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Air Fryer Chicken 65

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Here is an excellent Chicken 65 Air Fryer recipe with simplicity and flavor reminiscent of the classic deep-fried restaurant version.

Chicken 65, featuring boldly spiced, bite-sized chicken pieces with a delightfully crispy exterior and tender interior, now gets a healthier twist with the air fryer method. ?

This dish was first introduced in 1965 by the Buhari Hotel (Madras, southern India), hence its name.

If you love Indian food, this is the perfect recipe for your air fryer.

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What Is Air Fryer 65?

Air Fryer Chicken 65 is a modern twist on the traditional Chicken 65 dish. It’s a flavorful appetizer featuring bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with bold spices, similar to the classic version. However, instead of deep frying the chicken, the air fryer method achieves a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. This adaptation offers a healthier alternative to the original deep-fried recipe without compromising taste or texture.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Healthier Option: Air frying reduces the oil used, making this Chicken 65 recipe more nutritious without sacrificing taste or texture.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer method ensures that the chicken achieves a satisfyingly crispy exterior while remaining tender inside, providing the perfect texture.
Bold Flavor: This recipe packs a punch of flavor with its blend of spices, such as ginger, garlic, and chili paste, that will tantalize your taste buds.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference, personalizing the dish according to your taste.
Quick and Convenient: Air frying reduces cooking time, making this recipe a fast and hassle-free option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a standalone appetizer, pair it with rice and veggies for a complete meal, or serve it as a crowd-pleasing snack at parties.
Restaurant-Quality Results: Achieve restaurant-quality Chicken 65 right in your kitchen, impressing friends and family with your culinary skills.
Family Favorite: This dish will become a family favorite, loved by kids and adults for its irresistible flavor and crispy goodness.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken 65

Here are the simple ingredients to make this air fryer version of this popular Indian chicken dish.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken breast, diced: Tender boneless chicken pieces provide the base for this dish, ensuring each bite is flavorful and succulent. You can also use boneless chicken thighs.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps to coat the chicken, creating a crispy texture when cooked.
Rice flour: Rice flour adds an extra layer of crispiness to the chicken, enhancing its texture.
Ginger garlic paste: The combination of ginger and garlic paste infuses the chicken with aromatic flavors, adding depth to the dish.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken while adding a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess to the marinade.
Curry leaves: Diced curry leaves contribute a distinct flavor to the dish, complementing the spices and adding a hint of freshness.
Kosher Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the dish’s taste.
Black pepper or Black Pepper Powder: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the chicken.
Chili paste: Chili paste provides the dish with a spicy kick, adding heat and flavor.
Egg white (optional): Adding egg white helps to bind the marinade to the chicken, resulting in a crispier coating.
Red food coloring (optional): Red food coloring is used to achieve the vibrant red color traditionally associated with Chicken 65.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the sauce ingredients, adding richness and depth of flavor.
Whole cumin: Whole cumin seeds release a nutty aroma and flavor when sautéed, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
Chopped garlic: Garlic adds a spicy flavor to the sauce, complementing the other ingredients.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sugar balances the heat from the chili paste and enhances the sauce’s overall flavor profile.

How To Make Chicken 65 In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step directions to make the air fry chicken 65 recipes.

Combine the diced chicken breast, cornstarch, rice flour, ginger garlic paste, Greek yogurt, chopped curry leaves, salt, black pepper, and chili paste in a bowl. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Add the egg white and red food coloring for crispiness and color. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 24 hours for more flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes. Once preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Air fry the chicken at 360°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer for best results.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by heating olive oil over medium heat in a pan. Add whole cumin seeds and curry leaves, and sauté until fragrant. Add chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown. Then, add salt, black pepper, Greek yogurt, chili paste, cornstarch, and granulated sugar. Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the prepared sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Garnish with additional chopped curry leaves and serve hot as an appetizer or with rice and naan as a main dish.

Pro Tips

Preheat your air fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken. This helps to create a crispy exterior right from the start.
Cut Chicken Pieces Evenly: Cut your chicken into 1-2 inch pieces for best results. Smaller pieces will dry out the chicken.
Coat chicken evenly: Coat the diced chicken pieces evenly with the cornstarch and rice flour mixture. This ensures a uniform crispy coating once cooked.
Seasonings: For a spicer dish, check out your Indian market; some great spices to add are cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder,
Use Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken. Marinate the chicken in Greek yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even cooking.
Check halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket, or flip the chicken pieces to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the chicken before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili paste according to your preference.
Use optional ingredients mindfully: If using optional ingredients like egg white or red food coloring, use them sparingly. The egg white can help create a crispier coating, while the red food coloring adds visual appeal, but they are not essential for flavor.
Serve immediately: Air Fryer Chicken 65 is best served immediately while hot and crisp. Enjoy it as a tasty appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce, lemon wedges, or alongside rice and naan for a complete meal.

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Faq’s

Is air-fried Chicken 65 as crispy as deep-fried? Thanks to the circulating hot air in the air fryer, Air-fried Chicken 65 can achieve a crispy exterior similar to deep-fried versions. While it may not be identical to deep-fried texture, it offers a healthier alternative with a satisfying crunch.

How long does it take to cook Chicken 65 in an air fryer? Cooking time can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific model of the air fryer. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 360°F (180°C), flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time? Yes, marinating the chicken ahead of time can enhance its flavor. You can marinate the diced chicken pieces in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. This allows the spices and yogurt to penetrate the meat for a more flavorful dish.

Can I use bone-in chicken for air-fried Chicken 65? While boneless chicken is typically used for Chicken 65, you can use bone-in chicken pieces if desired. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take slightly longer to cook through.

What dipping sauce pairs well with air-fried Chicken 65?Air-fried Chicken 65 pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces, including mint chutney, tamarind sauce, or a simple yogurt-based dip. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.

How to store leftover air fryer chicken 65: Let the cooked chicken cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container. For best results, place the yogurt mixture in a separate container. Placed in the refrigerator, it will last for 2-3 days.

How do I reheat leftover air-fried Chicken 65? Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 3-5 minutes or until heated. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from becoming dry.

Can I freeze air-fried Chicken 65? While air-fried Chicken 65 is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers for later consumption. Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until heated through.

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