Chicken Tikka is a classic Desi grill
Are you craving the mouthwatering flavours of Desi grills but want a healthier cooking option? Look no further than your air fryer!
This versatile kitchen appliance has revolutionised the way we prepare our favourite dishes, including traditional Indian and Pakistani grilled delicacies.
Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy exteriors and juicy interiors, all while using significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying methods.
We check out five delicious Desi grills that you can easily make in your air fryer, bringing the taste of street-side kebab stands and high-end restaurants right to your home kitchen.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will help you create restaurant-quality Desi grills with the convenience and health benefits of air frying.
Chicken 65
Chicken 65 is a popular South Indian dish known for its spicy kick and crispy texture.
Traditionally deep-fried, this air fryer version keeps the flavour intact while reducing the oil.
How to Make
To make Chicken 65, marinate 500g of boneless chicken thighs in a mix of yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices like Kashmiri chilli powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
Coat the chicken in a blend of rice flour, plain flour, and cornflour to get that crispy exterior.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C.
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
For an added burst of flavour, drizzle some tempering made with coconut oil, green chillies, and curry leaves over the cooked chicken.
Chicken Tikka
Chicken Tikka is a classic Desi grill, perfect for the air fryer.
Tender chicken marinated in a yoghurt-based mix and traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven.
How to Make
To make, cut 500g of boneless chicken into 2-inch pieces.
Make a marinade with hung curd (Greek yoghurt), Kashmiri chilli powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and turmeric.
Add ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and a bit of oil to help the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
You can add food colouring for a vibrant red hue, but this is optional.
Marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Arrange the chicken pieces in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve with mint chutney and sliced onions.
Tandoori Fish
Tandoori Fish offers a healthier option to meat-based grills, and it’s just as delicious when cooked in the air fryer.
Firm white fish like cod or tilapia work best.
How to Make
Make a marinade with yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin, and garam masala.
Coat the fish fillets in this mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Place the marinated fish in the basket, ensuring there’s space around each piece.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The fish should be flaky with a golden-brown exterior.
Serve with a squeeze of lemon and a side of raita.
Paneer Tikka
For vegetarians, Paneer Tikka is a perfect air fryer option.
Cubes of paneer are marinated in a spicy yoghurt mix and grilled to perfection.
How to Make
Cut 400g of paneer into 1-inch cubes.
For the marinade, use thick yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and the same spices used for Chicken Tikka.
Add bell peppers and onions for extra flavour.
Marinate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the air fryer to 180°C. Arrange the paneer and vegetables in the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The paneer should be golden brown, and the vegetables lightly charred. Serve with chaat masala and a squeeze of lemon.
Seekh Kebabs
Seekh Kebabs, a popular Desi grill, are traditionally cooked on skewers over charcoal.
With an air fryer, you can recreate these spiced meat cylinders effortlessly.
How to Make
Mix 500g of minced lamb or beef with finely chopped onions, green chillies, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
Add chopped mint and coriander for freshness. Shape the mixture into sausage-like cylinders around skewers.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C.
Arrange the kebabs in the basket, making sure they don’t touch.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
The kebabs should be browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Serve with mint chutney and sliced onions.
Air fryers have made it possible to enjoy healthier versions of our favourite Desi grills.
From the spicy zing of Chicken 65 to the vegetarian goodness of Paneer Tikka, these five recipes showcase the versatility of air fryers in preparing traditional Indian and Pakistani dishes.
By using less oil, you can indulge in the crispy textures and bold flavours of these grills more frequently.
Whether cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering, these air fryer Desi grills will impress with their authentic taste and healthier preparation.
So, fire up your air fryer and enjoy a culinary journey blending traditional flavours with modern cooking techniques.
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