Sugar-Free Air Fryer Ayam (Indonesian Style Chicken)

Discover a healthier twist on traditional Indonesian flavors with this Sugar-Free Air Fryer Ayam! This aromatic dish features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant, homemade spice paste of garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, and fragrant spices like turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, the chicken develops a golden, crispy exterior while staying tender and flavorful inside—without the need for added sugar. Kaffir lime leaves infuse the dish with a citrusy aroma, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds the perfect zesty finish. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is a time-saving, guilt-free way to enjoy authentic Indonesian-inspired cuisine. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it's packed with bold flavors and keto-friendly appeal!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken thighs
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 3 Shallots
• 1 inch piece Ginger
• 1 Lemongrass stalk
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil
• 3 Kaffir lime leaves
• 1 Lime

Directions

Step 1

First, prepare the spice paste. Peel the garlic cloves and shallots. Roughly chop the ginger and lemongrass stalk.

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, shallots, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until a smooth paste is formed.

Step 3

In a large bowl, coat the chicken thighs with the spice paste, ensuring they are evenly covered. Allow them to marinate for about 15-20 minutes for deeper flavor penetration.

Step 4

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Brush the marinated chicken thighs with coconut oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

Step 6

Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Step 7

Add the kaffir lime leaves on top of the chicken for added aroma and flavor.

Step 8

Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the air fryer's model.

Step 9

Once cooked, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 10

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

Step 11

Slice the lime and serve it alongside the chicken for an optional squeeze of fresh lime juice before eating.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(929.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1734.3

Total Fat 95.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 42.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 564mg	0%
Sodium 2882.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.7g	0%
Total Sugars 11.5g
Protein 163.0g	0%

Vitamin D 42IU	0%
Calcium 240.5mg	0%
Iron 16.1mg	0%
Potassium 2171.3mg	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: 49.3%

Protein: 37.5%

Carbs: 13.2%