To make chicken satay in an air fryer, slice 1 1/2 lb chicken breast into thin strips, marinate them for 30 minutes in light coconut milk, low-sodium soy sauce, lime, honey, garlic, turmeric, curry powder and coriander, then thread them onto soaked short skewers. Air fry at 400°F for 9 to 11 minutes, turning halfway, until the edges are golden and the chicken reaches 165°F. Serve with a quick peanut sauce made from natural peanut butter, lime, soy sauce and warm water, plus cucumber salad. It comes to roughly 360 calories and 43 g protein per serving.
To serve: cucumber, carrot, red onion and chili salad, lime wedges, chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts
How Do You Make Chicken Satay in an Air Fryer?
Slice the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and cut it across into long strips about 1/2 inch thick, so every piece cooks in the same time.
Marinate: Whisk the coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, oil, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, coriander and salt in a bowl. Add the chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or covered in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
Make the peanut sauce: Whisk the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey and sriracha, then add warm water a tablespoon at a time until it is smooth and pourable. Set aside.
Thread the skewers: Weave 1 or 2 strips onto each soaked skewer, keeping the meat flat and leaving a little space at the ends. Trim the skewers so they lie flat in the basket.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes and lightly oil the crisper plates.
Air fry: Lay the skewers in a single layer with space between them, splitting them across both baskets. Air fry at 400°F for 9 to 11 minutes, turning halfway, until the edges are golden and an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest piece.
Serve: Rest for 2 minutes, then serve with the peanut sauce, lime wedges, cilantro, crushed peanuts and a crunchy cucumber salad.
Dual basket tip: Split the skewers across both baskets in a single layer and use Match Cook (or set both baskets to 400°F for 10 minutes) so everything finishes together. On a two-basket model like the Ludatido 9 Qt, each 4.5-Qt basket holds about half the batch. Or put the satay in one basket and green beans or broccoli in the other and let Sync Finish end them at the same time.
New pick: Ludatido 9 Qt Dual BasketTwo independent 4.5-Qt baskets with Sync Finish and 10 presets for about $90: half the skewers in each basket.
Also great: Ninja Foodi DZ201 8-Qt DualZoneThe original dual-zone design with Smart Finish, Match Cook and a 450°F max from a brand with a long track record.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Chicken Satay? (Estimated)
Per serving (1/4 of the skewers plus 1/4 of the peanut sauce, no rice): about 360 calories, 16 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 12 g carbohydrate, 1.5 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 43 g protein and about 520 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for raw skinless chicken breast, light coconut milk, natural peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, avocado oil and spices, assuming some of the marinade is left in the bowl. A cup of cooked jasmine rice adds about 205 calories, and restaurant satay with a sweeter, richer peanut sauce can run 150 to 300 calories more per serving.
What Goes Well With Air Fryer Chicken Satay?
Jasmine or brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lighter plate
Quick cucumber salad: sliced cucumber, red onion and chili in rice vinegar with a pinch of sugar and salt
Thigh satay: use boneless skinless thighs and air fry for 11 to 13 minutes at 400°F
Shrimp satay: marinate large peeled shrimp for 15 minutes and air fry at 400°F for 6 to 7 minutes
Tofu satay: press extra-firm tofu, cut into thick strips, marinate and air fry at 400°F for 14 to 16 minutes
Nut-free: swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook chicken satay in the air fryer?
Air fry thin chicken breast skewers at 400°F for 9 to 11 minutes, turning halfway, until they reach 165°F. Thigh strips take about 11 to 13 minutes.
Is air fryer chicken satay healthy?
Yes. Lean chicken breast, light coconut milk and only 1 tablespoon of oil keep the fat down, and the peanut sauce uses a modest 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter for four people. We estimate about 360 calories and 43 g protein per serving with the sauce. These are estimates.
Can you put wooden skewers in an air fryer?
Yes. Soak bamboo skewers in water for about 20 minutes first so the exposed ends do not scorch, and trim them so they lie flat in the basket without touching the heating element. Short metal skewers also work.
Should I use chicken breast or thighs for satay?
Breast is leaner and higher in protein per calorie. Boneless thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving if you overcook them a little; they need a couple of extra minutes and add about 40 calories per serving.
Can I make chicken satay without skewers?
Yes. Air fry the marinated strips loose in a single layer at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway. Serve them over rice or lettuce cups with the peanut sauce.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead?
Yes. It keeps covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. It thickens when cold, so loosen it with a spoonful of warm water before serving.
