Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Herb Butter
Juicy chicken thighs threaded on skewers and air-fried to perfection, then basted with a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. The combination of smoked paprika seasoning and fragrant herb butter creates incredibly flavorful chicken that's crispy outside and tender inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, these skewers cook in just 15 minutes and deliver restaurant-quality results. The bright lemon finish and fresh parsley garnish add a fresh contrast to the rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs, cut to 2 inch pieces
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, sectioned for garnish
- 2 lemons, sectioned, one for zest and juice, one for finishing garnish
Instructions
- 1
Soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes if using to prevent burning
- 2
Cut chicken into 2-inch pieces and toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated
- 3
Melt butter in saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about 1 minute
- 4
Remove pan from heat and mix in parmesan cheese, lemon juice, zest, and most of the parsley
- 5
Set aside one-third of butter sauce for basting partially cooked chicken, reserve remainder for fully cooked chicken
- 6
Pack chicken tightly onto skewers with 6-8 pieces per skewer, leaving no spaces
- 7
Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees
- 8
Baste all sides of chicken skewers with parmesan butter using brush
- 9
Air fry for 5 minutes, flip skewers, baste again with butter sauce, and air fry another 5 minutes
- 10
Repeat flipping and basting process once more for 15 minutes total cook time
- 11
Pour any leftover butter sauce from air fryer bottom over cooked skewers
- 12
Garnish with reserved parsley and serve with lemon wedges
Tips
Soak wooden skewers for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning, or use metal skewers that fit your air fryer basket.
Pack chicken pieces tightly on skewers with no gaps to ensure even cooking and prevent pieces from falling off during cooking.
Set aside separate portions of butter sauce for raw and cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination and food safety issues.
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked skewers for up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat in air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes.
Marinate chicken pieces up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble skewers up to 4 hours before cooking and refrigerate.
Serve immediately while hot with lemon wedges and extra parmesan butter sauce on the side.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip soaking wooden skewers to avoid charring and bitter flavors.
Don't overcrowd air fryer basket to avoid uneven cooking and steaming.
Don't use the same butter sauce for raw and cooked chicken to avoid foodborne illness.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works but may be slightly less juicy. Cut into 2-inch pieces and watch cooking time as breast meat can dry out faster than thighs.
What if my skewers don't fit in my air fryer?
Trim the skewer ends with kitchen shears or break them to fit. You can also cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
How long will these keep in the refrigerator?
Cooked skewers will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.