Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in 30 Minutes

Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer garlic parmesan chicken skewers! They’re my go-to when I need something quick, crispy, and packed with flavor. I first made them for a last-minute game night with friends, and now they won’t let me show up without them. The air fryer works magic here – it gives that perfect golden crunch without all the oil splatters of pan-frying. And that garlic parmesan coating? Absolute perfection. After testing dozens of air fryer recipes (I may have a slight obsession), this one stands out as foolproof and always delicious. Trust me, once you taste these skewers, you’ll be making them on repeat!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Let me count the ways these skewers will become your new favorite:

• Crazy quick: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes – even my 9-year-old can help make these!
• That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives that irresistible crispy outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside (no sad, dry chicken here).
• Almost no cleanup: One bowl + the air fryer basket = more time enjoying, less time scrubbing.
• Flavor bomb: Garlic and parmesan? Together? Need I say more? The smell alone will have your family hovering in the kitchen.

Honestly, I make these at least twice a week because they’re just that good and easy.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive skewers (measurements matter – I learned the hard way!):

• 1 lb chicken breast – cut into 1-inch cubes (uniform size cooks evenly)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff makes a difference here
• 3 cloves garlic – minced (fresh only – powdered garlic is a crime in this recipe!)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan – not shredded – it coats better (I use the microplane for this)
• 1/2 tsp each salt & black pepper – adjust to your taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika – for that gorgeous color
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano – my secret flavor booster
• Wooden skewers – soaked in water for 30+ minutes (trust me, you don’t want smoky skewers!)

That’s it! Simple ingredients, but when combined right? Absolute magic.

How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Okay, let’s get cooking! These skewers couldn’t be easier – I’ll walk you through each step so they turn out perfect every time. The key is that garlic parmesan crust (you’ll want to lick it off your fingers) and not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Here’s exactly how I do it:

Step 1: Prep the Skewers

First things first – soak those wooden skewers! I plop them in warm water for at least 30 minutes while I prep everything else. Then thread the chicken cubes on – about 5-6 pieces per skewer, leaving a little space between each. This helps them cook evenly and get that amazing crisp all around.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Coating

Now for the good stuff! In my favorite mixing bowl (the one with the rubber bottom so it doesn’t slide), I whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and all those spices. Get it nice and pasty – you want every nook and cranny of the chicken coated in this flavor bomb.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F – this is crucial for that instant crisp! Arrange the coated skewers in a single layer (no stacking or they’ll steam instead of crisp). Cook for 6 minutes, flip them carefully with tongs, then another 5-6 minutes until they’re golden and the chicken hits 165°F inside. That flip halfway? Non-negotiable for even browning!

Pro tip: If your skewers are browning too fast, just lower the temp by 25 degrees. And whatever you do, resist opening the basket too often – we want that hot air to work its magic!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

After making these skewers more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Pat that chicken dry! Wet chicken = steamed chicken = no crispy crust. A quick blot with paper towels makes all the difference.
• Know your air fryer: Mine runs hot, so I check at 10 minutes. Yours might need the full 12 – peek through the window!
• Fresh garlic or bust: Jarred garlic just doesn’t give that same punch. And mince it fine so it doesn’t burn.
• Space is key: If your basket’s small, cook in batches. Crowded skewers steam instead of crisp – and nobody wants that!

Follow these, and you’ll get perfect skewers every single time.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chicken Skewers

Oh, the possibilities! These skewers shine as appetizers with creamy ranch or marinara for dipping – my friends always fight over the last one. For dinner, I love them with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted veggies. Last summer, I served them over lemon rice at a backyard BBQ and they disappeared instantly. The garlic parmesan flavor pairs beautifully with almost anything!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Okay, let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with these skewers in my house! But if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s how to keep them tasty: pop them in an airtight container (I use glass) for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes – just until they’re crispy again and warmed through. Microwaving? Don’t do it! You’ll lose that perfect crunch we worked so hard for.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers FAQs

I get asked about these skewers all the time – here are the answers to the questions that>

>
>
>

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and have more flavor. Just cut them into slightly smaller pieces since they take a tad longer to cook through.

How do I keep the skewers from burning? Two things: soak those wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes (I set a timer!), and don’t skip flipping them halfway – this prevents any hot spots from charring one side.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake these at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still taste amazing! Broil for the last minute if you want more browning.

Can I prep these ahead? Yes! Thread the skewers and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 8 hours before cooking. Wait to add the garlic parm coating until right before they go in the air fryer – fresh garlic tastes best.

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what’s in each skewer (give or take based on your exact ingredients): about 180 calories, 8g of that good fat (mostly from the olive oil and parmesan), and a solid 24g of protein to keep you full. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? Just remember – these numbers can change if you tweak the recipe or portion sizes!

Final Thoughts

You’ve just got to try these crispy garlic parmesan wonders – they might become your new obsession like they did mine! When you make them (and you absolutely should), come back and tell me how they turned out. I love hearing your kitchen wins almost as much as I love these skewers!

Print