Soy-Free Air Fryer Ayam (Indonesian Style Chicken)

Dive into the bold and aromatic flavors of Indonesia with this Soy-Free Air Fryer Ayam, a healthier twist on traditional ayam goreng. This recipe features juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, turmeric, coriander, cumin, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves for an authentic Indonesian taste—without any soy! Cooked to golden, crispy perfection in the air fryer, this dish is both quick and hassle-free, taking only 25 minutes to cook. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts, serve this tender and flavorful chicken alongside steamed rice or a fresh salad for a meal that's bursting with exotic spices. Gluten-free and allergy-friendly, it’s a delightful option for anyone seeking a taste of Southeast Asia at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 cup Coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon Galangal, grated
• 1 Lemongrass stalk, smashed
• 3 Kaffir lime leaves
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 Shallots, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Lime juice
• 1 Cooking oil spray

Directions

Step 1

In a bowl, mix coconut milk, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, grated galangal, smashed lemongrass, minced garlic, sliced shallots, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and lime juice to create a marinade.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to infuse.

Step 3

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4

Gently shake off any excess marinade from the chicken and place them in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.

Step 5

Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking oil spray to help them crisp up.

Step 6

Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8

Serve the soy-free ayam with steamed rice or a fresh salad, garnished with additional lime wedges and fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1144.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1586.1

Total Fat 95.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 486mg	0%
Sodium 2933.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g	0%
Total Sugars 42.5g
Protein 115.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 247.7mg	0%
Iron 12.6mg	0%
Potassium 2313.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.5%

Protein: 28.3%

Carbs: 19.3%