
Air Fryer Smoky Eggplant & Mushroom Satay Skewers
Delight in smoky eggplant & mushroom satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce, all air-fried to perfection. A healthy, vegan twist on a classic dish!
Recipe Overview
Delight in smoky eggplant & mushroom satay skewers with spicy peanut sauce, all air-fried to perfection. A healthy, vegan twist on a classic dish!
Ingredients
- • eggplant: 2 medium, cut into 1-inch cubes
- • shiitake mushrooms: 12 large, stems removed
- • red onion: 1 large, cut into chunks
- • coconut milk: 1/2 cup
- • soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- • lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- • smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
- • garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- • ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- • peanut butter (natural, unsweetened): 1/4 cup
- • sriracha sauce: 1 tablespoon
- • brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
- • skewers: 8 wooden or metal
- • fresh cilantro: for garnish
- • lime wedges: for serving

Instructions
- 1 Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to ensure even cooking for the skewers.
- 2 In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the marinade.
- 3 Add the eggplant cubes and shiitake mushrooms to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 4 While the veggies marinate, soak wooden skewers in water if using to prevent burning. Then, thread the eggplant, mushrooms, and red onion chunks onto the skewers alternately.
- 5 Arrange the skewers in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
- 6 While the skewers cook, prepare the peanut sauce by mixing peanut butter, sriracha, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth, and add a little water if needed for desired consistency.
- 7 Serve the skewers hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, alongside the spicy peanut sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- • These Smoky Eggplant & Mushroom Satay Skewers pair beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to balance the bold flavors. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with a chilled glass of coconut water or a light, fruity white wine such as a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts over the skewers just before serving. This adds a delightful texture contrast and enhances the nutty flavor profile of the dish. The skewers also make a great addition to a tapas-style meal or as a starter for a larger gathering.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, let the skewers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the vegetables soggy. If you wish to freeze the skewers, remove the vegetables from the skewers and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the air fryer.