Chicken 65 is a popular Indian dish that is loved by many. It is crispy, spicy, and full of flavor. Traditionally, Chicken 65 is made by deep-frying marinated chicken pieces. However, with the rise in popularity of air fryers, people are now finding ways to make this delicious dish in a healthier way. In this article, we will explore how to make Chicken 65 in an air fryer, giving it a delicious and healthy twist.
The Air Fryer: A Healthy Alternative
Before we delve into the recipe, let’s talk about why using an air fryer is a healthier option when compared to deep-frying. An air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook food, which requires little to no oil. This means you can enjoy your favorite fried dishes with significantly less fat and calories. Additionally, the texture and taste of the food are not compromised, making it a win-win situation.
Gathering the Ingredients
To make Chicken 65 in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
For Marination:
– 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 2 tablespoons yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin powder
– Salt to taste
For Coating:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
– 1 tablespoon oil
For Garnish:
– Finely chopped coriander leaves
– Sliced onions
– Lemon wedges
Marinating the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the ginger-garlic paste, yogurt, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth paste. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix until all the pieces are coated evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Preparing the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the coating. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure that all the spices are evenly incorporated. Drizzle the oil over the mixture and rub it in with your fingers. This will help give the chicken a crispy texture when air fried.
Getting Ready to Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy on the outside. If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, simply turn it on and let it run for a few minutes before placing the chicken inside.
Air Frying the Chicken 65
Once the air fryer has preheated, take out the marinated chicken pieces and coat them in the prepared flour mixture. Make sure each piece is coated well. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remember to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Serving and Garnishing
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the flavors settle and the chicken to become even more tender. Garnish the Chicken 65 with finely chopped coriander leaves and serve it hot with sliced onions and lemon wedges on the side.
Customizing Your Chicken 65
One of the great things about Chicken 65 is its versatility. You can customize the recipe according to your taste preferences. If you like it extra spicy, add more red chili powder or chopped green chilies to the marinade. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create your unique twist on this classic dish.
Conclusion
Making Chicken 65 in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying while still retaining all the delicious flavors. By using minimal oil and relying on hot air circulation, you can indulge in this crispy and spicy dish without any guilt. So, bring out your air fryer and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!