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Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Thighs
This is the kind of dinner I keep coming back to. So easy and super tasty.
SERVES
4
COOKING TIME
16 mins
DIFFICULTY
simple
Can you cook chicken thighs in the air fryer?
Chicken thighs cook perfectly in the air fryer. They turn out juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside.
How long do chicken thighs take in the air fryer?
Bone-in chicken thighs usually take around 16–20 minutes at 200°C. Always check they’re cooked through before serving.
Is this a healthy dinner idea?
Yes – using the air fryer means you need less oil, and chicken thighs are packed with protein. Pair with rice or salad for a balanced meal.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
It’s best to marinate for at least an hour, but overnight will give the most flavour. If you’re short on time, even 20 minutes makes a difference.
What can I serve with chicken tikka thighs?
They’re great with rice, naan, salad, or roasted veg. The green yoghurt sauce is a fresh and easy extra.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick, but you can adjust the chilli powder to make it milder or hotter.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breast cooks faster – reduce the air fryer time slightly to avoid drying it out.
Method
Step 1
Place the chicken thighs in a bowl, add all the marinade ingredients and mix well to coat. Cover and pop in the fridge for at least 1 hour (ideally overnight).
Step 2
Pop the marinated chicken into the air fryer for 16 minutes at 200.
Step 3
While that is cooking, prepare your green sauce by adding all of the ingredients to a blender and give that a blitz.
Step 4
Serve the chicken thighs with your green sauce and some cooked rice and top with some chopped coriander.
Ingredients
600g chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
For the marinade:
3 tbsp tikka paste
3 tbsp Greek yoghurt
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
1 lemon, juiced
3-4 tbsp Greek yoghurt
½ tsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp red food colouring (optional)
For the green sauce:
Handful of coriander
Handful of mint
1 lime, squeezed
1 lemon, squeezed
3-4 heaped tbsp Greek yogurt
For the marinade:
3 tbsp tikka masala paste
1 tsp garlic puree
1 tsp ginger puree
1/2 tsp red food colouring
Juice of 1 lemon
3-4 tbsp Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper
1/2 tsp chilli powder
