Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, cut into 3" pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Chicken Seasonings
- 1.5 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prep and Skewer Chicken: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Combine chicken seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Toss the cut chicken pieces with olive oil and the seasoning mixture until well coated. Thread the chicken tightly onto the skewers to ensure juiciness, trimming skewers if needed to fit in the air fryer.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, partially melt the butter with minced garlic. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, dry ranch seasoning, dried dill, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley until combined. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and whisk to re-emulsify. Reserve about one-third of the sauce for basting during initial cooking and keep the rest to baste after cooking to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook The Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook 2-3 skewers at a time—air fry for 5 minutes, remove and flip skewers, baste with reserved sauce, then cook for an additional 2 minutes. Flip skewers again, baste once more, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time is about 12-14 minutes but may vary by air fryer model.
- Final Touch: After cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved, clean garlic parmesan sauce one last time, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top, and serve hot. Optionally, serve over rice and veggies spread with leftover sauce.
Notes
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place chicken skewers on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting a few times with the butter sauce. Switch oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to brown tops. Remove and baste once more with sauce, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
- Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers directly over heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting frequently with the butter sauce. Remove from grill, baste one last time, and sprinkle with leftover Parmesan.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to heat preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
