A modern-day twist on an authentic Indian classic, this air fryer chicken tikka recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a quick and easy Indian favorite at home without using a traditional tandoor.
Juicy pieces of chicken flavored with a delicately spiced marinade, perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a healthier way to enjoy chicken tikka. Best of all, it only takes 20 minutes or so to cook this magnificent recipe.
So, are you ready to cook this air fryer authentic chicken tikka dish? Here's how to make it to perfection.
Why you'll love this air fryer chicken tikka recipe
- An amazing selection of spices produces restaurant style chicken tikka, giving you a wonderful fragrance and deep rich flavor.
- Air fryer recipes use less oil, adding a healthier twist to an authentic Indian classic.
- This recipe takes little over 20 minutes from start to finish – perfect for a marvelous midweek meal!
- You can tweak this tandoori chicken tikka recipe to meet your personal tastes.
Equipment you need
Before you start making your air fryer chicken tikka recipe, there are a few important pieces of kitchen equipment that you'll need to get hold of.
- Air fryer – these little gizmos have totally transformed cooking in the last few years.
- Mixing bowl– get yourself a large mixing bowl to make this chicken tikka air fryer recipe
- Spice grinder – freshly ground spices have a special elevated scent making this dish even more impressive
How to make air fryer chicken tikka
Get all your ingredients ready.
Place the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic and ginger in a large mixing bowl.
Give it a stir.
Add all the dried spices to the yogurt.
Give it a good stir and now you have a spicy yogurt marinade!
Add the chopped chicken to the marinade.
Stir until all the surfaces of chicken are covered.
Add the red and green peppers.
Marinate for a few hours but preferably overnight.
Place in the air fryer.
Air fry until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with pilau rice, kachumber, and raita. Enjoy!
Popular substitutions
- Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade, or opt for dairy-free yogurt if you need a vegan option. Buttermilk can also be used for a tangier marinade.
- Chicken: For a vegetarian alternative, swap out the chicken for tofu, paneer, or large mushrooms. You can also use lamb, beef, or shrimp for a different twist.
- Bell Pepper: If you prefer other vegetables, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant are great alternatives. These options hold up well during grilling and add vibrant color and flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: Olive oil, coconut oil, or any neutral oil can be used in place of vegetable oil, depending on your preference.
What to Serve with Chicken Tikka
Naan or Roti
Pair Chicken Tikka with warm naan, roti, or paratha. These breads can be served plain or brushed with butter or ghee for extra richness.
Rice
Serve alongside basmati rice, cumin-flavored jeera rice, or biryani. The fragrant spices in the tikka perfectly complement the subtle flavors of the rice.
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Salad
A fresh salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a splash of lemon juice is a refreshing side. Cucumber raita or a simple yogurt dip is also great to cool the palate.
Chutneys
Mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or a yogurt-based sauce enhances the flavor of the Chicken Tikka and provides a nice contrast.
Grilled Vegetables
Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions make excellent accompaniments when grilled alongside the tikka, adding variety and texture to your meal.
How to Use Chicken Tikka
- In Wraps or Rolls: Make chicken tikka wraps or rolls. Spread chutney on a roti or tortilla, add the chicken, sliced onions, and a bit of yogurt or mayo, then roll it up for a tasty, portable meal.
- In a Salad: Chop the cooked chicken tikka and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette or yogurt dressing for a satisfying salad.
- As an Appetizer: Serve chicken skewers as a party appetizer, accompanied by dipping sauces like mint chutney or tamarind chutney.
- In Curries: Add grilled chicken tikka to a curry sauce, such as a rich tomato-based masala, to create Chicken Tikka Masala. Serve with rice or naan for a complete dish.
- In Sandwiches or Burgers: Incorporate chicken tikka into sandwiches or burgers, along with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of raita or mayo for a flavorful twist.
- Pizza Topping: Use chicken tikka as a topping for homemade pizza. Combine it with cheese, onions, and bell peppers, then bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
What is air fryer chicken tikka?
This recipe combines the best of traditional cuisine with modern technology for a recipe that truly ticks every box.
Chicken tikka is a much-loved favorite of Indian cuisine, a glorious mix of chunky chicken marinated in a flavourful blend of spices. When it's cooked in an air fryer, the modern kitchen appliance that seemingly everyone has fallen in love with, it becomes air fryer chicken tikka!
If you're a big fan of Indian food but often feel like you don't have enough time to cook restaurant-style chicken tikka, this is the recipe for you!
Can you really cook chicken tikka in an air fryer?
Absolutely!
Indian restaurants usually make chicken tikka in an old-fashioned tandoor oven. This is a classic clay oven that has been a big part of Indian cuisine for hundreds of years.
Cooking in a tandoor helps to produce a wonderful smokey flavor and fragrance, the sort you get when you cook at high temperatures. Air fryers can't replicate it precisely, but they certainly do a good job of producing a similar charred flavor by circulating air around the marinated chicken.
Why is air fryer chicken so juicy?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the chicken, helping to cook it evenly and prevent it from drying out.
How do you keep chicken from drying out in an air fryer?
The most important thing when it comes to cooking chicken in an air fryer is to not overcook the chicken.
This is a meat that is often considered to be dry, but as long as you don't cook chicken for too long, it should stay juicy when cooked in an air fryer.
Chicken breasts should be cooked to 160°F – if you go beyond that, it might cause them to dry out.
Be sure to cook your chicken tikka to 160°F and stick to the timings below. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
How long should you air fry chicken at 375?
Air fry your chicken at 375°F (190°C) for around 12-15 minutes. Be sure to shake the air fryer tray or basket halfway through cooking. This makes sure the chicken is cooked evenly.
How do you store chicken tikka?
Refrigeration
- Cooked Chicken Tikka: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Marinated Uncooked Chicken: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.
Freezing
- Cooked Chicken Tikka: After cooling completely, freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
- Marinated Uncooked Chicken: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Reheating
- Microwave: Reheat in short intervals until warmed through.
- Oven: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to keep the chicken moist.
More chicken curry recipes
Fancy making some more amazing chicken curry recipes? Thankfully, I've got a whole host of them that you can try. Perfect for everything from quick and easy midweek meals to special occasion dishes to wow your friends and family, my chicken curry dishes are delicious!
- Chicken Korma – a creamy classic, chicken korma is the perfect curry for those who aren't too keen on spicy food. A wonderful dish with heaps of flavor
- Easy chicken curry – rich flavours and heavenly fragrances make this one-pot chicken curry recipe a sensation. It's so simple to make, meaning it'll become a surefire success that the whole family will love
- Chicken chaat – Indian street food at its finest, chicken chaat is a rich, tangy dream of a dish. Just one taste and you'll be sold
- Chicken pathia – while most people go for chicken tikka or chicken korma, this incredible Persian curry is an unsung gem that you should definitely try
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings as a main course 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic dish with this Air Fryer Chicken Tikka recipe, with spiced chicken made to perfection in an air fryer for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1.1 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, lemon juice, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, paprika, garam masala, ground fenugreek (if using), cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, forming a smooth marinade.
- Add the chicken pieces, bell peppers, red onion pieces, and cherry tomatoes to the marinade. Ensure that everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated chicken, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges, the vegetables are tender, and the cherry tomatoes are slightly blistered.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken tikka, vegetables, and cherry tomatoes to a serving dish. For a complete meal, serve hot with naan, rice, or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marination Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 9.9 g
- Sodium: 437.1 mg
- Fat: 11.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.1 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Protein: 30.6 g
- Cholesterol: 121.2 mg
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