I adore the sizzle of marinated chicken hitting the air fryer and the rich aroma of garlic butter filling my kitchen.
These Garlic Parmesan Butter Chicken Skewers are my go-to for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal.
Tender chicken cubes soak up every bit of the spicy, cheesy sauce—and serving them straight off the skewer always feels festive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hands-off cooking – The air fryer does the work while you prep sides.
Bursting with flavor – Garlic butter meets tangy hot sauce and red pepper flakes.
Meal prep friendly – Make extra sauce to baste and enjoy all week.
Customizable heat – Adjust hot sauce and pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Fun presentation – Skewers make plating and eating a breeze.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Butter and garlic for a rich, savory base
Parmesan cheese for creamy, tangy depth
Hot sauce and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Fresh parsley for a bright finish
Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for smoky seasoning
Salt and pepper to balance flavors
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
Wooden skewers (soaked) for easy handling
Pro Tips Before You Start
Soak skewers: Prevent burning by soaking them for at least 30 minutes.
Uniform chicken pieces: Cut into equal sizes so they cook at the same rate.
Air-fryer spacing: Don’t overcrowd—cook only 2-3 skewers at a time for even crisping.
Emulsify sauce: If your butter-garlic sauce separates, whisk in a bit more softened butter.
Separate basting: Use one batch of sauce for halfway basting and reserve a clean batch for the finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Butter Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prep & Season
Cut chicken into 3″ pieces. In a bowl or zip-top bag, toss chicken with olive oil and the chicken seasoning mix—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat thoroughly and let sit 10 minutes.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, packing them tightly with no gaps to retain moisture.
Trim skewers if needed to fit your air fryer basket.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with minced garlic.
Stir in hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, and grated parmesan until smooth.
If it separates, whisk in an extra tablespoon of butter.
Step 4: Par-Cook & First Baste
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Place 2–3 skewers inside and cook 5 minutes.
Remove, flip skewers, and brush with one-third of the sauce. Return to the fryer.
Step 5: Finish Cooking & Baste Again
After 2 more minutes, flip skewers again, baste with another third of the sauce, and cook an additional 5–6 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Total cook time: 12–14 minutes.
Step 6: Final Glaze & Serve
Transfer skewers to a serving platter.
Brush with the reserved clean sauce, sprinkle extra parmesan, and garnish with parsley.
Serve immediately.
What to Serve It With
Crispy air-fried fries or roasted potatoes to soak up sauce
Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness
Warm pita bread or naan for scooping
Grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini
Variations / Substitutions
Protein swap: Use shrimp or tofu cubes on skewers.
Spice level: Increase hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Herb change: Try fresh basil or cilantro in place of parsley.
Cheese option: Substitute pecorino romano for a sharper bite.
Cooking method: Grill the skewers outdoors for smoky char.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store cooled skewers and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes; reheat sauce gently in the microwave.
Do not freeze: The garlic-butter sauce and texture of the chicken change when frozen.
FAQs
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes—soaking for at least 30 minutes prevents the wood from burning during cooking.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Just watch the cooking time as breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check with an instant-read thermometer—it should read 165°F in the thickest piece.
My sauce separated—how can I fix it?
Whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter to re-emulsify and smooth it out.
Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes—roast on a baking sheet at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping and basting halfway through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free hot sauce and ensure no cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Butter Chicken Skewers are the ultimate weeknight delight—bold, buttery, and effortless.
The crisp air-fried edges and creamy garlic sauce make every bite addictive.
I love pairing them with a fresh salad or warm bread for a meal that always impresses.
