These air fryer chicken satay skewers are a fun addition to your summer barbecue. Or they make an excellent appetizer for your “fake-away” meal. Quick, easy, and cooked to perfection every time, these chicken satay skewers are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. I always use chicken thighs for this dish because I find them more juicy than chicken breasts. These delicious air-fried skewers are ready in less than 15 minutes, thanks to the air fryer. Making them an ideal choice when you want a tasty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
What I love most about using the air-fryer is its versatility. And the fact that it makes cooking so much quicker than traditional methods. The air-fryer also has the added bonus of being easy to clean, which is a huge plus in any kitchen. With the air fryer, you can cook many different foods in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven or on the grill, making it a kitchen game-changer. Chicken, in particular, is a staple in our house. It’s a versatile meat, a great source of protein, and has a texture that’s easy to eat and digest. Which makes it a hit with everyone, even the fussy eaters.
Chicken offers endless possibilities when it comes to flavouring, and while there are many ways to spice it up, this recipe is a favourite because of its simplicity. The combination of spices and a quick cook time results in a dish that delivers great flavour without any fuss. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, and it will become a go-to in your repertoire!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 18 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air fryer and wooden skewers.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Satay
Chicken thighs, sliced
2 tablespoons of peanut butter
1 tablespoon of honey
1 teaspoon of curry powder
Splash of soy sauce
Kale
1 teaspoon of brown sugar
Method
I started by slicing the chicken thighs into evenly sized strips to ensure they cooked at the same rate. Once they were all prepped, I threaded the pieces onto mini wooden skewers – these are great for presentation and make the chicken super easy to handle, especially if you’re serving this as a finger food or as part of a platter.
Next, I lightly sprayed the chicken skewers with olive oil spray, making sure they were evenly coated to help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. I placed them into the air fryer drawer and set the temperature to 200°C, cooking them for about 12 minutes. I made sure to turn them halfway through the cooking time to get that beautiful golden colour on both sides. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on your model of air fryer, so it’s always worth checking towards the end to make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.
While the chicken was cooking, I turned my attention to the satay sauce. In a small bowl, I mixed together two tablespoons of smooth peanut butter, one tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness, a teaspoon of curry powder to add warmth and spice, and a splash of soy sauce for that savoury umami depth. I gave everything a good stir until smooth and well combined.
I also prepped my kale by tearing it into bite-sized pieces, then giving it a quick spray with olive oil and a sprinkle of brown sugar to help it crisp up and bring out a hint of caramelised sweetness. As soon as the chicken skewers were done, I removed them and added the kale to the air fryer, cooking it at 200°C for 4-6 minutes, shaking the drawer during cooking to ensure even crisping.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Satay
1. Use chicken thigh for extra juiciness
Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breast meat as they stay tender and juicy in the air fryer. Cut them into even-sized strips or chunks for consistent cooking.
2. Marinate for maximum flavour
Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible. A classic satay marinade includes peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lime juice, brown sugar, and a little curry powder or turmeric.
3. Soak wooden skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for around 20 to 30 minutes first. This helps prevent them from burning or charring during cooking.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for at least 2 or 3 minutes before cooking. This gives your satay skewers a head start on crisping without drying out the meat.
5. Cook in a single layer
Lay skewers in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results. Cook in batches if necessary.
6. Turn halfway through
Flip the skewers around the 6 or 7 minute mark for even browning. Total cook time is usually around 12 to 14 minutes, depending on your air fryer and chicken thickness.
7. Serve with a warm satay sauce
Pair your skewers with a creamy peanut dipping sauce made from peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and chilli flakes.
8. Garnish for extra flair
Top with chopped peanuts, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime for a restaurant-style finish.
These air fryer chicken satay skewers are juicy, flavourful, and ready in minutes and perfect for midweek dinners or party platters!
Similar recipes
If you like this easy air fryer chicken satay, you might also like my simple air fryer croquettes, the air fryer salt and pepper chicken or the air fryer chicken kebabs recipe.
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