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Pahadi Chicken Tikka – Air Fryer Cilantro Mint Chicken

Shilpa
Pahadi Chicken Tikka – Air Fryer Cilantro Mint Chicken is easy, versatile and fun to make! The green marinade on the chicken is a favorite of ours.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 23 mins
Total Time 1 hr 8 mins
Course Appetizer, Side, Snack
Cuisine Indian Food
Servings 3

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds chicken, boneless thighs or breast (chopped into 2 to 3 inch pieces)
  • 1 and 1/2 cups fresh cilantro leaves, fresh (dhaniya ke patte)
  • 1/2 cup mint leaves, fresh (pudeene kee pattiyaan)
  • 4 serrano peppers, small (1/2 tbsp chopped) (hari mirch)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds  (jeera)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water (to blend)
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 3/4 tbsp ginger garlic paste (fresh or packaged)
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tbsp  dried fenugreek leaves   (kasoori methi/ kasuri methi) (crush kasuri methi between your palms before adding)
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp oil of choice (divided)
  • Some chaat masala   (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep

  • First, dice the chicken to 2-inch cubes.
  • Second, rinse and chop the cilantro, mint and serrano peppers. Next grind the cilantro leaves, mint leaves, serrano peppers, cumin seeds, lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of water in a blender.
  • In a separate large bowl, mix Greek yogurt with ginger garlic paste, garam masala, dried fenugreek leaves, salt, and 1.5 tablespoons oil.
  • Add in the ground green mix to the Greek yogurt marinade. Mix well. Furthermore, add in the diced chicken.
  • Cover with a lid and let it marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Ideally 6 hours is perfect. But if you are in a time crunch 30 minutes is good.

Air Fry

  • When you are ready to cook, grease your air fryer basket with some of the remaining oil. I grease mine by rubbing, brushing, or spraying, a little bit of oil on the bottom grate. Then, follow your air fryer directions for preheating to 350°F for 5 minutes.
  • When it’s preheated, working in batches, place the chicken in a single layer or on a skewer. Air fry for 18 minutes, at 360°F. At the 9-minute mark brush the chicken generously with oil, and turn the chicken/skewers. Also, every air fryer is different so check after the 15-minute mark. You can increase or decrease the time as per your liking.
  • Finally, serve with Indian flatbread or with lettuce wraps. It can be served as an appetizer on its own.

Notes

  • Don't stack the chicken over each other. If needed, cook in batches.
  • I used metal skewers. If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to pre-soak them in water for 10 minutes before using, its very important
  • Every air fryer is different so please check whether the chicken is  done after the 15 minute mark. You can increase the time as per your preferences. For instance, if you like it more charred then increase the time.
  • Rub the chicken well with marinade, however don't overcoat it with the marinade just before air frying. Discard the excess marinade or else you will taste a lot of spices.
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