Chicken Tikka Skewers Air Fryer Recipe, Ready in 30 Minutes

Air fryer chicken tikka skewers are a fantastic and flavorful meal, easily prepared in just 15 minutes at 360°F. Simply marinate the chicken, skewer it, and let the air fryer do the rest. I assure you, it’s incredibly straightforward and delicious!

I’m very happy to share my favorite recipe for chicken tikka skewers. This dish is a delightful twist on traditional Indian cuisine, simplified for quick preparation using your air fryer. Ideal for those who love easy Indian cooking, this method of skewering chicken allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without much fuss. If you’re looking for easy Indian recipes, this air fryer version ensures you get juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

What You Need (Ingredients)

To prepare these succulent chicken tikka skewers, you’ll need the following ingredients.

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Oil or spray for coating the air fryer basket – Ensures the chicken doesn’t stick.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped – For garnish, adding a fresh, herbal finish.
• Wedges of lime, to serve – Lime juice on top right before eating enhances the tikka flavors.

This simple list of ingredients comes together to create a dish full of flavor that is also adaptable to various dietary needs.

Preparing the Chicken Tikka Marinade

1. Cut the chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast into uniform cubes, about 1-inch each. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and absorbs the marinade thoroughly.
2. Mix the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, turmeric powder, paprika, and salt. If using, add the red chili powder for extra heat.
3. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and stir until well-coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, though I recommend marinating for 4-6 hours for deeper flavor.

How to Cook Chicken Tikka Skewers in Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 360°F (182°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook thoroughly without burning. Learn how to preheat air fryer.

Prepare the skewers: While the air fryer heats, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Arrange in the air fryer: Lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place the skewers in the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other for even cooking.

Cook: Air fry the chicken tikka skewers for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.

Check doneness: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken tikka skewers with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Note: It’s crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cooking in batches may be necessary depending on the size of your air fryer.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional value of what we eat is important. Here’s a detailed look at the nutrients in these chicken tikka skewers.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving air fried chicken tikka skewers, pairing them with the right accompaniments can enhance your dining experience:

• With Naan or Rice: Serve the skewers on a bed of steaming basmati rice or alongside warm, buttered naan. This combination makes for a fulfilling meal, soaking up the rich flavors of the marinade.
• Sides and Dips: Complement the skewers with sides like a cooling cucumber raita or a tangy mint and cilantro chutney. These dips not only add a burst of flavor but also balance the spices of the chicken tikka beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tikka

Achieving the perfect chicken tikka in an air fryer can be simple with these tips:

• Cutting Chicken: Uniformly cut chicken pieces ensure even cooking. Aim for 1-inch cubes for the best results.
• Avoid Overcrowding: To get a nice char on each piece, avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary to allow air circulation around each skewer.
• Replicating Tandoor Flavor: For that authentic tandoor-like smokiness, brush a bit of smoked paprika mixed with oil over the skewers before cooking. You can also add a small piece of charcoal in a foil bowl inside the air fryer during the last few minutes of cooking to infuse a smoky aroma.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy delicious and authentically flavored chicken tikka skewers right from your air fryer, making every meal a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing your chicken tikka skewers ahead of time can make mealtime effortless:

• Marinate in Advance: You can marinate the chicken cubes and refrigerate them overnight. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together.
• Storage: Store any leftover chicken tikka skewers in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For reheating:

• Reheating: To retain the juiciness, reheat the skewers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until heated through. This method helps preserve the texture and flavor, making them nearly as good as when freshly made.

FAQs about Air Fryer Cooking Instructions

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this chicken tikka skewers air fryer recipe as much as I do. The ease of preparation combined with the delightful flavors makes this chicken tikka skewers recipe a must-try for anyone who loves cooking chicken tikka.

Whether you’re new to the air fryer or an experienced user, these skewers are sure to impress.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or comments you might have—I’d love to hear how your chicken tikka turns out!

More Air Fryer Recipes, You’ll Love

• Peri Peri Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Caprese Chicken
• Air Fryer Chicken Pad Thai
• Air Fryer Bruschetta Chicken
• Air Fryer Tyson Teriyaki Chicken Fillets

Print