Air Fryer Malai Chicken Tikka

This air fryer malai chicken tikka recipe is so good, you’ll wonder why you did not make it sooner! It’s got that perfectly charred skin we all love, along with a beautiful smokey aroma and flavor, and the juiciest chicken ever!

And making this in the air fryer means apart from a quick 5 minute prep, your air fryer does most of the heavy lifting. Serve with mint chutney and pickled onions for the most perfect party appetiser ever!

Malai Chicken Tikka Ingredients

Chicken: I have used chicken drumsticks that are butterflied (check the video below) to allow the marinade to seep in. You can use boneless pieces, but pick thigh pieces as they juicy and tender through the cooking process

Greek Yogurt: Helps tenderise the chicken, adds flavor, and helps the spices stick to the chicken for better flavor

Ginger garlic paste: To add aroma and flavor 

Spices: Pepper powder, cardamom powder, and garam masala for flavor

Cheese: Processed cheese cube for a lovely richness of flavor to ever bite

Coriander: Finely chopped fresh coriander for lots freshness and flavor

Butter: For brushing. Adds a beautiful rich finish

Frequently Asked Questions

Richa’s Top Tips

• Marinate for at least an hour: But the longer the better. This gives the chicken time to absorb the flavours. If I have time, I like to marinade in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
• Get the marinade into the slits: Don’t just coat the outside. Use your fingers to work the marinade into every slit and crevice for flavourful chicken throughout.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer with some space between them. This allows hot air to circulate properly and helps the chicken brown evenly.
• Keep an eye on the cooking time: Drumsticks can vary quite a bit in size, so start checking around the 12-minute mark. Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger ones may need a couple of extra minutes.

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover chicken tikka in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before refrigerating.
• Reheat: To reheat, place the drumsticks in the air fryer at 180°C for 3-5 minutes, until heated through. Avoid overheating as the chicken can dry out.
• Freeze: You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer until hot.

Serving Ideas

• These malai chicken tikkas are traditionally served hot with mint chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges.
• For a more substantial meal, serve them with jeera rice, naan, roti or pulao.
• You can also shred the cooked chicken and use it in wraps, rolls, sandwiches or rice bowls.

This air fryer malai chicken tikkas recipe is truly a game changer and the easiest way to get delicious street-style chicken tikka at home in no time. If you make this recipe, don’t forget to DM the pictures @my_foodstory. Until then, happy cooking!

This article was researched and written by Urvi Dalal.