Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients (Chicken Skewers)
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika powder
2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste if needed
Garlicky Parmesan Sauce
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon finely shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Salt, to taste
Diced red chili pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
If you are using wooden skewers, submerge them in hot water and let them soak for 20 minutes before you start cooking to prevent burning.
Chop the chicken breasts into evenly sized bite-sized cubes, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add oil, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, mayonnaise, and salt to the bowl. Keep in mind that most Cajun seasoning blends already contain added salt, so avoid over-salting at this stage. Toss everything well until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the seasoning mix.
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your prepared skewers, then lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
Air fry the skewers at 390°F (199°C) for exactly 11 minutes, flipping the skewers over halfway through the cook time. Do not extend the cooking time, as this will leave the chicken dry and rubbery.
While the chicken cooks, mix up the garlicky Parmesan sauce: add all the sauce ingredients (melted butter, seasonings, cheese, garlic, parsley, and optional chili) to a small bowl and stir until fully combined. If the sauce feels too thick, microwave it for 10 seconds to loosen the butter and smooth it out.
Brush the finished sauce generously all over the warm cooked chicken skewers. Serve immediately: enjoy them as a standalone main dish or appetizer, serve over rice pilaf, pasta, or orzo, or tuck them into a warm wrap for a handheld meal.
