If you’re anything like me, dinner time can sneak up fast—especially on busy weeknights. That’s why I absolutely love quick, no-fuss meals that still pack a punch in the flavor department. And these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers? Oh, they’ve become an instant favorite in my house. Crispy edges, juicy chicken, and a buttery, garlicky parmesan baste that will have you licking your fingers clean. Bonus: they’re done in less than 30 minutes!
Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or looking for a standout appetizer to serve at your next gathering, these skewers hit the mark. The best part? You don’t need to fire up the grill or fuss with a bunch of pans. Your air fryer does all the heavy lifting, keeping the kitchen cool and cleanup minimal.
And let’s talk about that garlic parmesan butter for a second—it’s rich, flavorful, and seeps into every bite of chicken. I’ll be honest, I’ve used it on roasted potatoes, crusty bread, and even drizzled over steamed veggies. It’s that good.
So grab your air fryer, a couple of juicy chicken breasts, and let’s get cooking. You’re going to want to save this recipe—you’ll be making it on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning
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1 tablespoon garlic powder
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1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Garlic Parmesan Baste:
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½ cup salted butter, very soft
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon garlic salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
STEP 1: Make the Marinade
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—trust me, you’ll want room to really coat those chicken pieces. Combine the mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Give it all a good stir until it forms a creamy, flavorful marinade. It should look like a thick, golden paste with specks of seasoning throughout.
I know mayonnaise might seem like an unusual ingredient here, but it’s a total game-changer. It helps lock in moisture, creates a gorgeous crust in the air fryer, and blends beautifully with the spices.
STEP 2: Marinate the Chicken
Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces right into the bowl and use a spoon (or clean hands) to mix until every piece is completely coated. You want each bite to soak in all those bold, savory flavors.
Now, while you can pop them on the skewers right away, I recommend letting the chicken sit for 10-15 minutes. This quick marination time makes a noticeable difference—it allows all the seasonings to really infuse into the meat. If you’ve got more time, even better, but even a short rest does wonders.
STEP 3: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Baste
While your chicken is marinating, go ahead and whip up the buttery baste that takes these skewers over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, grated parmesan, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and uniform. The smell alone is incredible—it’s rich, garlicky, and full of that cheesy goodness we all love.
This baste is where the magic happens. You’ll brush it on during and after cooking, giving the skewers that signature golden gloss and flavor punch. And if you have a little extra, don’t be shy—spread it on toast or use it as a dip. No waste here!
STEP 4: Skewer the Chicken
Now that your chicken is full of flavor and your butter baste is ready to go, it’s time to build your skewers. Thread the chicken pieces onto metal skewers or trimmed wooden skewers (just make sure they fit your air fryer basket).
Try not to overcrowd the pieces—leave a little space between them so the hot air can circulate and crisp them up evenly.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistibly Savory
Alright, now that our skewers are loaded up and marinated to perfection, it’s time to let the air fryer work its magic. One of the things I love most about this recipe—aside from the flavor, of course—is how quickly everything comes together. We’re talking under 20 minutes of cook time and barely any cleanup. It’s a win-win every single time.
This is the part where those crispy edges start to form, and the buttery garlic-parmesan baste melts into every bite. Let me walk you through the remaining steps, and then we’ll dive into some pro tips and tasty variations to help you make this dish your own.
STEP 5: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer
Before we drop in those skewers, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Preheating helps the chicken start cooking right away, giving you that perfect, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
While it’s heating up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. This keeps the chicken from sticking and helps promote even browning. Trust me—this little step makes cleanup easier and gives your skewers that golden finish.
STEP 6: Cook the Skewers
Once your air fryer is hot and ready, carefully place the skewers into the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes without flipping.
Don’t overcrowd the basket—depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in batches. Giving the skewers some space allows that hot air to circulate, which is key for even cooking and crisp edges.
After the first 8 minutes, it’s time to introduce that luscious baste.
