicken pieces and coat in the marinade.

Chicken being added to seasoning mixture and being coated in it.

Make the baste by stirring together the butter, parsley, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.

A bowl with butter, parsley, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper being mixed toegether.

Add the chicken pieces on to skewers, first make sure the skewers will fit into your air fryer, you may need to trim them to fit. Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray with olive oil spray. Add the skewers to the basket.

Chicken skewers on a plate and chicken skewers in an Air Fryer basket.

Cook skewers for 8 minutes. Baste the top with the butter sauce, then flip the skewers and baste the other side. Continue to cook for 8 more minutes or until an internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Garlic Butter sauce being added to chicken skewers in an Air Fryer basket.

Baste the skewers again with the butter sauce and top with more parmesan cheese, serve immediately.

A garlic parmesan chicken skewer on a plate with potatoes.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (+Video)

Tender bites of chicken breast lathered in a garlic butter sauce cooked to perfection on skewers in the Air Fryer.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 Tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the baste:

Instructions

    • In a large bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 Tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning, 1 Tablespoon garlic powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika until smooth.
      A bowl with mayonnaise, parmesan, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and paprika.
    • Add in 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces and coat in the marinade. Set aside.
      Chicken pieces being coated in marinade.
    • Make the baste by stirring together ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, very soft, 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2 Tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
      A bowl with butter, parsley, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
    • Add the chicken pieces on to skewers, first make sure the skewers will fit into your air fryer, you may need to trim them to fit.
      Raw chicken skewers on a plate.
    • Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray with olive oil spray. Add the skewers and cook for 8 minutes.
    • Baste the top with the butter sauce, then flip the skewers and baste the other side.
    • Continue to cook for 8 more minutes or until an internal temperature reaches 165°F.
      Cooked Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with a garlic parmesan sauce.
  • Baste the skewers again with the butter sauce and top with more parmesan cheese, serve immediately.
    A garlic parmesan chicken skewer on a plate with potatoes.

Notes

  • Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 45g | Sodium: 1076mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.5g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.