Name: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2–3 breasts), cut into 1 ½-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Cooking spray (for greasing air fryer basket); Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

If you crave a quick dinner bursting with flavor, these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a total game changer! Each juicy bite is packed with bold garlic, real Parmesan, and savory Italian herbs, all wrapped in a crispy, golden crunch.

They're absolutely irresistible-tender chunks of chicken, kissed with cheese, paprika, and fresh parsley, make every skewer a crowd-pleaser. You'll love how simple they are: just marinate, skewer, and air fry to crispy, mouthwatering perfection.

Whether you're feeding the family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with a fun, mess-free appetizer, this recipe is your new go-to star. Inspired by classic Italian-American flavors and my own obsession with garlicky cheese, it's a must-try you'll crave again and again!

Tender Chicken Skewers Glazed with Golden Garlic Parmesan

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Max flavor, minimal cleanup: The air fryer makes these skewers extra crispy with almost no mess.
Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and fast cooking get dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
Family and kid-approved: Savory, cheesy, and fun to eat-everyone will ask for seconds.
Perfect for any occasion: Great appetizer, lunch, or weeknight meal that's easy to scale up.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast forms the delicious, protein-packed base for these skewers. Cube the meat into even, bite-sized pieces for super-juicy results and even cooking. You can swap for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer moister, richer flavor-but the recipe shines with breast, too.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan gives the skewers that signature nutty, salty finish and helps create the irresistible crunchy crust. I recommend using a block and grating it yourself for the best melt. Pecorino Romano or a vegan hard cheese alternative can work in a pinch but will slightly change the flavor profile.

Garlic

Minced garlic infuses the chicken with deep, robust flavor. Fresh garlic always gives the brightest kick, but you can use garlic powder (use half the amount) for a milder, easier alternative.

Olive Oil

A bit of extra virgin olive oil helps the coating stick and boosts both flavor and crunch. You could substitute with avocado or canola oil, though olive oil's richness really enhances the overall taste.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme brings that crowd-pleasing Italian flavor. If you don't have an Italian seasoning mix, try using a combination of dried oregano and basil-or your favorite dried herbs!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers cooking process

Instructions for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Chicken and Skewers

Cut your chicken into even 1 ½-inch cubes for juicy, succulent bites. If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning in the air fryer.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Add chicken cubes and toss to fully coat. Sprinkle in half of the Parmesan cheese and mix again. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes for maximum flavor.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.

Air Fry the Chicken Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray. Place skewers in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry for 9 minutes. Flip skewers, sprinkle remaining Parmesan over the top, and air fry for an additional 7-9 minutes, until chicken is golden and reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer the hot skewers to a platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped parsley and a little more Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges for a pop of brightness!

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Craving heat? Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also serve the skewers with a side of spicy ranch or chili garlic dip.

Try Different Cheeses

For a bold twist, swap half the Parmesan for shredded Asiago, Romano, or even sharp provolone. This adds a whole new layer of savory goodness!

Make It Gluten-Free

Luckily, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use only dry herbs and fresh cheese. Just double check your Italian seasoning label to be certain.

Veggie-Packed Skewers

Alternate cubes of chicken with chunks of bell pepper, zucchini, or red onion for a colorful, veggie-packed meal. Drizzle the veggies with a touch of olive oil and seasoning for best results.

Dairy-Free Option

Use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to keep all the savory flavor, keeping the coating rich and cheesy without the dairy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers alongside a crisp green salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple pasta tossed with olive oil and lemon. For an appetizer spread, add a side of marinara or ranch for dipping and sprinkle extra Parmesan and parsley on top for a beautiful, flavorful finish!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the skewers back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed and crispy, or use the microwave for 1-2 minutes (though the texture won't be as crisp). If you want to freeze, remove chicken from skewers, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (FAQ)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the skewers extra juicy and flavorful; just trim excess fat and cut into even chunks.

Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

A: Yes, preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and gives you that perfect, crispy exterior.

Q: Are these skewers good cold or at room temperature?

A: They're best hot and crispy, but leftovers make a great cold protein snack or salad topping!

Ready to experience crispy, garlicky, cheesy perfection in under 30 minutes? I can't wait for you to try these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! If you love them, don't forget to drop a comment or leave a rating below-I'd love to hear how yours turned out!