STEP 7: Baste and Flip
Open the air fryer and baste the top of the skewers generously with your garlic parmesan butter mixture. Then, flip the skewers using tongs and baste the other side.
Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This final stage lets the baste melt and caramelize just slightly, infusing the chicken with rich, savory flavor and a touch of crispiness.
If you like a little extra char, you can add an extra minute or two, depending on your air fryer model. Just keep an eye on them—they go from golden to dark pretty quickly at this temp.
STEP 8: Final Baste and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and the edges are crisp, remove the skewers from the air fryer. Give them one last generous baste with the remaining garlic butter mixture—this really amps up the flavor and gives them a glossy, mouthwatering finish.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top while they’re still hot. It melts just slightly and creates a savory crust that’s hard to resist.
Now all that’s left is to plate them up and dig in. These skewers are fantastic as-is, but you can definitely serve them with your favorite sides. A crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even some creamy mashed potatoes work beautifully here.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
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Use trimmed wooden or metal skewers that fit comfortably in your air fryer. If you’re using wooden ones, be sure to soak them in water for 20–30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
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Let the chicken marinate for at least 10–15 minutes, or longer if you’ve got the time. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
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Don’t skip the basting steps. The garlic butter is what sets these skewers apart from any other air fryer chicken recipe. It adds richness, moisture, and that signature flavor.
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Want it spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter baste or increase the Cajun seasoning slightly.
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Make it a meal. Serve with rice, pasta, or garlic bread for a heartier dinner. Or keep it light with a cucumber-tomato salad on the side.
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Batch cooking tip: If you’re making a double batch, keep the finished skewers warm in the oven at 200°F while you cook the next round.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Flavor-Packed and Foolproof
By now, your kitchen probably smells amazing—and if you’ve followed the steps so far, you’re just about ready to serve up a dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely bursting with garlic-parmesan flavor.
But before we wrap this up, let’s go over a few questions I get asked all the time when I share this recipe. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage tips, or how to customize the flavor, I’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be even juicier. Just cut them into similarly sized chunks so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. What if I don’t have Montreal chicken seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bit of salt and pepper. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps them retain that crispy texture.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
You sure can. Marinate the chicken and mix the butter baste up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble the skewers and follow the same air fryer instructions.
5. Are these skewers freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated (uncooked) chicken pieces for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then thread onto skewers and follow the cooking steps as usual.
6. Can I bake these in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?
Definitely. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still want to baste them during cooking to get that rich garlic-parmesan flavor.
7. What side dishes go well with these skewers?
These skewers are super versatile. Serve them with a fresh green salad, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even some creamy pasta. They also make a great addition to rice bowls or wraps.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There’s something really satisfying about a recipe that’s both easy to make and totally crave-worthy—and these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers check all the boxes. They’re packed with bold flavor, come together in under 30 minutes, and can be served as a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
And let’s be honest—any dish that involves a garlic-parmesan butter baste is already a winner.
I’ve made these more times than I can count, and every single time, someone asks for the recipe. They’re just that good. So whether you’re looking for something new to try in your air fryer or just need a dependable go-to chicken recipe, I hope you give these skewers a shot.
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are savory, juicy, and loaded with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive party appetizer. Using an air fryer cuts down on cook time while still delivering crispy edges and tender bites. The rich garlic-parmesan butter baste adds a decadent touch that takes this dish over the top.
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:
½ cup salted butter, very soft
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, olive oil, Montreal chicken seasoning, garlic powder, cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Let it sit while preparing the baste.
In a separate bowl, stir together softened butter, parsley, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, garlic salt, and black pepper until creamy and uniform.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, trimming them if necessary to fit your air fryer basket.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray. Place the skewers in the basket and cook for 8 minutes.
Baste the top of the skewers with the garlic-parmesan butter, then flip and baste the other side.
Continue cooking for another 8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove the skewers from the air fryer, baste again with remaining butter mixture, and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Use metal or trimmed wooden skewers that fit easily in your air fryer. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes for deeper flavor. These skewers pair perfectly with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
