Chicken satay is a takeaway favourite that's easy at home — marinated strips cook fast and juicy in the air fryer, ready for a quick peanut sauce. A high-protein starter or light dinner. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does chicken satay take in an air fryer?
A: Air fry marinated chicken satay at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes, turning once, to an internal 74°C.
Q: Do you need skewers?
A: No — cook the strips loose if your skewers don't fit, then thread or serve as is.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken strips | 200°C / 400°F | 10–12 min |
| Thigh chunks | 200°C / 400°F | 12–14 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Satay
Ingredients
- 500g chicken, in strips
- 1 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tsp soy
- 1 tsp curry powder, ½ tsp turmeric
- Squeeze of lime
Method
- Marinate the chicken 20 minutes.
- Thread onto skewers (optional).
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 min, turning.
- Serve with peanut sauce.
Peanut sauce
Stir together 3 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp soy, a squeeze of lime, a little honey and warm water until pourable. Add chilli to taste. Serve alongside the skewers, or with paneer for a mixed platter.
Frequently asked questions
How long does chicken satay take in an air fryer?
About 10–12 minutes at 200°C, turning once, to an internal 74°C. Thigh chunks need a couple of minutes more.
Do you need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes — soak them 10 minutes so they don't scorch, or cook the chicken loose and skewer after.
Is chicken satay high in protein?
Very — around 38g of protein per serving, before the peanut sauce, making it a filling high-protein dish.