Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are deliciously marinated chicken pieces coated with a flavorful blend of mayonnaise, parmesan, and garlic powder, then air fried to juicy perfection, and finished with a rich, garlicky compound butter infused with parsley, chili crisp, and lemon juice. Perfect for a satisfying dinner or appetizer, served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2-2 pounds chicken thighs or tenders, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lowry’s)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasoning Sauce (Compound Butter):
- 5 tablespoons softened butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 teaspoons chili crunch (or chili crisp)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season: Add the chicken pieces to a bowl and season with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and grated parmesan. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for as little as 20 minutes, ideally 4-16 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Butter: In a separate bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, chili crisp, and lemon juice. Use a fork to press and mix until you form a compound butter. Microwave for 5 seconds to slightly loosen the butter for easier basting.
- Skewer: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers and set them aside. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (or prepare an outdoor grill if preferred).
- Cook: Place 4-7 skewers at a time into the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd for even cooking. Air fry the chicken skewers for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Baste: Check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach at least 150ºF before basting. Brush the compound butter over the chicken skewers and cook for 1 additional minute. Flip the skewers, baste the other side, then cook for another 30-40 seconds. Confirm doneness with a meat thermometer reading 165ºF.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer, sprinkle with extra parmesan or parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning if using a grill.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
- If you don’t have chili crisp, substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken is cooked through to avoid undercooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
