Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chicken

Make dinner easy and delicious with this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chicken recipe! Tender chicken is coated in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights, this savory dish combines bold flavors with minimal prep time. Ready in under 30 minutes!

If you’re new to the world of air fryers, then this is the perfect recipe for you. Easy and absolutely delicious!

We’ll start by prepping our ingredients and assembling everything we need before cooking, so there’s less time spent doing dishes later on. Then we’ll move on making the peanut butter marinade which gives these chicken legs such amazing flavor.

If you love easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets (From Scratch Recipe), Ninja Foodi Possible Cooker Pro Garlic Chicken, or Air Fryer Great Value Breaded Boneless Chicken Wings.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Unique Flavor Combination – The creamy, nutty peanut butter pairs perfectly with tender chicken, creating a delicious fusion of flavors.
• Quick and Easy – Made in the air fryer, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep time.
• Kid-Friendly – The mild, sweet peanut sauce is a hit with kids, making it an easy way to please the whole family.
• Customizable – You can adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings like chopped peanuts or cilantro for extra flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – This recipe stores well, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken Drumsticks – The perfect base for absorbing the peanut butter sauce.
• Peanut Butter – Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the chicken, creating a smooth sauce.
• Coconut Milk – Provides a silky texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
• Honey – Brings a natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the sauce.
• Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Soy Sauce – Adds a savory, umami depth of flavors.
• Grape Jelly – Adds a sweet and fruity twist, elevating the sauce with a unique flavor contrast.
• Jalapeños – Provide a spicy kick, offering a perfect balance to the sweetness and creaminess.
• Red Chili Sauce – Intensifies the heat for those who love a spicy kick in their chicken.
• Rice Wine Vinegar – Adds a tangy note that brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a savory depth that complements the sweet and spicy elements of the sauce.
• Coarse Black Pepper – Gives the dish a bold, slightly spicy finish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chicken

Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting, for 5 minutes Prepare peanut butter sauce: add peanut butter, coconut milk, honey, salt, and soy sauce to a large bowl and whisk well. Set aside ¼ cup.

Step Two: Add the drumsticks to the bowl with the peanut sauce and toss to coat. 

Step Three: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange drumsticks in a single layer in the basket and set cook time for 10 minutes. Flip, then set cook time for 8-10 more minutes. Brush chicken with remaining ¼ cup of peanut sauce and cook for 2 more minutes.

Step Four: Make the spicy jelly. Combine jelly, jalapeno, red chili sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic powder, and black pepper—puree in a food processor or blender for 20 seconds. Arrange drumsticks on a platter and serve with spicy jelly.

Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

• Marinate for Flavor: For the best flavor, allow the chicken drumsticks to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 1-2 hours.
• Use Skin-On Chicken: For a juicier and more flavorful result, consider using skin-on chicken drumsticks.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of jalapeños and red chili sauce.
• Coat Evenly: Ensure each drumstick is evenly coated with the peanut butter marinade to achieve consistent flavor and texture.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Place the chicken drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Recipe Variations

• Peanut Butter: For best results, use creamy peanut butter. But since nut allergies are very common, I wanted to give you a few substitutions. You can use nut-free peanut butter, such as WowButter, Natural SunButter, or Granola Butter.
• Coconut Milk: Some great alternatives would be regular milk, almond milk, or even Lactose-Free Milk. The recipe will work the same.

Peanut Butter Chicken Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks? Yes, you can use chicken breasts; however, adjust the cooking time since breasts may cook faster than drumsticks.

Is this recipe gluten-free? To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance? Yes, you can prepare the peanut butter marinade a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to cook.

What can I substitute for peanut butter? If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can use sunflower seed butter or tahini as a substitute for peanut butter.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I use frozen chicken? It’s recommended to thaw chicken before cooking for even results. If using frozen chicken, extend the cooking time and ensure it’s cooked through.

What side dishes pair well with peanut butter chicken? Peanut butter chicken pairs well with rice, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with a side of Asian-style slaw for a refreshing crunch.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Can I add more spice to the marinade? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños or red chili sauce to your preferred spice level. You can also add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes:

• AIR FRYER KUNG PAO CHICKEN
• AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE
• EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS
• AIR FRYER EASY FRIED CHICKEN (THREE INGREDIENTS)
• AIR FRYER TYSON CHICKEN WINGS
• EASY AIR FRYER HONEY BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

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