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These Garlic, Honey Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Skewers are ready in less than 20 minutes, thanks to the handy air fryer – aka the best appliance ever! Seasoned, air fried, then smothered in a delicious butter, garlic and parmesan sauce. An easy and healthy meal, when paired with veggies and my Famous Butter Rice that the whole family will enjoy!
What are Chicken Skewers?
Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs (or skewers) are a classic summer dinner or appetizer option that is quick and easy to do. Chicken breast is cut into evenly sized chunks, seasoned or placed in a simple marinade and threaded onto a wooden or metal skewer stick. The chicken skewers are then grilled or in the case of this recipe, are placed in an air fryer to cook. For a complete meal, I often like to load up other skewers with veggies like bell peppers, red onion and zucchini to grill them alongside the chicken. Lemon slices would also be a great addition to your veggie skewers – and you can squirt the lemon juice on the finished chicken and veggies. Yum!
Skewers: Wood vs Metal
Both types get the same job done. It basically comes down to preference. Metal skewers are ready to use, and easy to clean and reuse. They do retain heat a bit more, so you do need to be mindful of that when grilling with them as they tend to cook the food from the inside out which may overcook your chicken. They make some that are flat on one side that keeps the food from spinning when you rotate them on the grill. Bamboo skewers are inexpensive and one time use. They need a little prep, as you need to soak them in water to prevent burning. Whatever you decide to use, make sure they fit in your air fryer basket or shelves first.
Equipment Needed to Make This Air Fryer Chicken Skewers Recipe
Air Fryer – This is the air fryer that I have, if you’re looking into getting one or replacing one.
8-10 Skewer Sticks – These are the wooden skewers I have and like to use because they fit perfectly in my air fryer. You can also use metal, if that is your preference.
How to Make Chicken Skewers in the Air Fryer
Ready in just 20 minutes, this is sure to be your new favorite way to make skewers! For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is step by step what you can expect when making this recipe:
Preheat + Prep
Preheat air fryer to 400° F. Soak wood skewers in a shallow dish of water for at least 10 minutes while preparing ingredients.
Cut Chicken into Similar Sized Chunks + Season
Cut raw chicken breasts into large chunks, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
Thoroughly coat chicken chunks with olive oil (or vegetable oil like avocado oil) and seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika). This is easily done by placing everything in a large mixing bowl and stirring with a spoon or your best tool – your hand.
Thread Chicken on Skewers
Place chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a tiny gap in between pieces.
Air Fry
Place skewers in air fryer in a single layer and cook for about 7 minutes. Flip to other side* and cook for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165° F with a meat thermometer, as the cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer.
*Pro Tip: If you’re using an air fryer with shelving, you may also want to switch the trays around after the first 7 minutes, as the top tray tends to get browner.
Make the Butter Sauce
While chicken is cooking, combine all ingredients for the sauce (butter, honey, garlic, chili garlic sauce, parmesan and basil) in a small mixing bowl.
Brush Butter Sauce on Chicken + Serve!
Once chicken is fully cooked, brush the butter sauce on all sides of the juicy chicken and serve warm!
Sides to Serve with Chicken Skewers
The sky is the limit of possibilities to serve with chicken skewers. Here are few of my favorite!
- Famous Butter Rice
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Roasted Green Beans
- Oven Roasted Asparagus
- Apple Pecan Salad
- Wedge Salad
- Corn, Tomato & Avocado Salad
- Cauliflower Rice (fried rice!)
Check out my other air fryer recipes!
Storing Leftovers
The best way to store leftovers is to remove chicken from the skewers. Allow to cool to room temperature and place in an airtight container or resealable bag. Chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4 days.
To Freeze: Remove chicken from skewers, allow to cool to room temperature. Place in a freezer safe container or resealable bag and into the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge overnight.
To Reheat: You can toss the chicken in the air fryer or microwave to reheat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Yes! While this recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, if you have or prefer chicken thighs, feel free to use what you have and like. Be sure to make sure you’re cutting uniformly sized chunks to thread onto the skewer.
No. The purpose of soaking wooden bamboo skewers is to prevent them from burning while on the grill or in the air fryer. If you choose to use metal, they are ready to go.
Yes, but everyone needs an air fryer! But I understand if you don’t. I have a great Chicken Kabobs recipe that is done using the broiler in your conventional oven.
Yes! Roasted veggies are so easy and are great to add. Feel free to add tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even broccoli. Sometimes building skewers with like items on the same skewer works a little better, since cooking times vary between meat and veggies.
More Chicken Recipes to Try!
- Smoked Chicken Wings
- Honey BBQ Chicken
- Crispy Chicken Wraps
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Sous Vide Chicken Breasts
I hope you add these to your menu this week! The printable recipe card is below. Be sure to save/print/bookmark or share this recipe. Enjoy, friends! 🙂
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1/4 cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
for butter sauce
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce or more if you like it spicy!
- 1/4 parmesan cheese grated
- basil fresh, chopped (I used 3 large leaves)
Equipment
- 8-10 air fryer sized wooden skewers or metal
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400° F.
- Soak skewers in a shallow dish of water for at least 10 minutes while preparing ingredients.
- Cut chicken breasts into large chunks, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Thoroughly coat chicken chunks with oil and seasonings. This is easily done by placing everything in a bowl and mixing with a spoon or your hand.
- Place chicken chunks onto skewers, leaving a tiny gap in between pieces.
- Place skewers in air fryer and cook for about 7 minutes. Flip to other side* and cook for another 7 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165° F with a meat thermometer.
for butter sauce
- While chicken is cooking, combine all ingredients for the sauce in a small mixing bowl.
- Once chicken is fully cooked, brush the butter sauce on all sides of the chicken and serve warm!
I totally understand the need for advertisements, but these are placed on the first part of the recipe, so I can’t read it!
A bit annoying. Seems the ads could be more off to the side, so they don’t block the recipe??
give me more recipes
for the Air Fryer