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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Tikka

Feb 4, 2025 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 36 Comments

268 shares
  • 154
Diet: Gluten Free / High Protein / Low Carb / Low Fat
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Air fryer chicken tikka with a text title overlay.

An Indian takeaway classic, but cooked in the air fryer to make it quicker and lighter. This Air Fryer Chicken Tikka is perfectly cooked chunks of chicken seasoned in tikka spice with added vegetables and served with dips and naan bread for an easy dinner that is ready in under 15 minutes and only needs a couple of minutes of prep.

A pile of chicken tikka chunks, on a white plate with cooked peppers.

One of our goals for this year was to order less takeaway in a bid to save money, and be a little bit healthier. It's so much easier to stick to that goal when we make our own healthier alternatives to our favourite takeaways and this Chicken Tikka in the air fryer is made a couple of times a month. All the flavour, but much lighter at under 300 calories per portion.

Mouth watering juicy chicken in a mild tikka seasoning with some peppers and onions. It's a really easy dish to put together and there are lots of different ways you can serve it too. It's a great way to try Indian flavours too and it's mild enough for kids to enjoy.

If you are looking for more air fryer chicken recipes, why not try our delicious Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken, kid favourite Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, versatile Air Fryer Whole Chicken, simple Air Fryer Chicken Breast or our easy Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets?

Jump to:
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Variations
  • How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tikka - Step by Step
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Indian Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Chicken breast - You can use chicken breasts or skinless and boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. We used chicken breast to keep it leaner, but thighs have more flavour. Make sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
  • Onion - We used a brown onion, but you could use a red onion too.
  • Bell peppers - Any colour goes here, but we like adding red pepper because it is sweet.
  • Oil - A good quality olive oil.
  • Tikka seasoning - To save time, use a good quality store bought one. However, you could make your own tikka seasoning, and then you can adjust the spice levels. You could use tikka paste too, which would add a lot more flavour, but it adds a lot more calories because of the oil.

Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Variations

This is a really simple recipe, which is what we love about it, so there isn't too much that you can change. However, if you wanted to adjust the spice level of this air fryer chicken tikka, then feel free to add in some chilli powder to your tikka seasoning.

You can also add extra vegetables if you wanted. They will need to be quick cooking vegetables like courgette, aubergine and mushrooms.

For extra flavour, you could marinate the chicken in some yogurt and lemon juice with the seasoning blend too. This helps to make the chicken really tender and it's ideal if you want to prep this ahead of time.

For a vegetarian version of this, you can swap the chicken for paneer. Try our Paneer Tikka recipe.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tikka - Step by Step

A mixing bowl containing chicken chunks, chopped peppers, onion, tomatoes and seasoning.
  1. Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl. Mix well to combine everything.
Seasoned chicken chunks and vegetables in an air fryer basket.
  1. Step 2: Transfer to the air fryer basket.
Cooked chicken and vegetables in the air fryer basket.
  1. Step 3: Air fry at 200°C for 15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.
Chopped coriander leaves scattered over the cooked chicken and veg.
  1. Step 4: Scatter over the chopped coriander (cilantro) before serving.

Serving Suggestions

We think this air fryer chicken tikka makes a great starter, side dish or light lunch as it's so quick and easy. We served it with some naan bread, an easy homemade cucumber raita (mint yogurt) some cucumber tomato salad and a small bowl of mango chutney.

You could use our Easy Homemade Flatbreads , Chilli Naan or Peshwari Naan too. If you don't want to serve it with bread, then try our Oven Baked Rice, Turmeric Rice or Microwave Rice.

To make a more indulgent homemade curry, you could take this cooked mix and stir it into a masala sauce.

Chunks of Chicken Tikka with chopped coriander sprinkled on top.

Extra Tips

  • Not a fan of Indian spices? You could use Mexican, or even a mild Italian season blend instead.
  • Make this into a more filling meal by serving it with some rice as well as naan, dip and salad.
  • Like things on the spicier side? Add an extra teaspoon of chilli powder to the tikka seasoning.
  • You can make air fryer chicken tikka in advance by marinating the chicken and then keeping it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer and try to keep everything in a single layer to allow the air to circulate and the chicken to get nice and crispy. If you have a small air fryer, then you can cook it in batches.
  • Make sure the chicken is cut to the same size to ensure that it all cooks evenly.
  • You can add some fresh tomatoes too, which adds a bit of freshness and helps add moisture if you overcook the chicken.
Chicken tikka and chopped vegetables covered in coriander.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store air fryer chicken tikka

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can you freeze air fryer chicken tikka?

You can freeze this chicken, however it will be a little dry once defrosted and reheated. It's so simple to cook in the air fryer, that it's best to just eat it from fresh.

Is air fryer chicken tikka gluten free?

As long as you use a gluten free seasoning mix and make sure there is no cross contamination, then this ca be gluten free.

How do you know when the chicken is cooked?

This dish cooks in the air fryer for around 12 minutes, but the exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer. The best way to ensure that it is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it has an internal temperature of 75°C/167°F at the thickest part of the meat.

