Ingredients

3-4 chicken breasts (about 600g), cut into bite-size pieces

150g natural yogurt, plus extra to serve (optional)

2 tbsp tikka masala curry paste

2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated

Thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated

2 large naans (round naans recommended)

Handful of coriander, chopped

Your choice of mango chutney, lime pickle, diced cucumber, raita, or crumbled bhaji

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, natural yogurt, tikka masala curry paste, crushed garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes or chill overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Preheat your air-fryer to 180°C. Thread the marinated chicken onto 4 to 8 skewers depending on their size and your air-fryer capacity. If your air-fryer can accommodate longer skewers, use fewer; otherwise, opt for shorter or halved skewers.

Step 3: Air-fry the chicken kebabs for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. If not using skewers, cook the chicken pieces alone in batches as needed.

Step 4: Warm the naan breads according to the package instructions. Using a microwave can soften the naan, making it easier to wrap around the chicken. Alternatively, you can splash the naan with a little water and toast them lightly.

Step 5: Assemble by placing the chicken tikka onto the warm naan breads. Top with chopped coriander, a drizzle of yogurt if desired, and serve with your chosen accompaniments such as mango chutney, lime pickle, diced cucumber, raita, or crumbled bhaji.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to let the spices fully infuse.

If you don’t have an air-fryer, grill or bake the kebabs in a hot oven at 200°C until cooked through.

Use bell peppers and onions on the skewers for added texture and taste.

Substitute chicken breasts with thigh pieces for juicier kebabs.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air-fryer or oven to retain crispness rather than microwaving, which may make the chicken rubbery. Naan bread is best warmed fresh, but can be kept in an airtight bag at room temperature for a day or frozen for longer storage.

FAQs

Can I make the chicken tikka kebabs without an air-fryer?

Yes, you can grill the skewers on a barbecue, broil them in the oven, or bake at 200°C until cooked through. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.