Lemongrass Chicken Satay Skewers
Charred satay with a two minute peanut sauce, no grill needed.
Kit that makes this foolproof
A few inexpensive bits that get you crispier results with less mess.
A roomy air fryer
A larger basket means fewer batches and crispier results.
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Perforated liners
Less sticking and mess, without blocking the airflow.
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Silicone tongs
Turn and lift without scratching the non-stick basket.
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Before You Start
Satay is street food built for fierce direct heat, and the air fryer basket gets close enough that the edges char while the middle stays juicy. Thigh meat is not negotiable here. The marinade needs at least 30 minutes, and the peanut sauce comes together in the time the skewers cook.
Instructions
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1
Whisk the lemongrass paste, soy, sugar, turmeric, garlic and the ¼ cup coconut milk. Toss the chicken strips through it, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
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2
Soak 8 bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes so they do not scorch, and snap them to fit your basket if needed.
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3
Thread the chicken on in a ribbon, folding each strip back and forth. Keep the meat snug but not compressed.
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4
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes. Lay the skewers in with space between them and cook in two batches if they touch.
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5
Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes, turning halfway, until the edges catch and char and the chicken is cooked through.
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6
While they cook, warm the peanut butter, ⅓ cup coconut milk, sweet chilli and lime juice in a small pan, whisking until smooth. Loosen with a splash of water to a dipping consistency and serve alongside.
♨️ Air fryer notes
- Cook at 200°C / 400°F and preheat for 2 to 3 minutes for the crispiest result.
- Keep everything in a single layer with space around each piece. Overcrowding steams food instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if your basket is small.
- Shake or turn halfway, and check a few minutes early, since air fryers cook faster than ovens and every model runs slightly differently.
💡 Cook's tips
- Use thighs, not breast. Satay cooks hot and fast, and breast strips dry out before they take any colour.
- A few charred spots are correct. If your skewers come out pale, the basket was overcrowded or the air fryer was not preheated.
🔀 Make it your own
- Swap the chicken for pork shoulder strips, adding 2 minutes.
- Add ½ teaspoon of chilli flakes to the peanut sauce for heat.
📦 Storing & reheating
Fridge for 3 days. Reheat at 190°C for 3 to 4 minutes. The sauce keeps for a week and thickens when cold, so loosen it with warm water.
❓ Frequently asked
How long do chicken skewers take in an air fryer?
12 to 14 minutes at 200°C / 400°F, turned once. Thin ribboned strips cook faster than big cubes, so check at 12 minutes.
Can I use wooden skewers in an air fryer?
Yes. Soak them for 20 minutes first and trim them to fit the basket. Metal skewers work with no soaking.
Adapting your own recipe? Use the oven to air fryer converter for temp and time, or the recipe scaler to halve or double this.
