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Air Fryer West African Chicken With Sweet Potato and Peanut Sauce - A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Dinner

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

Ingredients
  

  • For the chicken and sweet potatoes: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into large chunks)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or canola)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne
  • For the peanut sauce: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (or 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon chili paste or a dash of hot sauce
  • For serving and garnish: Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Crushed roasted peanuts (optional)
  • Cooked rice, couscous, or warm flatbread (optional but great)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken marinade: In a bowl, mix oil, salt, pepper, paprika, coriander, ginger, garlic, tomato paste, lime juice, and chili (if using). Add the chicken and coat well. Let it sit while you prep the sweet potatoes—10 to 20 minutes is enough.
  2. Toss the sweet potatoes: In another bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with a drizzle of oil, a pinch of salt, and a little paprika if you like.
  3. Air fry the sweet potatoes: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Add the sweet potatoes in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway. They should start to brown but not be fully tender yet.
  4. Add the chicken: Push the sweet potatoes to one side or remove them to a bowl. Add the chicken to the basket in a single layer. Return the sweet potatoes if you took them out, splitting into batches if needed to avoid crowding.
  5. Finish cooking: Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking or flipping once. Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) and be lightly charred at the edges. Sweet potatoes should be tender and caramelized.
  6. Make the peanut sauce: While the air fryer runs, whisk peanut butter, broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, honey, cumin, ginger, garlic, and chili paste in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened. Add more broth if you prefer a thinner sauce. Taste and adjust salt, lime, or heat.
  7. Serve: Plate the chicken and sweet potatoes. Spoon warm peanut sauce over top. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and a squeeze of lime. Add rice or flatbread if you want a bigger meal.