Air Fryer Chicken Tikka

Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Quick Easy Ridiculously Tasty

By Amara Vitalis September 23, 2025

Table of Contents

**Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Air Fryer Chicken Tikka !**

Fancy a bit of fakeaway tonight? Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken tikka recipe ? But what if I told you that you can nail that classic taste, quicker and healthier? We're talking air fryer chicken tikka , my friend, and it's about to become your new go-to.

A Taste of India, Made Easy

Chicken tikka has roots in the Mughal era. It is a beloved dish across the Indian subcontinent and beyond. This easy chicken tikka recipe takes the stress out of cooking.

From start to finish, it is ready in under an hour, excluding marinating time, enough for four hungry people.

Why This Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Rocks

This recipe is a game changer. It is bursting with flavor. Air frying it cuts down on fat. So it is a healthier version of your favourite takeaway.

This healthy chicken tikka is perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing your mates at a BBQ.

The Marinating Magic

So, what’s the secret? It's all in the marinade! We're talking two stages here. The first tenderizes the chicken. This is done with lemon juice and salt.

It is then followed by a creamy, spicy yogurt bath. This makes it truly amazing. Think ginger garlic paste, garam masala, and a kick of cayenne.

You know, the good stuff!

Honestly, marinating it is the most crucial step here, and the beauty is you can leave it for a few hours, or even overnight! Which is great if you want to prep ahead, right?

Time to Air Fry!

Now for the easy part. The air fryer chicken recipes are always a winner. Preheat your air fryer to 200° C, arrange your marinated chicken (either on skewers or loose) in the basket.

Give it 12- 15 minutes, flipping halfway. The internal temperature should reach 74° C. Get that nice char on your quick chicken tikka .

Voila! Your Indian air fryer recipes dream is now a reality.

Ingredients & Equipment For Air Fryer Chicken Tikka

So, you want to make some ridiculously tasty air fryer chicken tikka ? Good on ya! No stress, I'll walk you through it.

It’s easier than you think. Let's talk about what you'll need. Think of this chicken tikka recipe as your fast track to a delightful meal.

Main Ingredients List

Alright, for four servings of this easy chicken tikka deliciousness, you'll need:

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut into 1 inch cubes. Thighs stay juicy, trust me.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) , freshly squeezed.
Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
Yogurt: 1 cup (240g) plain, full fat Greek yogurt if you can. Makes it super creamy.
Ginger Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Equal parts fresh ginger and garlic, minced.
Garam Masala: 1 tablespoon (8g) .
Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (3g) .
Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon (2g) .
Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (1g) . Adjust to your spice tolerance. I sometimes add a pinch more!
Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) .
Kashmiri Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Optional but gives it a lovely colour.
Kasuri Methi: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) , crushed.
Chat Masala: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) (optional).

Quality indicators for the chicken? Get it fresh from your butcher or the supermarket. Look for plump, pink flesh, not pale or slimy.

Seasoning: Your Secret Weapon For Healthy Chicken Tikka

The spices are what really make it sing. Garam masala is a must! It is the base for the flavor.

Add some Chat Masala for a little tang. If you want it spicy, add cayenne pepper.

No garam masala? A mix of cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg will do in a pinch. You could substitute it for Lemon juice for Lime juice.

Essential Equipment

You really don't need much at all for this quick chicken tikka .

Air fryer: Obviously!
Large mixing bowl: For marinating.
Small mixing bowl: For the first marinade.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
Skewers: Optional, but makes it look nice.

Don't have an air fryer? A regular oven works, but the air fryer gets the outside nice and crispy. So that is why this is the air fryer chicken recipes guide.

Alright, now you've got everything you need! Time to make some Indian air fryer recipes magic happen! Trust me, the aroma alone is worth it.

Enjoy the air fryer chicken tikka ! Also if you want to ditch the Tomatoes you can! It could be tikka masala without tomatoes .

Cooking Method: Air Fryer Chicken Tikka, Sorted!

Fancy a cheeky bit of air fryer chicken tikka ? Ditch the takeaway and get ready to make it yourself! This recipe is so simple, even I can't mess it up and honestly, that's saying something.

Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Lowdown

Alright, let's get our ducks in a row. Essential mise en place means getting everything ready before you start. Chop that 1.

5 lbs (680g) of chicken thighs into 1 inch cubes. Squeeze 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Measure out 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt.

Then, get all your spices together for the tikka marinade : 1 cup (240g) of yogurt, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of ginger garlic paste, 1 tablespoon (8g) of garam masala, 1 teaspoon (5g) of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon (3g) of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon (2g) of coriander powder, ½ teaspoon (1g) of cayenne pepper, 1

tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon (5g) of Kashmiri chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon (2.

5g) each of Kasuri methi and chat masala.

For time saving tips, prep your ginger garlic paste beforehand or buy it ready-made. Honestly, I do this sometimes because, well, life! And a quick reminder, always wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken.

