Making delicious, street-style malai chicken tikka at home super easy, and the air fryer makes the job so hands- and mess-free! It’s got the same juicy chicken, the same char, and the same rich, delicious flavor.
This air fryer malai chicken tikka recipe is so good, you’ll wonder why you did not make it sooner! It’s got that perfectly charred skin we all love, along with a beautiful smokey aroma and flavor, and the juiciest chicken ever!
And making this in the air fryer means apart from a quick 5 minute prep, your air fryer does most of the heavy lifting. Serve with mint chutney and pickled onions for the most perfect party appetiser ever!
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Malai Chicken Tikka Ingredients
Chicken: I have used chicken drumsticks that are butterflied (check the video below) to allow the marinade to seep in. You can use boneless pieces, but pick thigh pieces as they juicy and tender through the cooking process
Greek Yogurt: Helps tenderise the chicken, adds flavor, and helps the spices stick to the chicken for better flavor
Ginger garlic paste: To add aroma and flavor
Spices: Pepper powder, cardamom powder, and garam masala for flavor
Cheese: Processed cheese cube for a lovely richness of flavor to ever bite
Coriander: Finely chopped fresh coriander for lots freshness and flavor
Butter: For brushing. Adds a beautiful rich finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, why not. Bone-in pieces stay juicier and more flavorful. But you can definitely swap with boneless thigh pieces.
You can make this with paneer but you will have to adjust the cook time as paneer cooks way faster.
I have used a processed cheese cube for this recipe but you can use cheddar or instead.
When the pieces have charred beautifully on the outside, the chicken tikka is ready to be served. This takes about 12-14 minutes but the cook time may differ depending on your air fryer and the cut of your chicken.
Richa’s Top Tips
- Marinate for at least an hour: But the longer the better. This gives the chicken time to absorb the flavours. If I have time, I like to marinade in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
- Get the marinade into the slits: Don’t just coat the outside. Use your fingers to work the marinade into every slit and crevice for flavourful chicken throughout.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer with some space between them. This allows hot air to circulate properly and helps the chicken brown evenly.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time: Drumsticks can vary quite a bit in size, so start checking around the 12-minute mark. Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger ones may need a couple of extra minutes.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftover chicken tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the drumsticks in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-5 minutes, until heated through. Avoid overheating as the chicken can dry out.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer until hot.
Serving Ideas
- These malai chicken tikkas are traditionally served hot with mint chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges.
- For a more substantial meal, serve them with jeera rice, naan, roti or pulao.
- You can also shred the cooked chicken and use it in wraps, rolls, sandwiches or rice bowls.
This air fryer malai chicken tikkas recipe is truly a game changer and the easiest way to get delicious street-style chicken tikka at home in no time. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to DM the pictures @my_foodstory. Until then, happy cooking!
Watch Malai Chicken Tikka Recipe Video
Air Fryer Malai Chicken Tikka
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks approx 500 grams
- ¼ cup hung curd or greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ⅓ cup grated cheese processed or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken drumsticks by making 3 slits in the meatiest part (watch the video to see how).
- Mix together hunger curd, ginger garlic paste, salt, pepper, cardamom powder, garam masala, sugar, cheese and coriander in a bowl.
- Add the chicken drumsticks and make sure the marinade goes into every crevice. Marinate for at least an hour.
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and air fry at 200C for 12-15 minutes. Depending on the size of the drumstick and your air fryer, add or reduce 2 minutes.
- Brush with butter and serve hot.
Video
Nutrition
This article was researched and written by Urvi Dalal.
The post Air Fryer Malai Chicken Tikka appeared first on My Food Story.
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