One of our absolute faves right now? Air Fryer Chicken Tikka. This stuff is so good. Like, restaurant good. And you don’t even have to touch your stove.
I used to think Indian Chicken Recipes were way too much work, but once I figured out how to make Chicken Tikka in the Air Fryer, it changed the game. It’s juicy, spicy (but not too spicy—my kids still eat it), and that Chicken Tikka Marinade is pure magic. You can even switch it up and make it a full-on Chicken Tikka Masala Air Fryer kinda dinner if you wanna get fancy.
Whether you’re into Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Airfryer Chicken Tikka, or just need more easy Air Fryer Dinners, this Chicken Tikka Recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. It’s also one of the easiest Air Fryer Recipes Indian style I’ve tried that actually fits into real mom life.
So if you’ve got 20 minutes, a pound of chicken, and a house full of hungry people—you’re in the right place. Let’s make this super simple, super tasty Tikka Recipe together.
What You’ll Need:
For the marinade:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or reg yogurt if that’s what you got)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or just mince some up, no biggie)
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder (totally optional if your kids are spice wimps like mine)
- Salt to taste
The main thing:
- About 1.5 lbs of chicken – I used boneless thighs but breast works too! Just cut into bite-sized pieces
Step-by-step: How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tikka
Step 1: Mix up the marinade
Grab a big bowl and dump in the yogurt, lemon juice, and all those yummy spices. Stir it up until it’s a creamy, orange-ish marinade that smells so good you’ll wanna stick your face in it (please don’t, but also I get it).
Step 2: Toss the chicken in there
Add your chicken chunks right into the marinade. Coat every piece like you’re giving it a lil spa treatment. Then cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you remember to do it earlier in the day, even better! I once marinated it overnight and it was even juicier.
Step 3: Air fryer time
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Meanwhile, lightly spray the basket with some oil so nothing sticks. Take the chicken out of the fridge and shake off the excess marinade (but don’t rinse it off—we worked hard on that flavor ).
Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer. You might have to cook it in two batches if you’ve got a smaller air fryer. That’s okay, just means a few extra minutes of “taste testing.”
Step 4: Cook & flip
Air fry the chicken at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the pieces halfway through. They should come out with a little char on the edges—that’s when you know it’s magic.
Step 5: Serve it up!
We love ours with some fluffy rice or wrapped in naan. The kids like it with a drizzle of ranch (don’t ask me why, I just roll with it). My oldest makes his into a burrito and calls it “Indian Chipotle.” I mean… points for creativity?
FAQs – Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Edition
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Totally! Chicken breast works just fine—it just might be a lil’ less juicy than thighs. Just don’t overcook it. Keep an eye on the air fryer toward the end so it doesn’t go all dry and sad.
Do I have to marinate it?
Technically no, but… girl, YES. That Chicken Tikka Marinade is where all the flavor magic happens. Even 30 mins in the fridge makes a big difference. If you can let it sit overnight? Even better. (That’s called planning ahead, and we love that for you.)
Is this super spicy?
Not unless you want it to be. You can skip the chili powder or use less if your crew is spice-sensitive (lookin’ at you, my youngest). Still tastes amazing!
Can I freeze it?
Heck yes! You can freeze the raw marinated chicken (great for meal prep), OR freeze cooked leftovers. Just toss ’em back in the air fryer to reheat when you’re ready for round two.
What do I serve it with?
Rice, naan, wraps, salad… honestly, anything. My kids like it in tortillas with cheese—basically a “tikka taco”. I even threw leftovers on a salad once and called it mom lunch.
Air Fryer Chicken Tikka – Recipe Card
Air Fryer Chicken Tikka
Ingredients
For Marinade:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp chili powder optional
- Salt to taste
Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into chunks
- Oil spray for air fryer basket
Instructions
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, and all spices until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 mins (or overnight).
Preheat Air Fryer
- Set air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. Spray the basket lightly with oil.
Air Fry Chicken
- Place marinated chicken in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook in batches if needed.
Serve & Enjoy
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice, naan, or wrapped in a tortilla!
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket—space = crispy edges
- Use pre-made tikka masala seasoning for a shortcut
- Leftovers? Toss ’em in a salad or wrap for lunch tomorrow
Being a mom of three, lemme tell you, I’m always on the hunt for Air Fryer Chicken Recipes that are fast, mess-free, and don’t require me to Google “how to pronounce that spice” every 5 seconds. This one checks all the boxes—quick to prep, easy cleanup, and everyone in my house eats it without complaining (which, honestly, is a miracle).
Whether you’re a fan of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, just dipping your toes into Indian Chicken Recipes, or you’re deep into the Air Fryer Ninja life like me, this Chicken Tikka Recipe is a must-try. It’s one of those Air Fryer Dinners that feels special but doesn’t stress you out. And that’s my kinda cooking.
So go ahead and bookmark this one for later, or better yet—double the batch and freeze half. Use that extra Chicken Tikka Marinade for next week. Try tossing the leftovers in a wrap, or serve it up over rice with a little extra sauce and call it Chicken Tikka Masala Air Fryer style. Boom. You’re a dinner superhero.
Let me know if you try it! I LOVE hearing from other moms (and foodies!) who are riding this air fryer wave with me. Until next time… happy cooking, happy chaos, and may your air fryer always be crispy.