What air fryer to use

We really can't rate the Ninja Foodi Max Dual highly enough. It has a huge 9.5 litre capacity, that allows you to cook two different things at once and it has 6 different cooking functions. It is 65% more efficient than an oven and uses 75% less fat than traditional cooking. And, it is also dishwasher safe.

More Indian Recipes

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  • Murgh Makhani Butter Chicken in a metal dish with white rice.
    Murgh Makhani Curry (Butter Chicken)
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  • Chicken Tikka Kebabs on a wooden serving board
    Chicken Tikka Kebabs

If you’ve tried this air fryer chicken tikka, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Tikka on a plate next to raita, mango chutney and naan bread.

Air Fryer Chicken Tikka

By: Dannii Martin
Make a healthier version of Chicken Tikka with the air fryer. Quick, easy, and low calorie. Ready in under 15 minutes!
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
A circular logo saying HP.
High Protein
The words low carb in a white circle.
Low Carb
the words low fat in a white circle.
Low Fat
4.82 from 38 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 22 minutes mins
Total: 27 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 338kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a cow's head.
Meat

Ingredients

  • 300 g (10 oz) Chicken breast - cut into chunks
  • 2 Bell peppers - red and green; diced
  • 1 Onion - sliced
  • 2 Tomatoes - quartered
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon Tikka seasoning
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh coriander (cilantro) - chopped

Instructions

  • Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl. Mix well to combine everything.
  • Transfer to the air fryer basket.
  • Cook on the Air Fry setting at 200°C for 15 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.
  • Scatter over the chopped coriander (cilantro) before serving.

Recipe Tips

  • Not a fan of Indian spices? You could use Mexican, or even a mild Italian season blend instead.
  • Make this into a more filling meal by serving it with some rice as well as naan, dip and salad.
  • Like things on the spicier side? Add an extra teaspoon of chilli powder to the tikka seasoning.
  • You can make air fryer chicken tikka in advance by marinating the chicken and then keeping it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer and try to keep everything in a single layer to allow the air to circulate and the chicken to get nice and crispy. If you have a small air fryer, then you can cook it in batches.
  • Make sure the chicken is cut to the same size to ensure that it all cooks evenly.
  • You can add some fresh tomatoes too, which adds a bit of freshness and helps add moisture if you overcook the chicken.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 192mg | Potassium: 1180mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 4824IU | Vitamin C: 175mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. Noelle says

    February 13, 2019 at 11:46 am

    5 stars
    Love my air fryer, can't wait to try this!

    Reply
  2. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

    February 13, 2019 at 10:04 am

    5 stars
    I love making homemade chicken tikka but haven't yet tried it in the air fryer. It looks delicious, I'm definitely going to give it a go.

    Reply
  3. Amy | The Cook Report says

    February 13, 2019 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    I am loving everything about this! Indian food is my favourite and this looks like the perfect thing to serve up for a party

    Reply
  4. Traci says

    February 12, 2019 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    We absolutely LOVE chicken tikka here! What a simple recipe, packed with flavor. Thanks for sharing! :)

    Reply
  5. Tisha says

    February 12, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    5 stars
    You can literally see all the flavor in this dish!!

    Reply
  6. Pam says

    February 12, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    5 stars
    I have not jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, but with this recipe I'm ready! This will be the first one I try.

    Reply
  7. Cindy @ The Sweet Nerd says

    February 12, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    This looks like a perfect last minute, weeknight, throw-together dinner! Hooray - I'm always looking for those. Healthy, too. Thanks for the Mexican spice tip - would work well for fajitas.

    Reply
  8. Suzy says

    February 12, 2019 at 7:08 pm

    Ooh great recipe for my air fryer!

    Reply
  9. Natalie says

    February 12, 2019 at 6:19 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and so delicious. My kid loves tikka and I love this Air fryer. Can't wait to make him this. But first I must get that fryer.

    Reply
  10. Cindy Gordon says

    February 12, 2019 at 4:19 pm

    Another WIN for the air fryer! 100% yes!!!

    Reply
  11. Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme says

    February 12, 2019 at 4:12 pm

    5 stars
    Love that you used the air fryer, this looks so easy to make. Pinning for later!

    Reply
  12. Julia says

    February 12, 2019 at 2:39 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so easy to make! Gotta finally buy that air-fryer :)

    Reply
  13. kim says

    February 12, 2019 at 12:56 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely love this recipe! It's so flavorful and easy! Definitely one that I'll be making again and again!

    Reply
  14. Veena Azmanov says

    February 12, 2019 at 12:53 pm

    5 stars
    This looks so delicious and super healthy too. Love the Air Fryer option to this recipe. This can be an awesome party option too.

    Reply
  15. Liz says

    February 12, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    5 stars
    Such perfect timing! We got Indian food last night and my mom got Chicken Tikka and loved it! Now I can make it for her in my air fryer!

    Reply
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My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

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