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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.1 from 2 reviews

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy dish made with tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices, then air-fried to perfection and basted with a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, they offer a spicy kick balanced with savory cheese and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast, cut into 3” pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

  • 1 stick butter (8 tbsp)
  • 810 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Instructions

  1. Soak Wooden Skewers: Begin by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
  2. Prepare Chicken and Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces and toss with olive oil and the seasoning mixture in a large bowl or zip-top bag until evenly coated.
  3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto each skewer without any gaps to ensure juiciness. Trim the skewers if necessary to fit your air fryer.
  4. Make Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter partially with minced garlic. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, minced parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until combined. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and whisk to re-emulsify.
  5. Baste Par-Cooked Chicken: Reserve about one-third of the sauce for basting the partially cooked chicken. Use this portion to baste during the initial cooking stages, making sure to clean your basting brush between uses to prevent cross-contamination.
  6. Air Fry the Chicken Skewers: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place 2-3 skewers into the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Remove, flip the skewers, and baste with reserved sauce. Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  7. Final Cooking and Basting: Flip the skewers back to the original side, baste again, and cook for 5-6 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time will be approximately 12-14 minutes but may vary depending on your air fryer.
  8. Serve: After cooking, brush the skewers with the remaining clean garlic parmesan sauce. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning and adds safety during air frying.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Use fresh parsley for a bright herbal note, but dried parsley can be substituted with less quantity.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, these chicken skewers can be grilled or baked in an oven at 400°F until cooked through.
  • Using thighs will give more juicy and tender results, but tenders or breast meat can be used for a leaner option.