Name: Chicken Tikka (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 34 min
Yield: 4
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: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Try It

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)

When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal that draws you into the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine, Chicken Tikka truly stands out. The tender pieces of chicken, marinated in a velvety yogurt mixture infused with a symphony of spices, become incredibly juicy and fragrant when cooked in an air fryer. Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tikka is not only healthy and quick to prepare, but it’s also a dish that welcomes everyone to the dinner table with open arms.

I first discovered this recipe while trying to balance my cravings for something savory and satisfying during a busy weeknight. What I love about making Chicken Tikka in the air fryer is the speed and ease. No more waiting hours for takeout or spending time over a hot grill. Just tender, succulent chicken bursting with flavors you have complete control over. It’s a warm, inviting dish that you won’t just want once; believe me, it becomes a repeat favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, including marinating time!
Irresistible Flavor: The marinade gives the chicken a zesty, aromatic taste that’s sure to impress.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors and enticing aroma make for a stunning dinner presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or as the star of your next gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Low in carbs and high in protein, it fits many health-conscious diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1.5 lbs boneless chicken (thighs or breasts): Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option. Cut into 1.5-inch pieces for even cooking.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Acts as a rich marinade base that keeps the chicken moist. Full-fat yogurt lends even more creaminess, but low-fat works too.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the spices. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for a vibrant flavor.
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste: A staple in Indian cuisine, it imparts depth and warmth. You can make your own or find it at most grocery stores.
1 teaspoon turmeric: This bright yellow spice offers a warm flavor and beautiful color.
1.5 teaspoons ground cumin: Adds an earthy depth to the marinade and works wonderfully with the other spices.
2 teaspoons ground coriander: A citrusy undertone that brightens up the dish.
1.5 teaspoons garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that brings everything together.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder: For slightly smoky or spicy notes; adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or avocado): A little oil ensures crispiness and helps the spices adhere to the chicken.

How to Make Chicken Tikka (Air Fryer)

Cut Chicken: Start by cutting 1.5 lbs boneless chicken into 1.5-inch pieces. This size ensures even cooking and allows maximum flavor absorption during the marinating process.

Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste. Then, add the spices: 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1.5 teaspoons garam masala, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder. Mix everything until it forms a thick, uniform marinade.

Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the marinade and stir to coat thoroughly. Ensure every piece is fully covered for the best flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow it to marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures your chicken gets that lovely crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Arrange Chicken: Once preheated, take the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with 1 tablespoon oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll want the internal temperature to hit at least 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be beautifully charred and fragrant when done.

Let Rest: Finally, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for redistributing the juices, ensuring each bite is just as juicy as the last. Serve it with a side of chutney, rice, or your favorite flatbreads.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken tikka for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy this dish again, reheat it in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to bring back that freshly cooked texture. Just remember, reheated chicken tends to tighten up—refresh it with a splash of lemon juice before serving.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid dry chicken, be careful not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Marinating overnight really enhances the flavor—plan ahead for the best results!
If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute marinade can impart flavors.
Experiment with the spice levels by adjusting the smoked paprika or Kashmiri chili powder according to your heat preference.
For a smoky flavor, consider adding charcoal to your cooking technique, or use smoked paprika.

There’s something truly special about Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tikka. It’s not just about the rich flavors and tender chicken; it’s also about the joy of sharing this beautifully aromatic dish with family and friends. Plus, this recipe is exceptionally forgiving—make it your own! Add more spices, serve it with your favorite sides, or even turn it into a wrap. The possibilities are endless, and that’s the beauty of home-cooked meals.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken with the skin on for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless chicken works best for easy marination and even cooking, you can use chicken with skin for extra flavor. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times accordingly, as skin-on chicken may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I make this recipe using other proteins?

Definitely! Chicken Tikka is versatile. You can substitute chicken with paneer for a vegetarian option or fish like salmon for a quicker-cooking alternative. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.

What should I serve with Chicken Tikka?

This dish pairs beautifully with naan bread, basmati rice, or a fresh salad. A cooling cucumber raita or mint chutney also complements the spices wonderfully!

How do I adjust the spiciness level in this recipe?

To control the heat, you can reduce the amount of smoked paprika or skip the Kashmiri chili powder, depending on your taste. Additionally, consider adding a bit of honey to the marinade for a hint of sweetness to balance the heat.