Juicy air fryer chicken skewers tossed in garlic pesto butter and finished with parmesan cheese
Hey friends! You might remember I recently shared a Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe that quickly became a favorite in our house. We still love that version, but more often than not, I’m out of parsley, or just not in the mood to chop herbs at the end of the day. That’s when my trusty pesto butter from the freezer saves the day. I almost always keep a batch on hand because it makes weeknight dinners faster and way more flavorful. If you haven’t tried it yet, check out my 5-minute prep salmon with pesto butter—it’s a go-to around here. The same basil butter also works perfectly with chicken and pork tenderloin, and all three dishes come together with just about 5 minutes of hands-on prep.
This version of the skewers is even easier than the original: juicy air fryer chicken thighs brushed with garlic pesto butter and finished with a shower of grated parmesan. So good, yet so simple!
What Kind of Skewers Should I Buy?
I use 6-inch skewers so they fit easily in my air fryer—no trimming needed. I once bought longer ones thinking I could just snap or cut them down, but they were so tough I gave up (didn’t want to risk losing a finger!). The 6-inch size is perfect—zero stress and they slide right in.
How We Serve Them:
Main Course:
These pair beautifully with:
- Rice: Our Mediterranean yellow rice or buttery vermicelli rice are perfect.
- Salads: Try it with a fresh Greek salad (don’t skip the pickled red onions!) or even a light tabouli.
- Veggies or Potatoes: Roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes are great cozy sides.
In Wraps:
Tuck them into warm pita with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of tzatziki.
Appetizer:
Serve mini skewers with a dip—garlic aioli, hummus, or even ranch—for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Marinade:
- Olive Oil
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Italian Seasoning – These are my go-to spices, but feel free to swap in your favorites.
- Mayo – Sounds odd, but trust me, it keeps the chicken moist, especially in the air fryer.
- Chicken Thighs – I switched from breast to boneless, skinless chicken thighs and haven’t looked back. More flavor, and way more forgiving!
Pesto Butter Finish:
- Pesto Butter – If you’ve got some stashed in your freezer (I always do!), this is your moment to shine. It adds so much flavor. (or just quickly mix some butter and butter. There is no need to wait for it to freeze!)
- Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic
- Salt & Pepper
Directions Overview:
Toss chicken thighs in a quick marinade and thread them onto skewers. Air fry until golden, then brush with melted pesto butter and finish with parmesan. Serve hot with your favorite sides or in a wrap!
Storage & Make Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, or microwave if you’re short on time.
- Marinade in Advance: You can prep the chicken and marinate it up to 24 hours ahead.
- Pesto Butter: Store extra in the fridge—it’s also delicious melted on veggies or pasta!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead?
Sure! I used thighs this time, but either works. Just adjust cooking time slightly and don’t skip the marinade if using breast—it helps prevent dryness.
No air fryer?
No problem. Grill them or pan-fry until fully cooked. They’ll still turn out fantastic.
What if I don’t have pesto butter?
You can make a quick one by mixing softened butter with jarred pesto. Or stick with regular garlic butter if that’s what you’ve got.
Can I skip the mayo?
If you’re not using the air fryer or you’re okay with slightly drier meat, you can skip it. But it really does help!
Pesto Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- 6-inch skewers
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Mayo
- 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 5 Tablespoons Pesto Butter see notes*
- 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
- 3 cloves Garlic finely grated or minced
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and mayo in a bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade. Let sit for 15–30 minutes if you have time—if not, they’ll still turn out delicious.1 Tablespoon Olive Oil, 2 teaspoons Salt, 2 teaspoons Paprika, 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder, 1 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, 1 Tablespoon Mayo, 2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- Thread the chicken onto skewers, folding or curling each piece onto itself to help lock in moisture and create a meatier bite (and make sure your skewers fit in the air fryer—I’ve learned the hard way!).
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, melt your pesto butter, mix it with your finely grated garlic and brush it generously over the skewers. Sprinkle with grated parmesan and let it finish cooking until melty and golden.5 Tablespoons Pesto Butter, 1/4 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan, 3 cloves Garlic
- Pile them onto a platter, maybe sprinkle more parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in!
Notes
- I have a homemade make-ahead pesto butter recipe on the site that I love to keep in the freezer—it’s a total time-saver and helps me throw together tons of quick meals. But don’t worry if you don’t have any on hand. You can easily mix a bit of store-bought pesto with melted butter for the same effect, or even swap the pesto for finely chopped fresh herbs if that’s what you’ve got. It’s super flexible—use what works for you!
- I use 6-inch skewers so they fit easily in my air fryer—no trimming needed. I once bought longer ones thinking I could just snap or cut them down, but they were so tough I gave up (didn’t want to risk losing a finger!). The 6-inch size is perfect—zero stress and they slide right in.
Nutrition
If you try this one, I’d love to hear how it goes! Drop a comment below, or tag me on Instagram with your creations 💚
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