Safety first, always!

step-by-step: From Zero to Air Fryer Chicken Recipes Hero

First Marinade: Mix the chicken with lemon juice and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes. This is key for tender chicken .
Tikka Marinade: In a big bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
Marinate Time: Add the chicken to the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours , or up to 4 hours for the best flavour.
Preheat the Beast: Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Air Fry Like a Pro: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it. Air fry for 12- 15 minutes , flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Serve It Up: Remove the quick chicken tikka from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Easy Chicken Tikka Glory

Want to take your air fryer chicken tikka to the next level? First, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! It will ensure those crispy edges.

Second, marinate well. The longer, the better. Lastly, lightly oil the air fryer basket before adding the chicken, it will prevent sticking and help with browning.

One of the most common mistakes? Overcooking! Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Another one? Forgetting the first marinade! That little lemon juice and salt combo is the secret to super tender chicken.

You can make the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just add the chicken when you're ready to marinate.

So there you have it! Air fryer chicken tikka that's quick, easy, and tastes like a proper takeaway treat. Give it a go, and let me know what you think! I'm betting even your fussy eaters will love this healthy chicken tikka .

**Recipe Notes for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Ever!**

Right then, let’s talk notes. You know, the bits and bobs that make this easy chicken tikka go from "alright" to "oh my gosh, that's amazing!" This chicken tikka recipe is already a winner, but a few tweaks can make it perfect for you.

I've learned a thing or two slinging spices, so listen up!

Serving Up Some Inspiration

So, you've got this amazing air fryer chicken tikka . Now what? Honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight from the air fryer recipes .

But if you want to get fancy, a little plating goes a long way. I like to pile it high on a plate with a sprinkle of fresh coriander.

Maybe a dollop of raita, you know, that cool yogurt sauce, for dipping. Some fluffy basmati rice is also a right proper choice.

As for drinks, a cold beer or a mango lassi would be spot on! Or serve with Garlic Naan!

Storage Sorted

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy chicken tikka keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be fine in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Honestly, I doubt it'll last that long. If you're thinking long term, you can freeze it. Just let it cool completely first.

To reheat, I recommend the air fryer chicken recipes again. A few minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) and it's good as new! Be careful, Chicken must be reheated to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to destroy harmful bacteria that may have grown since cooking.

Spice it Up: Variations Galore

Fancy a change? This quick chicken tikka is surprisingly versatile. If you're watching the waistline, you can swap full fat yogurt for a low-fat version and use chicken breast instead of thighs.

Want to ditch the dairy altogether? Coconut yogurt works a treat. And if you're feeling brave, add a pinch more cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

You could even try making tikka masala without tomatoes ! Use some roasted red peppers instead. Or, try with Garlic Naan Chicken Tikka Wrap, your choice of sauce will fit perfectly!

Nutrition Nuggets

Let's be real, this air fryer chicken tikka is much healthier than a takeaway. We are looking at approximately 350 calories per serving.

You will also get a whopping 40 grams of protein to keep you full. Plus, all those lovely spices are packed with goodness.

Turmeric is a known anti inflammatory, and ginger is great for digestion. It's basically health food...right?

Honestly, making Indian air fryer recipes like this is so rewarding. You get a delicious meal, you know exactly what's in it, and it's way cheaper than ordering in.

So get in the kitchen and give this air fryer chicken tikka a whirl! You won't regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this air fryer chicken tikka recipe?

You can, but be warned, mate! Chicken thighs are much more forgiving and stay juicier in the air fryer. If you do use chicken breast, keep a close eye on it and reduce the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.

You might also want to consider brining the chicken breast beforehand to help retain moisture, bit of a faff, but worth it!

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavour in my air fryer chicken tikka?

Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but 4 hours is even better to really let those flavours penetrate the meat. If you're in a real pinch, even 30 minutes will make a difference, but trust me, the longer, the better! Think of it like a fine wine it just gets better with time!

My air fryer chicken tikka is burning on the outside but not cooked inside. What am I doing wrong?

Sounds like your air fryer might be running a bit hot, innit? Try lowering the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken pieces aren't overcrowded in the basket either; that can hinder even cooking.

Alternatively, after half the cooking time, cover with foil to prevent burning while allowing inside to cook.

Can I make air fryer chicken tikka in advance and reheat it?

Absolutely! Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it though, you don't want it to dry out!

A little splash of water in the air fryer basket can help keep it moist, too.

Is air fryer chicken tikka healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?

Compared to the takeaway version, this air fryer chicken tikka is a much healthier option as it uses less oil. It's a great source of protein and depending on your yogurt choice, a good source of calcium. It is also lower in fat compared to traditional fried foods, making it a lighter and more guilt free treat.

Just watch out for that salt intake, especially if you're adding extra spices!