Name: Air-Fryer Chicken Tikka Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-490150H39M58S
Total time: PT-490150H39M58S
Cuisine: Indian
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 preferred); Handful of coriander, chopped; Your choice of mango chutney, lime pickle, diced cucumber, raita, or crumbled bhaji

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Introduction

Air-fryer chicken tikka kebabs are a quick and flavorful take on a classic Indian favorite. With tender marinated chicken cooked to perfection and served with soft naan, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or casual gathering.

The image shows a flat round bread with a golden brown top, slightly charred edges, topped with several pieces of grilled chicken that have dark grill marks and a light yellow color. The chicken is sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Below the bread are two metal skewers with more grilled chicken pieces, also showing clear grill marks and a golden yellow tone. To the left of the skewers is a small white bowl filled with a chunky orange-brown sauce. The food is placed on light brown parchment paper, all set on a white marbled surface. There is a pink cloth partially visible to the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, or raita and crumbled bhaji for serving

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, tikka masala curry paste, garlic, and ginger. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly and let it 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 skewers—use between four to eight depending on their size and your air-fryer. If your air-fryer can accommodate longer skewers, four will suffice; otherwise, use shorter or halved skewers.
Step 3: Cook the skewers in the air-fryer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, turning halfway. Alternatively, if you prefer, air-fry the chicken pieces without skewers in batches, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Step 4: Warm the naan breads according to their packaging instructions. Microwaving gently softens them, making them easier to wrap around the chicken. Alternatively, splash the naans with a little water before toasting them lightly.
Step 5: To serve, place the cooked chicken on top of the warm naan breads. Sprinkle with chopped coriander and drizzle with extra yogurt if desired. Add your favorite accompaniments like mango chutney, lime pickle, diced cucumber, raita, or crumbled bhaji for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply.
If you don’t have an air-fryer, grilling or baking the chicken skewers will also work well.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the kebabs before serving to brighten the flavors.
Swap chicken breasts for thigh pieces for juicier kebabs.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air-fryer or oven to retain moisture. It’s best to warm naan separately just before serving to keep it soft.

How to Serve

The image shows two metal skewers with grilled chicken pieces, golden and charred, placed on top of light brown parchment paper. Next to them, there is a small white bowl filled with chunky orange-brown sauce with bits of vegetables. A round naan bread with light brown toasted spots sits above the skewers, topped with more grilled chicken pieces and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. Everything is set on a white marbled surface with some scattered herbs and crumbs around, and a pink cloth is partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for marinating and cooking. If using frozen, thaw it completely before marinating to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

What can I use if I don’t have tikka masala curry paste?

You can substitute with a combination of garam masala, paprika, cumin, and coriander powder mixed into yogurt. Adjust the spices to taste for a similar flavor profile.