Chicken Tikka is a popular Indian dish loved by people all around the world. Traditionally, it is made by marinating pieces of chicken in a mixture of aromatic spices and yogurt, and then grilling it to perfection. However, with the advent of air fryers, you can now enjoy this delicious dish at home without the need for a grill or oven. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making chicken tikka in an air fryer, giving it a delicious and healthier twist. So, let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For making chicken tikka in an air fryer, you will need the following:
– 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
– ½ cup of plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of tikka masala powder
– 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference)
– ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon of oil
– Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing
Marinating the Chicken
Marination is a crucial step in making chicken tikka as it infuses the flavors into the meat, making it tender and delicious. Follow these steps to marinate the chicken:
1. In a bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, tikka masala powder, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and oil.
2. Mix all the ingredients well until they form a smooth paste.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure that each piece is coated thoroughly.
4. Cover the bowl with cling wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate it overnight to enhance the flavors.
Prepping the Air Fryer
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the air fryer for cooking. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Preheat your air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, line the air fryer basket or tray with aluminum foil. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleaning easier.
Cooking the Chicken Tikka
Once the air fryer is preheated and the chicken is marinated, you can start cooking the chicken tikka. Follow these steps:
1. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the foil-lined air fryer basket or tray, ensuring that they are not overcrowded.
2. Place the basket or tray in the air fryer and cook the chicken at 180 degrees Celsius for about 15-20 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken pieces using tongs to ensure even cooking on all sides.
4. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check the doneness by cutting a piece in half and ensuring that there are no pink juices.
Final Touches
Once the chicken tikka is cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the final touches. Follow these steps to garnish and serve:
1. Remove the cooked chicken tikka from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving plate.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and added flavor.
3. Serve your delicious and healthier chicken tikka with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges for a complete Indian experience.
By following the above steps and using an air fryer, you can easily make chicken tikka at home with minimal effort. The air fryer ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and gives it a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. It is a healthier alternative to conventional deep frying or grilling methods, as it requires less oil and reduces the overall calorie content of the dish.
Moreover, making chicken tikka in an air fryer allows you to enjoy this scrumptious dish all year round, regardless of the weather conditions. You can prepare it for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply as a special treat for yourself.
In conclusion, with a few simple steps and an air fryer, you can create a delicious and healthier version of chicken tikka at home. The air fryer ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, resulting in juicy and flavorful bites. So, give it a try and relish the delectable chicken tikka without any guilt!