Air Fryer Peanut Chicken

Why Make This Recipe

Air Fryer Peanut Chicken is a delightful dish that packs a punch of flavor in every bite. With its creamy peanut butter sauce and a hint of spice from Sriracha, this recipe brings a taste of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. Using an air fryer makes cooking easier and healthier, as it requires less oil while still giving you that delicious crispy texture.

How to Make Air Fryer Peanut Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha, or to taste
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• Salt to taste
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• Cooking spray
• 2 cups cooked rice, or as needed
• Chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, julienne cucumbers, and carrots (optional)
• Chopped salt-free, dry-roasted peanuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, Sriracha, lime zest, lime juice, granulated garlic, minced ginger, peanut butter, and salt in a large resealable plastic bag.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bag, remove as much air as possible, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
4. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry for 20-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Meanwhile, mix the unused marinade with 1/2 cup of water and microwave until boiling.
7. Serve the chicken over cooked rice with the heated marinade on the side. Garnish with optional toppings if desired.

How to Serve Air Fryer Peanut Chicken

This dish is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice. You can add garnishes such as chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, julienne cucumbers, carrots, and chopped dry-roasted peanuts to enhance your meal. Each bite combines savory chicken with the unique flavors of the peanut sauce and fresh veggies, creating a satisfying and colorful plate.

How to Store Air Fryer Peanut Chicken

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave or air fryer to bring back its delicious flavor.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Peanut Chicken

• If you want to save time, you can marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor.
• Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your spice preference.
• Use different cuts of chicken, like breasts or drumsticks, if you prefer, but cook time may vary.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, you can substitute chicken with firm tofu. Follow the same marinating process and cooking instructions, ensuring the tofu is pressed to remove moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Peanut Chicken?
Besides rice, you can serve this dish with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even in a wrap with your favorite greens.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or a tamari substitute. Just ensure all other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.

Air Fryer Peanut Chicken

A delightful Thai-inspired dish featuring flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a creamy peanut sauce, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 52 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the marinade

• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha Adjust to taste for spice preference.
• 1 each lime, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• Salt to taste

Main ingredients

• 6 each skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• Cooking spray For greasing the air fryer basket.
• 2 cups cooked rice Or as needed for serving.
• Chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, julienne cucumbers, and carrots Optional garnishes.
• Chopped salt-free, dry-roasted peanuts Optional garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine the Thai sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, Sriracha, lime zest, lime juice, granulated garlic, minced ginger, peanut butter, and salt in a large resealable plastic bag.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bag, remove as much air as possible, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking

1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the air fryer in a single layer.
4. Air fry for 20-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Meanwhile, mix the unused marinade with 1/2 cup of water and microwave until boiling.

Serving

1. Serve the chicken over cooked rice with the heated marinade on the side.
2. Garnish with optional toppings if desired.

Notes

This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer before serving. Marinate overnight for more intense flavor. Adjust Sriracha for spice preference. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu.