Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast

2 tbsp olive oil

1 stick butter

8-10 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup parmesan, grated

1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil and the seasoning mixture, tossing to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 3: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly with no gaps to keep the meat juicy. Trim the skewers if needed to fit your air fryer.

Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with minced garlic until partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and grated parmesan until well combined. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and whisk to re-emulsify.

Step 5: Reserve about one-third of the sauce for basting partially cooked chicken, and keep the remaining sauce aside for after cooking to avoid cross-contamination. Clean your basting brush between uses.

Step 6: Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Step 7: Remove skewers, flip them over, and baste with the reserved sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes at 400°F.

Step 8: Flip skewers back again, baste with more sauce, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total cook time should be about 12-14 minutes, but times may vary depending on your air fryer.

Step 9: When cooked through, brush the skewers with the clean reserved garlic Parmesan sauce and sprinkle extra parmesan before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, try finishing the skewers under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after air frying.

You can substitute fresh parsley with dried Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are unavailable.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy twist.

Use metal skewers to skip the soaking step and get a more even cook.

Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking and best texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before seasoning and skewering.

Can I grill these skewers instead of air frying?

Yes, garlic Parmesan chicken skewers work great on the grill. Cook over medium-high heat, turning and basting frequently, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.