Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Creamy Peanut Sauce

Air fryer chicken skewers with peanut sauce.

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Chicken Skewers with Creamy Peanut Sauce

Juicy air fryer chicken skewers with peanut sauce that doubles as both marinade and dip. This quick, high-protein, and flavor-packed meal comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something bold and not heavy on empty carbs.

Prep Time20

Cook Time10

Servings: people

Author: Bea & Marco

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

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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.

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