Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
Get ready to savor every bite of my Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs, coated in a luscious garlic and parmesan herb butter. These kabobs are a flavor explosion, blending juicy chicken breast with the richness of parmesan and aromatic fresh herbs. And the best part? They’re ready in just 30 minutes.
When you’re tired of the same old chicken recipes and seeking a flavorful change, these Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs are the answer. Bursting with bold flavors and simplicity, they’re a breeze to make. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these kabobs are sure to impress.
So, say goodbye to boring chicken recipes and hello to a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and convenience.
Looking for more delicious chicken recipes, then try my Marry me Chicken Tortellini, Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl, and Honey Mustard Chicken Wraps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken- Thanks to the air fryer, the chicken stays incredibly juicy and tender.
- Quick and easy- With minimal prep and cook time, these skewers are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
- Super flavorful- Once these marinated chicken skewers finish cooking, they’re brushed generously with an unbelievably delicious garlic and parmesan herb butter.
- Minimal cleanup- With the air fryer doing most of the work, cleanup is a breeze, giving your more time to enjoy your meal and less time in the kitchen.
- Versatility- Whether served as a main dish, appetizer, or part of a salad or wrap, these chicken kabobs are always a hit.
Ingredient Notes
Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.
- Chicken- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Oil- You can use olive oil, avocado oil or canola oil.
- Seasonings- Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried herbs.
- Garlic- Fresh garlic cloves minced finely will provide the best flavor.
- Herbs- Fresh Italian parsley and basil.
- Green onions- Adds a mild onion flavor. Use both the white and green part.
- Butter- Unsalted butter softened at room temperature.
- Parmesan cheese- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for optimal flavor.
Substitutions
- Garlic- Garlic powder can be substituted for fresh garlic. However, fresh garlic typically offers more flavor.
- Parmesan cheese- Romano or Asiago cheese can replace parmesan for a similar nutty flavor.
- Herbs- Dried herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary can replace fresh herbs, but use them sparingly as they are more concentrated in flavor.
- Optional extras- Zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, or pineapple can be used in addition to the chicken.
Step By Step Instructions
STEP 1: Soak. If using, bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
STEP 2: Marinate. Add diced chicken to a large bowl. Then, drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine. Next, add seasonings and mix with a spatula or your hands.
STEP 3: Prepare skewers. Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
STEP 4: Make garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, herbs, green onions and parmesan cheese. Use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper.
STEP 5: Preheat. Preheat air fryer to 400℉ for about 5 minutes.
STEP 6: Cook. Place the chicken skewers in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook the chicken for 7 minutes, then use tongs to flip the skewers over.
Let the skewers continue to cook for an additional 7-8 minutes or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (using an internal thermometer).
STEP 7: Brush. Generously brush garlic butter on all sides of the chicken.
STEP 8. Serve. Serve the kabobs hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and garlic butter (if desired).
Expert Tips
- Marinate for flavor- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes before skewering and cooking.
- Preheat air fryer- Preheating the air fryer helps to ensure even cooking and crispiness. It’s an essential step for achieving the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken skewers in batches if needed to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Brush with garlic butter at the end. Brushing the cooked chicken kabobs with garlic butter after they’re done cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and richness. This step is best done right before serving to keep the butter fresh and flavorful.
- Garnish for presentation. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice over the cooked chicken just before serving.
FAQ
Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, as well as the temperature of your air fryer. Generally, chicken kabobs take about 10-15 minutes at 400℉, flipping halfway through cooking
Yes, you can! Just be careful when handling them, as they can get hot during cooking. Make sure the metal skewers are oven-safe and won’t damage the air fryer basket.
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version using a variety of vegetables, tofu, or plant-based alternatives. Just skewer your choice of vegetables or tofu, season them as desired, and cook them in the air fryer according to your preference. Brush with garlic butter and serve.
Some simple side dish options are roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, rice pilaf, garlic bread or grilled corn on the cob.
Yes, you can use the parmesan garlic herb butter to flavor other proteins like steak, shrimp or salmon. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly for different types of meat and seafood.
Storing and Reheating
Allow the Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs to cool completely at room temperature. Transfer the chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating
To reheat chicken, preheat air fryer to 375℉. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes. Covering the chicken with foil while reheating can help prevent it from drying out.
Helpful Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer- The star of the show! An air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air around it, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes with less oil than traditional frying methods.
- Meat thermometer- Essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature. Look for a digital meat thermometer that provides accurate readings.
- Brush or basting brush- Ideal for brushing the garlic parmesan herb butter onto the chicken.
- Kitchen tongs- Use kitchen tongs to flip the chicken halfway through cooking and to transfer it in and out of the air fryer.
- Grater- If using fresh parmesan cheese, a grater or microplane will come in handy for grating the cheese.
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Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
Chicken Kabobs
- 1 1/2 lbs Chicken breast, boneless, skinless, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried basil
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Onion powder
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 8 oz Unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Green onions, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- If using, bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Add diced chicken to a large bowl. Then, drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine. Next, add seasonings and mix with a spatula or your hands.
- Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, herbs, green onions and parmesan cheese. Use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 400℉ for about 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken skewers in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren't overcrowded. Cook the chicken for 7 minutes, then use tongs to flip the skewers over. Let the skewers continue to cook for an additional 7-8 minutes or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (using an internal thermometer).
- Generously brush garlic butter on all sides of the chicken.
- Serve the kabobs hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and garlic butter (if desired).