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Air Fryer Satay Sauce - A Quick, Flavor-Packed Favorite

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small shallot, peeled
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 small red chili (Thai chili for heat, or jalapeño for milder), stem removed
  • 1/3 cup dry-roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk, well shaken
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for depth)
  • 1–2 tablespoons palm sugar or brown sugar (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for brightness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional for color)
  • Warm water as needed to thin
  • Neutral oil spray or 1 teaspoon neutral oil
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the aromatics: Halve the shallot. Keep garlic cloves whole. If you like extra heat, leave some chili seeds; for milder sauce, remove them.
  2. Air fry to roast: Place shallot, garlic, chili, and peanuts on a small piece of foil or in a shallow air fryer-safe dish. Lightly spray or toss with oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking once, until the peanuts are fragrant and the aromatics are lightly charred at the edges.
  3. Blend the base: Add roasted shallot, garlic, chili, and peanuts to a blender. Pour in coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), sugar, lime juice, vinegar, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s pourable but still rich. Aim for a smooth, spoon-coating texture.
  5. Taste and balance: Add more lime for brightness, sugar for sweetness, soy for saltiness, or chili for heat. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.
  6. Warm (optional): For a silky finish, pour the blended sauce into a small heatproof dish and return to the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 2–3 minutes, stirring once. This melds flavors without scorching.
  7. Serve: Drizzle over skewers, grilled meats, tofu, noodles, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great as a dip with cucumbers or lettuce wraps.