Air Fryer Chicken Tikka

Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Recipe

If you love tandoori style chicken tikka, but don’t want to deal with a grill or deep frying, this recipe is for you. The air fryer gives you perfectly charred, tender, and flavorful chicken bites in just minutes. Marinated in a rich blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs, this dish is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main meal.

Meta Description:

Love chicken tikka? Try this easy Air Fryer Chicken Tikka recipe tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor. Made with minimal oil and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick meal or snack. Give it a shot today.

Ingredients 🔥 Best Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Recipe

For the Marinade:

500g boneless chicken (thighs work best, cut into cubes)
½ cup thick yogurt (Greek yogurt or hung curd for better coating)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp oil
½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves for extra flavor)
1 tbsp gram flour (besan) (helps the marinade stick better)
Few drops of red/orange food color (optional)

For Garnish:

Fresh coriander leaves
Lemon wedges
Onion rings
Mint chutney

Step-by-Step Instructions 🔥 Best Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Recipe

1️⃣ Prep the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and all the spices until well combined. Add the gram flour to help the marinade stick and give the tikka a slightly crisp texture. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for deep, rich flavors.

2️⃣ Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes. Lightly brush the basket with oil or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3️⃣ Cook the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you want extra crispiness, brush a little butter or oil on top and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4️⃣ Add That Smoky Tandoori Flavor (Optional but Worth It!)

Heat a small piece of charcoal on a gas stove until red hot. Place it in a foil cup inside the air fryer, drizzle a few drops of ghee or oil, and immediately cover for 2 minutes. This will give it that authentic, restaurant-style smoky flavor!

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy

Take the chicken tikka out and garnish with fresh coriander, lemon wedges, and onion rings. Serve hot with mint chutney, naan, or a fresh salad.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tikka

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts – they stay juicier and more tender.
Let the chicken marinate longer – at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – cook in batches if needed for even cooking.
Brush with butter after cooking – this adds an authentic restaurant-like taste.
Want it extra spicy? Sprinkle a little chaat masala or extra chili powder before serving.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220-250 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbs	6g
Fats	10g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	450mg

This is a protein-packed, low-calorie meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Healthier Alternative Air frying uses 85% less oil than deep frying.
High in Protein Great for muscle building and weight loss.
Gut-Friendly Yogurt marinade helps digestion.
Super Easy & Quick Cooks in under 15 minutes.
Meal-Prep Friendly Make ahead and freeze for busy days.

FAQs (Common Questions & Answers)

Q1: Can I use chicken with bones?

Yes Bone in chicken like drumsticks or thighs works great just increase the cooking time to 18-20 minutes.

Q2: What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! You can:

Bake in an oven at 220°C (430°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Grill on a stovetop using a pan, cooking for 6-7 minutes per side.

Q3: Why is my chicken dry?

Overcooking can make chicken dry. To avoid this:

Use chicken thighs instead of breast meat.
Don’t skip marination it keeps the chicken tender.
Brush with butter after cooking for extra moisture.

Q4: Can I freeze marinated chicken?

Yes! You can marinate and freeze it for up to a month. When ready to cook, just thaw and air fry.

Q5: What are the best side dishes for this?

This chicken tikka pairs well with:

Mint chutney
Garlic naan or roti
Jeera rice
A fresh salad

Final Thoughts:

This Air Fryer Chicken Tikka is everything you want juicy, smoky, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight meal, meal-prepping for the week, or serving guests, this dish will be a hit every time.

Internal link https://cookandbakersworld.com/air-fryer-macaroni-and-cheese-balls-recipe/

External link https://greatcurryrecipes.net/2022/12/01/air-fryer-chicken-tikka/