These air fryer chicken skewers with peanut sauce are everything you want on a busy weeknight-quick, flavorful, and made with just one easy sauce that does double duty as both marinade and dip. They're ready in 30 minutes, full of bold flavor, and feel like a takeout treat… but healthier and faster!
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This air fryer chicken skewers recipe came together on one of those non-stop days when I wanted something fast, not carb-loaded, and still packed with flavor, like our air fryer bang bang chicken and air fryer teriyaki salmon.
I had chicken breast and made a simple Thai-style satay with ingredients on hand. The creamy peanut sauce was delicious, perfect for marinating and dipping, making dinner a breeze.
We posted it on our Instagram, and so many of you asked for the recipe, so here it is! It's a high-protein meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, just like our honey sriracha chicken and quick chicken massaman curry.
We had our chicken skewers with rice and broccoli, but honestly? They're great on their own, too.
Why you'll love it
Quick and minimal cleanup-You make one creamy, flavorful peanut sauce that works for both marinating and dipping-fewer steps, fewer dishes, and so much flavor with minimal cleanup, like our Korean meatballs.
Fast, fuss-free, and air fryer-friendly-Ready in 30 minutes, with no long marinating, like our crispy air fryer soy sauce chicken. Just skewer, pop it in the air fryer, and dinner's basically done. These air fryer chicken skewers are also great to make ahead and as meal prep!
High-protein and feel-good-With lean chicken breast, creamy peanut butter, and warming spices, it's nourishing, satisfying, and full of bold flavor, without feeling heavy.
Exciting but familiar-These chicken skewers feature pantry-friendly ingredients like peanut butter and sriracha, highlighted by lemongrass and coriander. Flavorful yet easy to prepare for any day.
Ingredients list
Chicken breast-We're using boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is lean, high in protein, and cooks quickly in the air fryer.
Peanut butter-The base for the creamy sauce. It makes it rich, nutty, and comforting-basically, the "satay" vibe we're going for.
Soy sauce-We're using low-sodium soy sauce to balance saltiness and keep the sauce savory without going overboard.
Fresh garlic & ginger-Garlic adds depth, while ginger brings a fresh, peppery kick to elevate the sauce.
Lemongrass-Adds a bright, citrusy, Thai-inspired flavor for our air fryer chicken skewers!
Fresh coriander (cilantro)-For a deeper herb flavor. The leaves are used to brush the skewers with butter after cooking.
Honey-A touch of sweetness to round everything out. Maple syrup works too.
Sriracha-Adds just enough heat without being overwhelming. Adjust the spice level depending on your comfort.
Sweet smoked paprika-Gives a warm, smoky layer that makes these air fryer chicken skewers taste like they came off a grill, without touching a grill.
Coriander & cumin powder-Bring earthy, aromatic depth that gives the sauce that little "something extra" without being overpowering.
Lime juice-Brightens up the sauce and cuts through the richness.
Coconut milk or milk-To loosen the sauce to your preferred dipping consistency. Coconut milk adds creaminess and subtle sweetness, but regular milk works too.
See the recipe card for complete information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and variations
No lemongrass?-Swap it with an extra splash of lime juice and a bit more ginger for that same bright lift. Or use lemongrass paste.
Chicken thighs instead of breast-Go for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They're a bit more forgiving in the air fryer.
Nut-free version-Try sunflower seed butter or tahini. The flavor will shift a bit, but the creamy texture still works beautifully.
Watch the video recipe
Step-by-step instructions
Make the sauce
Blend all the sauce ingredients-aromatics, spices, sauces, herbs, and peanut butter-until smooth. This will be the base for both your marinade and dipping sauce.
Marinate
Scoop out ¼ cup (60g) of the sauce and coat the chicken well. Let sit for about 10 minutes-just enough time while the air fryer preheats.
Skewer the chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto eight skewers. Pack them tight so they have time to char without overcooking.
Air fry
Spray the air fryer basket and the chicken with oil. Cook at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping and spraying again halfway through. Brush the hot skewers with melted butter and chopped coriander leaves for extra flavor.
Loosen the sauce
Thin the remaining sauce with milk or coconut milk to the desired consistency, and serve as a dip on the side.
Our best tips
- Even-sized chicken pieces. Keep the chicken pieces around 1 inch so these air fryer chicken skewers cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Skewer the chicken tightly. This will allow them to achieve a nice char on the outside without overcooking the inside.
