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Air Fryer Curried Chicken Sosaties - Flavor-Packed Skewers Made Easy

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • Onions: 1 large red or yellow onion, cut into 1.5-inch chunks
  • Dried apricots: 12–16 pieces (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes if very firm)
  • Skewers: 8–10 wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes)
  • Cooking oil: 1–2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola, avocado, or sunflower)
  • 2 tablespoons mild curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Extra apricot jam thinned with a splash of hot water, for glazing

Method
 

  1. Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk curry powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cayenne, garlic, ginger, yogurt, apricot jam, brown sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oil until smooth.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken pieces and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours. Overnight is great for deeper flavor.
  3. Prep the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes. Pat the onion pieces dry. Drain and pat dry dried apricots if you soaked them.
  4. Thread the sosaties: Alternate chicken, onion, and dried apricots on each skewer. Don’t pack them too tightly or they won’t cook evenly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook the skewers: Arrange skewers in a single layer with slight space between them. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and show light charring at the edges.
  7. Optional glaze: In the last 2 minutes, brush with a thin apricot jam glaze for shine and extra sweetness.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the skewers rest 3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges.