Air Fryer Chicken Tikka
Tender, spiced chicken pieces with charred edges and vibrant flavors, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a healthier version of the classic Indian dish.
Ingredients
- 8 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 piece ginger, peeled and finely grated (1 inch)
- 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal or 1 1/4 teaspoons Morton kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, halved lengthwise
- Oil for spraying the air fryer basket
- Flaky sea salt
- Cucumber slices for garnish
- Thinly sliced red onions for garnish
- Naan or cooked rice for serving
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- 1.Marinate: Combine all marinade ingredients with chicken. Refrigerate 1-4 hours.2.Preheat Air Fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.3.Cook: Arrange chicken in single layer. Air fry 10-12 mins, flipping halfway, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).4.Rest: Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For charred effect: broil 2 mins after air frying
- Skewer pieces for "kebab" presentation (soak wooden skewers first)
- Vegan option: Use tofu or cauliflower, reduce cooking time