Air Fryer Chicken Tikka with Spiced Rice
A delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors from Indian cuisine to your table with aromatic spices, juicy chicken, and fluffy spiced rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 400 g Boneless Skinless Chicken Thigh Tender and juicy, perfect for soaking in the spices.
- 2 cups Greek Yogurt Acts as a marinating base to keep the chicken moist.
- 3 tablespoons Tikka Masala Paste Aromatic paste packed with spices for tikka flavor.
- 2 Lemons Lemon Juice Adds refreshing acidity.
- 2 Red Onions Caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- 275 g Vine Tomatoes Adds freshness to the dish.
- 1 Green Chilli Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons Nigella Seeds Offers a unique toasted flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Adds richness and helps crisp the chicken.
- 0.25 Cucumber Cucumber Used for refreshing raita.
- 150 g Greek Yogurt (for raita) Makes the raita luscious and creamy.
- 15 Fresh Mint Leaves Brightens the raita and dish.
- 10 Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish) For a fresh finish.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to serve) Essential seasonings.
For the Rice
- 250 g Microwave Rice Fluffy and convenient.
Instructions
Preparation
- Finely slice the red onions. Add half to a bowl, squeeze in juice from ¼ lemon, and add a pinch of salt. Set aside to quick-pickle.
- Cut chicken thighs into three pieces. Combine with juice of half a lemon, Greek yogurt, and tikka masala paste. Season and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Halve the cucumber, scoop out seeds, and finely dice. In another bowl, add yogurt and remaining lemon juice. Mix in diced cucumber and mint, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Preheat the air fryer. In a baking tray, add remaining sliced onions with a drizzle of olive oil and layer the marinated chicken on top, adding more oil over the chicken.
- Set air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and cook for 14-16 minutes until chicken is charred and juices run clear.
Finishing Touches
- Slice the green chili and cut tomatoes into wedges. In a bowl, combine tomatoes with nigella seeds, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook the rice as per package instructions.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove from air fryer, combine cooked onions with rice, and season. Divide rice onto plates, top with tikka chicken, and garnish with pickled onions, fresh tomatoes, sliced chili, lemon wedges, and mint.
Notes
To elevate your Chicken Tikka, marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Adjust spice level with green chili according to preference. Serve hot for the best experience.