- Spray the basket and chicken. A generous spray of oil helps the chicken get that golden, roasted look without drying out.
- Make-ahead friendly. You can prep the sauce and marinate the chicken a day ahead-skewer before cooking. Want to skewer the chicken ahead? Go for it-just make sure to soak the wooden skewers well before threading so they don't dry out.
- Great for meal prep. Cooked skewers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave and enjoy with rice, veggies, or in wraps for an easy lunch.
Serve and storage guide
Serve
- We love these chicken skewers with rice and steamed veggies for a quick, balanced dinner.
- Or turn them into lettuce wraps, grain bowls, or wrap them in flatbread with extra sauce for an easy lunch. Super versatile!
Fridge
- Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Keep the dipping sauce in a separate container to keep it fresh.
Freezer
- Cooked skewers: Freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
- Raw: Toss the raw chicken in the marinade and place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or an airtight container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then skewer and cook as usual.
The reason we don't recommend freezing raw skewered chicken is that the wooden skewers can splinter or crack, and it is awkward to store.
Reheat
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to bring back a bit of crispness, or microwave for a quick heat-and-eat option.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into even pieces and follow the same steps.
If you're using wooden skewers and air frying right away, soak them for 10 minutes to help prevent burning. No need if you're using metal skewers.
Totally! You can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. A grill pan works too-just cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Yes! You can freeze the raw marinated chicken (without skewers) or freeze cooked skewers for later. They reheat great in the air fryer. Also perfect for meal prep-store leftovers in the fridge and pair with rice or veggies for easy lunches.
Did you try these easy air fryer chicken skewers with creamy peanut sauce?
We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a ★★★★★ rating and drop a comment below - tell us how it went, what you enjoyed, or what you'd tweak. And if you share it on Instagram, don't forget to tag us - we'd love to see them!
Thank you! -Bea and Marco
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Sauce and marinade base
- ¼ cup (60 g) peanut butter
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 lemongrass white part only
- 1 inch ginger
- 2 tablespoon less sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ bunch (10 g) fresh cilantro twist and use the stalks, reserve the leaves for later
- 1 lime squeeze the juice
- ¼ cup (60 ml) coconut milk or milk to loosen the sauce
Main
- 1½ lb (700 g) chicken breast
Basting (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter melted
- reserved fresh cilantro
Instructions
Sauce and marinade base
- Blend all the sauce ingredients-aromatics, spices, sauces, herbs, and peanut butter-until smooth. This will be the base for both your marinade and dipping sauce.¼ cup peanut butter, 4 garlic cloves, 1 lemongrass, 1 inch ginger, 2 tablespoon less sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, ½ tablespoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ bunch fresh cilantro, 1 lime
Marinate
- Cut chicken breast into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.1½ lb chicken breast
- Scoop out ¼ cup (60g) of the sauce and coat the chicken well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes-just enough time while the air fryer preheats, and for you to soak the wooden skewers. Quick marinating still adds great flavor.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto eight skewers. Pack them tight so they have time to char without overcooking.
Cook
- Spray the air fryer basket and the chicken generously with oil. Cook at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping and spraying again halfway through. The chicken should be golden and cooked through.
- Optional: Chop cilantro leaves and mix with melted butter. Brush the hot skewers for extra flavor and freshness.1 tablespoon butter, reserved fresh cilantro
Sauce
- Thin the remaining sauce with milk or coconut milk to your desired consistency, and serve as a dip on the side.¼ cup coconut milk or milk
Notes
- Even-sized chicken pieces. Keep the chicken pieces around 1 inch so the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Skewer the chicken tightly. This will allow them to achieve a nice char on the outside without overcooking the inside.
- Spray the basket and chicken. A generous spray of oil helps the chicken get that golden, roasted look without drying out.
- Make-ahead friendly. Prep the sauce and marinate the chicken a day ahead-skewer before cooking. Want to skewer the chicken ahead? Go for it-just make sure to soak the wooden skewers well before threading so they don't dry out.
- Great for meal prep. Cooked skewers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave and enjoy with rice, veggies, or in wraps for an easy lunch.
Bea & Marco says
This one’s on our weekly rotation lately—we just can’t get enough! 🙌 The chicken comes out so juicy in the air fryer, and that creamy peanut sauce takes it to the next level. So easy, so good.