1-Getting started with garlic mozzarella chicken skewers: Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning during cooking. This small step ensures your skewers hold up well in the air fryer, making the process smooth and fun.

2-Next: cut the 2 pounds of chicken into 3-inch pieces and toss them with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper for an even coating. Thread the chicken pieces closely onto the skewers to keep them juicy, and trim the skewers if needed to fit your air fryer. For a link to more chicken ideas, check out our garlic parmesan chicken meatloaf recipe for extra inspiration on garlic-infused dishes.

3-Then, make the garlic Parmesan butter sauce by melting 1 stick of butter with 8-10 cloves of minced garlic. Whisk in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley until smooth. Reserve one-third of the sauce for basting to avoid any issues, and set the rest aside for serving later. For an external resource on garlic’s benefits, visit this guide to learn more about its health perks.

4-Now, place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer at 400°F and cook for 5 minutes. Flip them, baste with the reserved sauce, and cook for 2 more minutes, then flip and baste again before cooking an additional 5-6 minutes until the chicken hits 165°F inside. Finish by brushing the skewers with the remaining sauce and sprinkling extra Parmesan on top. This method, which takes about 20 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook for a total of 35 minutes, results in tender, flavorful bites that pair well with sides like rice or veggies.