Description
Deliciously spiced and tender chicken tikka kebabs made effortlessly in the air fryer. Marinated in yogurt and tikka masala paste, these kebabs are perfect served with warm naan and a selection of fresh accompaniments like mango chutney or raita. A quick and flavorful meal that combines traditional Indian flavors with modern cooking convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 3–4 chicken breasts (about 600g), cut into bite-size pieces
- 150g natural yogurt
- 2 tbsp tikka masala curry paste
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed or finely grated
- thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and grated
To Serve
- 2 large naans (round naans recommended)
- handful of coriander, chopped
- extra natural yogurt to serve (optional)
- your choice of mango chutney, lime pickle, diced cucumber, or raita
- crumbled bhaji (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with natural yogurt, tikka masala curry paste, crushed garlic, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or preferably chill overnight to enhance flavors.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (356°F) ensuring it is ready to cook when the chicken is skewered.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Depending on your air fryer basket size, use 4 longer skewers or 8 shorter ones. If skewers don’t fit, air-fry the chicken pieces individually in batches.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the skewers in the air fryer and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. Check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- Warm the Naans: Warm the naans according to package instructions. For best results, microwave them briefly to soften or splash with water and toast gently to make them pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble and Serve: Lay the warm naans flat and top with the cooked chicken skewers. Garnish with chopped coriander and a drizzle of natural yogurt if desired. Serve with accompaniments such as mango chutney, lime pickle, diced cucumber, raita, and optionally crumbled bhaji for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have skewers that fit your air fryer, cook the chicken pieces without skewers, turning halfway through cooking.
- Use natural yogurt with no added sugar or flavors for a balanced marinade.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and size of chicken pieces.
- To keep naan soft for wrapping, avoid over-toasting and consider the microwave method.
- Use fresh coriander for brightness and added aroma.
- Serve with a variety of Indian-inspired condiments to customize the flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (including marination time of at least 20 minutes)
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: chicken tikka kebabs, air fryer recipes, Indian chicken, tikka masala, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, naan bread, Indian appetizers
