If your house is anything like mine, dinner is a daily battle. Someone’s “not hungry” (but somehow still wants snacks), someone’s begging for takeout, and I’m just over here trying to make something that (A) won’t take forever, (B) tastes amazing, and (C) the kids might actually eat without a dramatic performance.

That’s where air fryer chicken recipes come in clutch—easy, fast, and no standing over a hot stove. This Air Fryer Chicken Satay is one of my go-to’s. Juicy, marinated chicken skewers cooked to perfection in the air fryer? Yes, please. It’s one of those Air Fryer Skewer Recipes that looks fancy but is secretly super simple. And bonus—dipping food makes everything more fun, so kids actually eat it without complaining (well, mostly).
If you’re looking for Air Fryer Dinner Ideas that aren’t just plain chicken breast (because, let’s be real, that gets boring fast), this Chicken Satay Recipe is a must-try. It’s packed with flavor thanks to a super easy Chicken Satay Marinade, and it tastes like something you’d get from a restaurant. Plus, it fits right in with your list of Air Fryer Meals that make life easier.
So grab your air fryer, some skewers, and let’s make dinner a little less stressful tonight. Because let’s be honest—we all need more Air Fryer Food that actually makes life easier, right?
Ingredients (Stuff You Need)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (this makes it crazy tender!)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon, if that’s all you got)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric (makes it that nice golden color)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy works best)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup if you’re out)
- 1/2 tsp sriracha (totally optional, but adds a little kick!)
- 2 tbsp warm water (to make it dippable)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This step is key for getting all that flavor into the chicken.
- Grab a big bowl and whisk together the coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and all the spices.
- Toss in your chicken strips and make sure they’re fully coated.
- Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (if you can do a few hours, even better, but let’s be real—sometimes I’m lucky if it sits for 15).
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer & Skewer the Chicken

- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Some air fryers heat up fast, but mine takes a minute.
- If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes so they don’t burn. (Or skip skewers altogether and just toss the chicken pieces straight in the air fryer.)
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Don’t pack them too tight—they need space to crisp up.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

- Lay the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. No stacking! If you need to cook in batches, do it—it’s worth it.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for golden brown, slightly crispy edges.
- Double-check for doneness—chicken should be at 165°F internally (I just cut into one and check if it’s white all the way through).
Step 4: Make the Peanut Sauce

While your kitchen smells amazing and your kids start circling like sharks, whip up the easiest peanut sauce ever.
- In a small bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha (if using).
- Add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s the right consistency for dipping.
Step 5: Serve & Watch It Disappear

- Arrange the skewers on a plate and drizzle a little peanut sauce on top (or just serve it on the side for dipping).
- Pair it with rice, a cucumber salad, or just eat it straight off the stick.
- Watch your kids devour it and feel like a dinner-time superhero.
FAQs: Air Fryer Chicken Satay
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! You can use either. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier, but air frying chicken breast works great too—just be careful not to overcook it so it doesn’t dry out.
Do I have to use skewers?
Nope! If you’re short on time (or just don’t feel like dealing with skewers), you can air fry the chicken pieces as-is. Just spread them out in a single layer and cook them the same way.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but if you have time, a few hours or overnight is even better. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it’ll be.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Of course! You can grill it, cook it in a pan, or even bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also make the peanut sauce in advance—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Air Fryer Chicken Satay Recipe Card

Air Fryer Chicken Satay
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp sriracha optional for spice
- 2 tbsp warm water to thin out the sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients.
- Add chicken strips and coat well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for max flavor).
Prep the Air Fryer & Skewers
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
Air Fry the Chicken
- Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).
Make the Peanut Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha.
- Stir in warm water, 1 tbsp at a time, until it reaches a smooth, dippable consistency.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve skewers hot with peanut sauce on the side.
- Pair with rice, cucumber salad, or enjoy as a snack!
Notes
- Short on time? Marinate the chicken in the morning for a fast dinner.
- No skewers? Just air fry the chicken pieces as-is.
- Want extra crispy edges? Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes at 400°F.
- Dairy-free? Swap honey for maple syrup in the sauce.
And just like that, dinner is done!
See? Air Fryer Chicken Recipes Easy do exist, and this Air Fryer Chicken Satay proves it. Juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Skewers, a bomb Chicken Satay Marinade, and that peanut sauce? Absolute magic. My kids actually ate dinner without complaining (well, mostly), and I didn’t have to stand over a hot stove, which is a huge win in my book.
If you’re on the hunt for more Air Fryer Dinner Ideas, this one is going straight into the regular meal rotation. It’s quick, it’s packed with flavor, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite Air Fryer Recipes Asian-inspired that makes me feel like I put in way more effort than I actually did. (Fake it ‘til you make it, right?)
So whether you’re Air Frying Chicken Breast, looking for Air Fryer Meals that aren’t boring, or just want an easy Satay Recipe to impress the family—this one’s for you. Try it, love it, and let me know if your kids fought over the last skewer like mine did.
And if you need more Airfryer Recipes in your life, stick around—I’ve got plenty more coming. Because if the air fryer makes my life easier, you bet I’m using it every chance I get.