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Close-up of juicy Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs cooked on skewers, topped with melted cheese and parsley.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs

This recipe provides instructions for making garlic parmesan chicken thighs in an air fryer. The chicken is seasoned, skewered, air-fried, and then basted with a garlic parmesan butter mixture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 skewers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 384
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 640 g boneless skinless Chicken Thighs or 1.4lb
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 3/4 tsp Garlic Powder Each
  • 3/4 tsp Salt Each
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Onion Powder Each
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper Each
Garlic Parmesan Butter
  • 75 g Unsalted Butter, softened or 5 tbsp
  • 20 g freshly grated Parmesan or 1/4 cup
  • 3 cloves Garlic, finely grated/minced
  • 1 tbsp very finely diced Fresh Parsley
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Skewers
  • Bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Combine the pieces in a bowl with the oil and seasoning.
  2. Thread the chicken onto 4 skewers. Leave a gap at both ends and make sure the pieces are compact so they stay juicy.
  3. Place the skewers in the air fryer and cook at 200C/400F for 10 minutes.
  4. While the chicken cooks, combine the softened butter with parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Microwave in 5-second bursts until the butter is soft enough to brush but still slightly creamy.
  5. After 10 minutes, flip the skewers. Brush with one-third of the butter mixture. Air fry for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Flip the skewers again, brush with another one-third of the butter, and air fry for another 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or until the chicken is lightly charred and hot through the center.
  6. Remove the skewers and brush with the remaining butter. Sprinkle with extra parmesan and parsley while hot, if you want.

Notes

Use wooden skewers, 20cm/8″ size fits the air fryer well. You can cut or snap them to fit. Chicken thigh is recommended because it is fattier and harder to overcook. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165F/74C. If you are concerned about cross-contamination when basting, save one-third of the butter for the final baste and use a clean brush for the earlier steps. Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting.