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I stumbled on these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers by accident when my backyard grill quit working right before hosting family. They've now turned into our go-to meal request. The chicken turns out super moist and tender, soaked in that creamy garlic Parmesan butter. And the best part? They're done in just 20 minutes - perfect for those nights when everyone's hungry and constantly asking when dinner's ready.
What Makes This Dish So Fantastic
I can't stop making these skewers for our weekly dinners. They cook up quickly in the air fryer, typically ready in about 20 minutes. The mix of garlic and smoked paprika creates knockout flavor, especially when combined with that buttery Parmesan topping. I switch up the sides constantly - sometimes it's with rice, other times with a fresh salad. My family always wants more. And we can enjoy that wonderful grilled flavor anytime, even during those cold winter months.
Time To Start Cooking
Your chicken ingredients:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite sized pieces
For your delicious garlic Parmesan butter:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
What You'll Need
Your air fryer is the main tool here. I go with wooden skewers but you can totally use metal ones too. Just grab a few mixing bowls and a brush for the butter mixture. That's all you need - this dish is super simple to put together.
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Preparing Your Chicken Sticks
First, combine your olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix your chicken pieces in until they're completely covered. Push them onto skewers with small spaces between each piece so they'll cook all the way through. Get your air fryer warming up to 400°F. While you wait, mix your soft butter with Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley and a bit of salt and pepper.
Set your skewers in the air fryer basket and let them cook for about 10 minutes, turning them over halfway. Now for the tasty part - brush that garlic Parmesan butter all over them and cook just a bit longer until they're fully done.
Great Side Dish Ideas
These skewers go with just about anything. We love eating them over rice that catches all that yummy garlic butter. They taste great with a simple Caesar salad or some oven-roasted veggies. My kids really love when I make air fried asparagus with them - the whole meal cooks in the air fryer.
Helpful Cooking Advice
Don't forget to soak wooden skewers in water first so they won't burn. Always make sure your chicken gets to 165°F inside - I always use a meat thermometer to check. Sometimes I throw in some red pepper flakes when we want a little kick. My daughter can't get enough Parmesan on hers.
Storing What's Left
Put any extra skewers in a sealed container and they'll stay good in your fridge for about three days. When you want to eat them again, just put them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a couple minutes. They taste almost as good as when you first made them.
Common Questions People Ask Me
Folks often wonder if metal skewers work instead of wooden ones - absolutely yes. They ask about switching chicken thighs for breasts too - both are fine but thighs usually stay juicier. Don't have an air fryer? No worries - you can cook these in your oven at 400°F for roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
Wrapping Things Up
These skewers taught me that kitchen mishaps can lead to amazing new meals. My busted grill gave us this family hit that we now make regardless of season. Each serving has around 310 calories with 24g of protein, making them pretty healthy too. Try them out and see what your family thinks. And if you need more quick dinner ideas, don't miss my chicken and buttered noodles recipe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap chicken thighs for breasts?
Definitely! Thighs stay juicy while cooking, but breasts are a great option if you like white meat. Just keep an eye on them as breasts might cook faster.
- → How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the inside reaches 165°F, looks white with clear juices, and there's no pink meat left.
- → Is it possible to prep the dish ahead of time?
You can prepare everything—chicken and seasoning—up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it chilled in the fridge and assemble the skewers when you're ready to cook.
- → What works well as a side for these skewers?
Pair them with fluffy rice, a crisp salad, or even some roasted veggies. Extra garlic butter for dipping is always a hit too!
- → Do I have to flip the skewers while cooking?
Yes, turning them halfway ensures they cook evenly and brown nicely all over. That golden crisp texture is worth it!