Chicken · American
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken thigh skewers with crisp edges and a garlicky Parmesan butter glaze. They cook fast and feel grill-night special without the grill.
These garlic Parmesan chicken skewers are built for the air fryer: thigh pieces stay juicy while the edges brown quickly, then a buttery garlic-Parmesan glaze clings to the hot chicken. Keep the skewers short, cook in a single layer, and use a thermometer for perfectly cooked kebabs every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
Air fryer:200°C / 392°F
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes, then trim if needed so they fit flat in your air-fryer basket without touching the heating element.
In a bowl, mix the olive oil, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper and chilli flakes. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated.
Thread the chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so hot air can circulate. Do not pack the chicken tightly.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket. Cook in batches if they do not fit without overlapping.
Air fry for 7 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the melted butter, Parmesan, garlic and lemon juice to make a thick garlic Parmesan glaze.
Flip the skewers, brush the tops generously with the garlic Parmesan glaze, then air fry for 5–7 minutes more, until browned at the edges and the thickest chicken pieces reach 74°C internally.
Brush with any remaining glaze while the skewers are hot. Rest for 3 minutes, then finish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips & tricks
- Chicken breast works too: cut it into similar 4 cm pieces and start checking for doneness after 10 minutes total, as it can dry out faster than thighs.
- For a dual-drawer air fryer, split the skewers between drawers and use the match-cook function if available; check both drawers for 74°C before serving.
- No skewers? Cook the coated chicken as loose bites in a single layer, shaking once, then brush with the garlic Parmesan glaze for the final few minutes.
- Serve in wraps, over rice bowls, with salad, or as party skewers with ranch, garlic sauce or extra lemon.
Air fryer cooking guides
Exact times & temperatures for the ingredients in this recipe.
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