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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Section: Tasty Lunch Ideas

These skewers feature tender chicken pieces seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, all air fried to juicy perfection. They’re brushed with a rich garlic butter parmesan sauce that adds a creamy, savory layer enhanced by a subtle hint of hot sauce. The skewers are finished with fresh parsley for a bright touch. Quick to prepare and full of deep flavors, these skewers make a versatile dish ideal for gatherings or easy weeknight meals.

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Last modified on Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:52:48 GMT
A plate of chicken skewers. Pin it
A plate of chicken skewers. | dinabakery.com

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers offer a quick and savory meal that balances juicy, tender chicken with a rich buttery garlic parmesan sauce edged with just the right amount of heat. Ready in under half an hour, they shine as a finger-food favorite for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The air fryer makes cooking effortless, producing skewers that are crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside.

I first made these skewers when entertaining friends who raved about the bold flavors and ease of cooking. Now they are a go-to whenever I want an easy crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: tenders thighs or breast cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum juiciness
  • Olive oil: to help seasonings stick and keep chicken moist during air frying
  • Paprika: for smoky depth and vibrant color
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: for foundational savory notes
  • Salt and pepper: to enhance all the natural flavors
  • Red pepper flakes: for a gentle spicy warmth customizable to your preference
  • Butter: is key to creating a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken
  • Fresh garlic: minced for pungent brightness and genuine garlic flavor
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: adds a nutty umami richness that melts into the sauce
  • Hot sauce: for a subtle kick that balances the creamy buttery sauce
  • Fresh parsley: minced as a fresh herbaceous finish adding color and brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Soak Skewers:
Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least thirty minutes before cooking. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer and ensures they hold up during cooking.
Season Chicken:
In a mixing bowl combine paprika garlic powder onion powder salt pepper red pepper flakes and olive oil. Toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in this seasoning blend until every piece is well coated with the spices and oil.
Skewer the Chicken:
Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers tightly without gaps to keep the meat juicy. Trim skewers if necessary so they fit your air fryer basket easily and safely.
Make Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
Partially melt butter in a microwave-safe dish just until softened but not fully liquid. Stir in minced garlic red pepper flakes hot sauce fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture is smooth. If the sauce looks like it separates add a little more softened butter and stir vigorously to bring it back together.
Par-cook and Baste:
Reserve about two-thirds of the sauce for basting after cooking. Use the remaining one-third to generously baste the chicken before it goes into the air fryer.
Cook Chicken Skewers:
Place two to three skewers at a time in the air fryer preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for five minutes then flip the skewers and baste them with more sauce. Cook for an additional two minutes.
Final Cooking:
Flip the skewers back to the original side baste again and cook for about five to six more minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches one hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit for safe eating.
Finish and Serve:
Once cooked brush the skewers with the reserved clean sauce and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately to enjoy the full flavor and juiciness.
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A person is holding a piece of food. | dinabakery.com

Storage Tips

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to retain crispness. The sauce can be stored separately and warmed before serving to refresh its creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken tenders for boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs depending on your preference. Dried parsley can replace fresh but use sparingly since it is more concentrated. If you prefer no heat reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce but keep the garlic Parmesan butter mix for rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these skewers alongside a crisp green salad crusty bread or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also make excellent finger food at parties paired with dipping sauces like ranch or a tangy yogurt dip.

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A person holding a skewer with two pieces of meat on it. | dinabakery.com

Cultural Context

Chicken skewers have a rich history in many cuisines worldwide from Middle Eastern kebabs to Asian satays. This version blends American comfort flavors with a spin on traditional skewered grilled meat using modern air frying for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best for skewers?

Chicken tenders, thighs, or breast cut into uniform pieces ensure even cooking and juiciness on skewers.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to reduce burning.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in the seasoning?

Yes, reduce or omit red pepper flakes and hot sauce for milder flavor, or increase for more heat.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe consumption and juicy results.

→ Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Dried parsley works as a substitute but use about one tablespoon less than fresh for similar flavor.

→ What is the best method to baste the chicken during cooking?

Use a clean basting brush to apply sauce separately before and after cooking to avoid cross contamination.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Tender chicken on skewers, seasoned and air fried, dressed in garlic butter parmesan sauce with a mild spicy kick.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
14 minutes
Total Preparation Time
29 minutes
By: Dina

Featured in: Lunch

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: American

Number of Portions: 6 Serving Size

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

The Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken and Seasoning

01 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, cut into 3-inch pieces
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 2 tsp paprika
04 1 tsp garlic powder
05 1 tsp onion powder
06 0.5 tsp salt
07 0.5 tsp black pepper
08 2 tsp red pepper flakes

→ Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

09 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter
10 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
11 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 1 tbsp hot sauce, adjust to taste
13 0.33 cup fresh parsley, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Immerse wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Step 02

Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a bowl. Toss chicken pieces thoroughly in the mixture to coat evenly.

Step 03

Thread chicken pieces tightly onto soaked skewers, avoiding gaps to maintain juiciness. Trim skewer length if needed to fit the air fryer basket.

Step 04

Partially melt butter with minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, minced parsley, and grated Parmesan until smooth. If sauce separates, add 1-2 tbsp softened butter and whisk to re-emulsify.

Step 05

Reserve two-thirds of the prepared sauce. Use the remaining one-third to baste chicken skewers before cooking.

Step 06

Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer at 400°F. Cook for 5 minutes, flip skewers, and baste with sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 07

Flip skewers again, baste with sauce once more, and cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Total cooking time should be approximately 12-14 minutes depending on air fryer specs.

Step 08

Brush cooked skewers with reserved sauce, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Extra Tips

  1. Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning during air frying or baking.
  2. Uniform chicken piece size ensures even cooking.
  3. Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce to control spiciness.
  4. Chicken internal temperature must reach 165°F for food safety.
  5. Substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley using about a third of the quantity.
  6. Use separate brushes for raw and cooked basting to avoid cross-contamination.
  7. Modify cooking time based on your air fryer model and chicken thickness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Wooden skewers
  • Air fryer
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Check ingredient labels to avoid allergens, and speak to an expert if necessary.
  • Contains dairy (butter, Parmesan cheese)

Nutritional Details (per serving)

These figures are for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional if needed.
  • Calorie Count: ~
  • Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~