Ingredients
Chicken
- 640g / 1.4lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (reduce if sensitive to spice)
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 75g / 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 20g / 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 3 cloves garlic, finely grated or minced
- 1 tbsp very finely diced fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and combine in a large bowl with olive oil and all the seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to evenly coat.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto four 20cm (8") skewers, leaving a gap at both ends. Ensure pieces are compact to keep the chicken juicy during cooking.
- Initial Air Fry: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, freshly grated parmesan, grated garlic, finely diced parsley, salt, and black pepper. Microwave in 5-second bursts until the butter is soft and creamy but not melted, making it easy to brush.
- Flip and Baste: After 10 minutes, flip the skewers using tongs. Brush one-third of the garlic parmesan butter onto the chicken, then air fry for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
- Flip and Baste Again: Flip the skewers again and brush with another third of the butter. Air fry for an additional 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until the chicken is lightly charred on the outside and cooked to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
- Final Baste and Serve: Remove skewers from the air fryer, brush with the remaining butter, and optionally sprinkle with extra parmesan and parsley while still hot. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Skewers: Wooden skewers are suitable and do not typically burn in the air fryer; metal skewers can also be used but will be very hot to handle. 20cm(8") length fits well; adjust size as needed.
- Chicken Thigh Choice: Thighs are recommended for juiciness and forgiving cooking. Chicken breast can be used but cooks faster, so monitor internal temperature carefully.
- Basting: Use the same brush for all bastes if confident, otherwise reserve some butter and use a clean brush for the last baste to avoid cross-contamination.
- Garlic: Grated fresh garlic offers a strong, fresh flavor that gently cooks on the chicken. Adjust quantity to taste.
- Parmesan: Always use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt well.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the skewers in flatbread with salad and Caesar dressing or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Calories: Nutrition info based on one skewer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Universal
