Air Fryer Chicken Malai Tikka

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Malai Tikka
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces; ¼ cup plain greek yogurt; ¼ cup heavy whipping cream; 1 serrano chili stem removed; 1 inch ginger, peeled or 1 tablespoon ginger paste; 3 cloves garlic, peeled or 1 tablespoon garlic paste; 1½ tablespoons cornstarch or gram flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoons ground white pepper or 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 2 teaspoons cumin powder; 1 tablespoon dried fenugreek (kasuri methi); ¾ teaspoon cardamom powder; 1 teaspoon chaat masala + ½ teaspoon for finishing; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice ½ a lemon + more for finishing; ½ cup shredded mozzarela cheese full-fat or low-fat; 3 tablespoons cilantro leaves; 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil for brushing air fryer tray

By:

Thomas

Published:

July 1, 2026

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Creamy, succulent, and bursting with flavors, Air Fryer Chicken Malai Tikka is one of those dishes that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. This Indian classic, traditionally made in tandoors, gets a modern twist and a healthy upgrade while retaining all those irresistible spices and the creamy texture that makes Malai Tikka so special. Picture tender chunks of chicken marinated in a coconut of spices, yogurt, and cream, cooked to perfection in your air fryer. It’s a dish that not only tantalizes your palate but also offers a quick way to satisfy your cravings.

I first encountered Chicken Malai Tikka at a vibrant Indian restaurant during a special family gathering. The rich, creamy sauces combined with the smoky aroma of the grilled chicken was captivating. Since then, I’ve experimented with various methods of making it at home. Utilizing the air fryer not only provides a fast cooking method but also keeps the chicken juicy and full of flavor, without the excess oil. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself to something delightful, this is the recipe you’ll want to keep close at hand. You’re going to love how simple and flavorful it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes to cook, you can have a memorable meal in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The marinated chicken is bursting with spices, making each bite an explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, juicy chicken skewers make for a visually stunning dish.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party snack, it’s versatile enough for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets based on the ingredients you choose.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: Cut into 1.5-inch pieces; thighs offer a juicier option, while breasts are leaner.
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and tang; use dairy-free yogurt for a non-dairy version.
¼ cup heavy whipping cream: Essential for that rich flavor—substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
1 serrano chili: Adds heat; feel free to reduce or leave it out if you prefer milder flavors.
1 inch ginger, peeled or 1 tablespoon ginger paste: Brings warmth; use fresh for the best flavor.
3 cloves garlic or 1 tablespoon garlic paste: Adds depth; fresh garlic significantly enhances the taste.
1½ tablespoons cornstarch or gram flour: Helps with texture and crisping; substitute with potato starch if needed.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavor; adjust based on preference.
¾ teaspoon ground white pepper or 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: White pepper is milder; black pepper gives a bold flavor.
2 teaspoons garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that elevates the flavor profile.
2 teaspoons cumin powder: Offers a warm, earthy taste; can substitute with coriander for a different twist.
1 tablespoon dried fenugreek (kasuri methi): Adds a unique aroma and taste; skip if unavailable.
¾ teaspoon cardamom powder: Provides a subtle sweetness; too much can overpower, so use sparingly.
1 teaspoon chaat masala + ½ teaspoon for finishing: A tangy spice mix that brightens the dish at the end.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice + more for finishing: Adds brightness; fresh juice works best.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess; full-fat is recommended for richness.
3 tablespoons cilantro leaves: Fresh herbs brighten the dish; swap with parsley if cilantro isn’t your favorite.
2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil for brushing air fryer tray: Prevents sticking and aids in even cooking.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Malai Tikka

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 serrano chili, 1 inch of peeled ginger, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, along with salt, white pepper, garam masala, cumin powder, and 1½ tablespoons of cornstarch. Blend until smooth and thick. Now, stir in ¼ cup heavy whipping cream, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro leaves, and 1 tablespoon of dried fenugreek.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-1.5 inch pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
Assemble Skewers: Take pre-soaked bamboo skewers and thread 4 pieces of chicken per skewer, packing them snugly.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 385°F (195°C). Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 minutes.
Flip & Air Fry: Carefully flip the skewers and air-fry for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken skewers and place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle with a little extra chaat masala and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to elevate the flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Once the Air Fryer Chicken Malai Tikka has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need more time, you can freeze the chicken skewers for up to 3 months; just place them in a freezer-friendly bag to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. The texture may slightly change but will retain its yummy flavor; adding a touch of fresh lemon juice can help rejuvenate the taste.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-marinating the chicken to prevent it from becoming mushy; 2 hours is sufficient.
Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth marinade, especially the yogurt and cream.
If your chicken is cold from the fridge, plan on a longer cooking time to ensure doneness.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron to the marinade.
Feel free to mix up the spices according to your palate; adjust the heat level by using different chili peppers.

Savoring the goodness of Air Fryer Chicken Malai Tikka doesn’t just satisfy your cravings; it lets you delve into the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine without the hassle and time. Give this recipe a try and embrace your inner chef! It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Experiment with side dishes like naan, rice, or a fresh salad to create a feast that’s hearty and memorable.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving as they stay juicier during cooking, making them a great choice for this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if your pieces are larger.

How do I make Chicken Malai Tikka spicier?

To amp up the heat, you can increase the amount of serrano chili or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. Another option is to serve it with a spicy dipping sauce!

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just ensure it’s tightly covered until you’re ready to marinate your chicken. This lets the flavors develop even more!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! Substitute the chicken with paneer or chunks of firm tofu, and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You’ll still enjoy the creamy, spiced goodness of Chicken Malai Tikka!