Busy schedules don’t mean boring meals! These Air Fryer Thai Peanut Chicken Bites are here to shake up your weekly meal prep with bold flavors, minimal effort, and a meal prep hack that keeps things simple—using pre-made Thai Peanut Satay Sauce to skip the extra chopping and blending.
This recipe is perfect for meal preppers who want a high-protein, flavor-packed dish that pairs well with everything—think salads, grain bowls, or wraps! The air fryer speeds up cooking time, so you get juicy, caramelized chicken in just 8 minutes. Let’s get prepping!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy – No marinating, no complicated steps—just toss, air fry, and eat.
Meal Prep-Friendly – These chicken bites stay juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for your weekly prepped meals.
Healthy & Protein-Packed – Lean chicken thighs keep it moist, while peanut sauce adds healthy fats and flavor.
Versatile – Enjoy them in a bowl, wrap, salad, or on their own with extra peanut sauce for dipping!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are perfect for air frying because they stay juicy and tender, even when cooked at high heat. They have just the right amount of fat to keep them from drying out, making them ideal for meal prep—they reheat beautifully without becoming rubbery like chicken breasts sometimes do.
- Thai Peanut Sauce: Using a pre-made peanut satay sauce (like Trader Joe’s) is a total game changer for meal prep. It brings together a rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and savory taste in one step—no need to measure out peanut butter, soy sauce, or spices. This sauce instantly infuses the chicken with that bold, Thai-inspired flavor without the extra work!
- Lime juice: A splash of lime juice adds fresh acidity, cutting through the richness of the peanut sauce. It balances flavors and gives the chicken a subtle tangy zing that makes every bite more exciting.
- Honey: A little honey not only enhances the natural sweetness of the peanut sauce but also helps the chicken caramelize beautifully in the air fryer. That slightly sticky, golden-brown coating? Yep, that’s the honey working its magic!
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a punch of umami without needing to chop fresh garlic. Since it’s evenly distributed throughout the coating, you get consistent garlic flavor in every bite—an easy, low-effort way to level up your seasoning game.
- Salt: A small but mighty ingredient! Salt enhances the peanut sauce, lime, and honey, bringing out all the flavors and making sure every bite is packed with savory-sweet perfection.
How to Meal Prep Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Preheat your Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer and set it to 400°F. Let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes—this helps the chicken cook evenly and develop a delicious caramelized coating.
- Prepare the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken pieces, peanut satay sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic powder, and salt. Use a spoon, tongs, or clean hands to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken in the flavorful sauce. (Tip: If you have extra time, let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes for even deeper flavor!)
- Arrange the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly grease your air fryer basket with nonstick spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer with a little space between them. (Overcrowding the basket can cause the chicken to steam instead of crisp up—work in batches if needed!)
- Air Fry to Perfection: Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through using tongs or a spatula. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a golden-brown, slightly crisp exterior.
- Store for Meal Prep: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving—this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. Store in meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Meal Pairing Tips for Air Fryer Thai Peanut Chicken Bites
- Grain Bowl: Serve over brown rice or quinoa with steamed veggies and extra peanut sauce.
- Salad Topper: Toss these over a bed of greens with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and a drizzle of peanut dressing.
- Wrap It Up: Stuff into a whole wheat tortilla with slaw and sriracha mayo.
- Snack-Style: Enjoy them on their own with extra peanut sauce for dipping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. If using chicken breast, consider cutting it into slightly larger pieces (about 1.5 inches) and reducing the cook time to 5–7 minutes to keep them juicy.
Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
Can I make this spicier?
Of course! Add ½ teaspoon of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick!
Air Fryer Thai Peanut Chicken Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Video
Notes
Nutrition