Air Fryer Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Skewers

By Olwen PhillipsPublished: Jun 20, 2024

PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: PEARL JONES

1 Rating

Yields:: 4 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 15 mins
Total Time:: 30 mins

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Want an easy chicken recipe that screams summer without having to fire up the grill? Look no further! These garlic-Parmesan chicken skewers are more than the sum of their (already wonderful) parts. Dripping with a buttery sauce made from fresh summer herbs, nutty Parmesan, and punchy garlic, these flavorful little wonders on a stick are made in the air fryer so they’re super crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. And best of all, they’re ready in just 30 minutes—no grill required.

We chose to use chicken thighs in this recipe because they have a higher fat content and retain more moisture when cooking than breasts, making them more difficult to overcook in a high-heat application like air-frying. Stacking the juicy thighs on skewers allows more surface area for layering on the flavor as well as making flipping and serving a breeze.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable—feel free to use any and all of your favorite tender herbs in the butter sauce, or try adding red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, or a different crumbly cheese like Manchego.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Ingredients

2 lb.
boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2" pieces
2 Tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp.
Italian seasoning
2 1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, divided
2 tsp.
garlic powder, divided
3/4 c.
(1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 c.
fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
1/4 c.
finely grated Parmesan

Equipment Needed

8
bamboo skewers

Directions

1. Step 1Trim skewers so they fit into air fryer basket, if needed. Soak in water at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss chicken, oil, Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder until coated.
3. Step 3Thread chicken onto skewers (about 6 pieces per skewer). Working in batches if needed, arrange skewers in air fryer basket in a single layer, spacing about 1/2" apart.
4. Step 4Air fry at 400° for 8 minutes.
5. Step 5Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix butter, parsley, Parmesan, and remaining 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6. Step 6Flip skewers, generously brush with garlic-herb butter, and continue to air fry until browned, cooked though, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of chicken registers 165°, about 4 minutes more.
7. Step 7Generously brush skewers with garlic-herb butter and arrange on a platter. Serve with remaining garlic-herb butter alongside.