Air-Fried Butter Chicken Tikka Skewers

Ingredients

• 500 g boneless chicken thighs (Cut into cubes)
• 1 tbsp mustard oil (For the marinade)
• 2 tbsp butter (Softened; for the marinade)
• 2 tbsp cream (For the marinade)
• 2 tbsp cashew paste (For the marinade)
• 1 tbsp thick tomato paste (For the marinade)
• 1 tbsp thick curd (Plain thick yogurt)
• 7 cloves garlic (Blended into a paste)
• 3 green chillies (Blended with the garlic into a paste)
• 0.25 cup fresh mint and coriander leaves (Finely chopped)
• 1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp kasuri methi (Crushed)
• 0.5 tsp garam masala powder (For the marinade)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper powder (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp honey (For the marinade)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (For the marinade)
• 1 tsp salt (Approximately; adjust to taste)
• butter (Optional, for brushing the cooked skewers)
• mint chutney (For serving)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the cubed chicken thighs in a large bowl. Make sure the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.

2. 2

   Add the mustard oil, softened butter, cream, cashew paste, thick tomato paste, and thick curd to the chicken.

3. 3

   Blend the garlic cloves and green chillies into a smooth paste, then add the paste to the bowl.

4. 4

   Add the finely chopped mint and coriander, Kashmiri chilli powder, crushed kasuri methi, garam masala, black pepper, honey, lemon juice, and salt.

5. 5

   Mix thoroughly until every chicken piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for up to overnight for deeper flavor.

6. 6

   Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto suitable air-fryer skewers, leaving a little space between pieces so hot air can circulate. If using wooden skewers, soak them first according to the skewer manufacturer's instructions.

7. 7

   Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F.

8. 8

   Arrange the skewers in the air-fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Air-fry at 200°C / 400°F for 9 minutes.

9. 9

   Turn the skewers over so the chicken browns evenly, then air-fry for another 9 minutes, for 18 minutes total. The chicken should be browned at the edges and reach an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C.

10. 10

    Optionally brush the hot cooked skewers with a little butter for extra richness and flavor.

11. 11

    Serve immediately with mint chutney.

Notes

Marinate for 1 hour or up to overnight. Avoid overcrowding the air-fryer basket so the chicken browns rather than steams. Cooking time may vary with the size of the chicken pieces and the air-fryer model.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• appetizer
• air-fried
• skewers
• high-protein
• Indian-inspired
• meal-prep