Name: Chicken Tikka (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless chicken (thighs or breasts); 1 cup plain greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1.5 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or kashmiri chili powder; salt to taste; 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or avocado)

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Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tikka is a dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home. This delightful recipe stars juicy pieces of chicken marinated to perfection in a mix of aromatic spices and creamy Greek yogurt. What’s truly special about this version is the air fryer—it delivers that beautifully charred finish we love about traditional tikka, without the need for a grill or an ounce of guilt. Picture tender, smoky bites that burst with flavor and warm spices, leaving you craving for more!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Tikka (Air Fryer)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Tikka (Air Fryer)

I first tried my hand at making Chicken Tikka on a cozy evening when the craving for Indian food struck. The process was so easy and the end result was a hit at dinner. I couldn’t believe I achieved such smoky, rich flavors in my own kitchen! This recipe not only satisfies those takeout dreams but also stands out because it’s both healthy and low in carbs, making it perfect for any occasion. Grab your air fryer and get ready to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 34 minutes, including marinating time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices creates a depth of flavor that’s both fragrant and delicious.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant orange from the spices makes this dish irresistibly photogenic.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a snack, a main dish, or even in wraps or salads!
Diet-Friendly Options: It’s low-carb and can easily be made gluten-free!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 lbs boneless chicken (thighs or breasts): Chicken thighs offer richer flavor but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt: This acts as a tenderizing marinade base, adding creaminess and tang.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for a zesty lift that balances out the spices.
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste: Essential for that aromatic foundation; you can make it fresh or buy it pre-made.
1 teaspoon turmeric: Gives a warm yellow color and adds a mild earthy flavor.
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds a nutty spice that elevates the dish.
2 teaspoons ground coriander: Offers a citrusy note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
1.5 teaspoons garam masala: A blend of spices that brings warmth and richness to the marinade.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder: Adds both color and a hint of smokiness or mild heat.
Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or avocado): A little oil helps achieve that perfect crispy outer layer during cooking.

How to Make Chicken Tikka (Air Fryer)

Cut Chicken: Start by cutting your 1.5 lbs of boneless chicken into 1.5-inch pieces, ensuring they’re all uniform for even cooking. This is key!

Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste, and the spices: 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1.5 teaspoons garam masala, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix these until smooth and fragrant.

Marinate Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they’re well-coated. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or if you can, overnight in the fridge—this intensifies those lovely spices.

Preheat Air Fryer: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your chicken starts cooking properly right from the beginning.

Arrange Chicken: Take the marinated chicken and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for that nice crispiness.

Cook Chicken: Cook your chicken for 12–14 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through for even cooking. They’re done when they’re beautifully charred on the outside and cooked through—no pink should be visible.

Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps perfect the juiciness and allows flavors to settle in. Serve with your favorite chutney or over fluffy rice for a complete meal.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover chicken tikka in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes until heated through. Note that freezing may slightly alter the texture, but a quick reheating will help revive those wonderful flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid cutting the chicken too small, as they can dry out during cooking.
Marinating overnight gives the best results; however, even a 2-hour soak will elevate the flavors significantly.
For an extra kick, feel free to add more Kashmiri chili powder to your marinades.
Check the doneness by cutting into a piece to see if it’s cooked through; there shouldn’t be any pink in the center.
Serve with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the dish!

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tikka delivers on flavor, health, and convenience. It’s an everyday dish that feels special, perfect for sharing around the dinner table or enjoying on your own. I encourage you to experiment within this framework—perhaps shuffle in your favorite spices or serve it with innovative sides. Let the flavorful aromas fill your kitchen and enjoy every moment of cooking!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken with skin on for Chicken Tikka?

Using skin-on chicken will result in a juicier outcome, as the skin helps retain moisture during cooking. Just be aware that it might have a slightly different texture than the traditional boneless approach, but still a delightful option!

How spicy is this recipe?

The spices used in this Air Fryer Chicken Tikka can be adjusted based on your heat preference. For a more mild version, or if you’re cooking for kids, reduce the smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder, and consider leaving out additional hot spices.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or paneer for a delicious vegetarian version. Just ensure that your marinade coats the vegetarian option well, and adjust cooking times accordingly as tofu will need less time than chicken.

What can I serve with Chicken Tikka?

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tikka pairs wonderfully with various sides! Traditional options include naan bread, basmati rice, or a simple salad. It also works great in wraps with veggies and a drizzle of yogurt sauce for a quick lunch!