Air Fryer Chicken Biryani

Air Fryer Chicken Biryani is a simplified version of the classic dish, featuring marinated chicken and aromatic basmati rice layered with bold Indian spices. The air fryer delivers tender, flavorful chicken and fluffy rice with minimal effort. It’s a convenient, one-dish meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions..

This Air Fryer Chicken Biryani recipe brings all the bold, aromatic flavors of traditional biryani with a modern, time-saving twist. Tender marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and warm Indian spices come together in layers, creating a deeply satisfying dish that’s easier and quicker to make thanks to the air fryer. Whether you’re new to biryani or a longtime fan, this simplified version delivers rich flavor, vibrant color, and comforting warmth—all with less fuss and faster cleanup.

If you love Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, try my recipe for olive garden chicken scampi, air fryer queso chicken tacos, olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe, or air fryer primavera stuffed chicken.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and Convenient – Get all the flavor of traditional biryani in a fraction of the time with easy air fryer cooking.
• Bold, Authentic Flavors – Marinated chicken and aromatic spices infuse every bite with rich, classic Indian taste.
• Perfect Texture – The air fryer gives the chicken a juicy interior and lightly crisped exterior, while the rice stays fluffy and fragrant.
• Less Mess, Easy Cleanup – Everything cooks in one dish, minimizing cleanup and simplifying the process.
• Great for Weeknights or Special Occasions – Impressive enough for guests, but easy enough for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients Needed

• Chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces – Lean, tender protein that absorbs spices beautifully.
• Yogurt – Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creamy richness.
• Large onion, thinly sliced – Adds sweetness and depth to the biryani base.
• Garlic, minced – Bold, aromatic flavor essential to Indian cooking.
• Ginger, grated – Spicy warmth that balances the garlic’s bite.
• Green cardamom pods – Adds floral, citrusy notes to the spice mix.
• Cinnamon stick – Warm and woody spice that flavors the rice.
• Cloves – Intensely aromatic spice with a slightly sweet heat.
• Bay leaf – Earthy and herbal, enhances the rice’s aroma.
• Turmeric powder – Adds golden color and mild earthy flavor.
• Garam masala – Warm spice blend for rich, complex flavor.
• Red chili powder, adjust to taste – Brings heat and vibrant color.
• Biryani masala, store-bought or homemade – Signature spice blend for authentic biryani flavor.
• Salt, to taste – Enhances and balances all the dish’s flavors.
• Vegetable oil – Used for sautéing and helps crisp the chicken.
• Fresh cilantro and mint for garnish – Bright, fresh herbs for color and flavor.
• Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional) – Adds luxurious aroma and golden color.
• Fried onions for garnish (optional) – Crispy, sweet topping that finishes the dish beautifully.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Biryani

Step One: Wash and soak the Basmati rice in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside. Marinate the chicken pieces in yogurt, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder, biryani masala, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or longer if time permits.

Step Two: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees F (180°C). In a large skillet, or saucepan, heat oil and sauté onions until golden. Add garlic, ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s about 80% done. Transfer the semi-cooked chicken to the air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked.

Step Three: While the chicken is in the air fryer, cook the rice with double the amount of water, some salt, and a few drops of oil until it’s about 70% cooked.

Step Four: In a baking dish that fits in your air fryer, layer half of the rice. Add a layer of the cooked chicken over the rice. Add another layer with the remaining rice. Optionally, pour the saffron milk over the top for color and aroma.

Step Five: Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a suitable air fryer-safe cover. Air fry at 320 degrees F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Let the biryani rest for a few minutes after cooking. Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, and fried onions if using. Serve hot with raita or your favorite side.

Air Fryer Chicken Biryani Recipe Tips

• Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
• Use Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is the preferred choice for biryani due to its long grains and fragrant aroma. Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch before parboiling.
• Parboil the Rice: Parboil the rice until it’s about 70% cooked. This ensures that the rice grains remain firm and separate after cooking in the air fryer.
• Layering: When layering the chicken and rice in the dish, ensure an even distribution of ingredients to promote uniform cooking. Add fried onions, boiled eggs, and potatoes between the layers for extra flavor and texture.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before adding the dish to ensure even cooking and to achieve a crispy texture on the top layer of the biryani.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
• Resting Time: Allow the Chicken Biryani to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the biryani is at its best when served.
• Garnish Liberally: Garnish the biryani generously with fresh cilantro and mint leaves just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and elevates the presentation of the dish.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Chicken Biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Let it cool completely before storing to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 5–7 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Biryani

Air Fryer Chicken Biryani is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. A cooling cucumber raita or classic plain yogurt helps balance the rich spices, while a side of pickled onions or mixed vegetable achar adds a tangy kick.

For a more filling spread, serve it with naan, paratha, or a light lentil soup like dal. Don’t forget a fresh salad or sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going all out, these sides enhance every bite of the biryani experience.

Air Fryer Biryani Recipe Faqs

Can I use bone-in chicken for air frying Chicken Biryani? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces for Chicken Biryani in the air fryer. Just ensure that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How long does it take to cook Chicken Biryani in the air fryer? Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific air fryer model. Generally, Chicken Biryani takes about 25-30 minutes to cook in the air fryer at a moderate temperature.

Can I use frozen chicken for air frying Chicken Biryani? It’s not recommended to use frozen chicken for Chicken Biryani in the air fryer. Thaw the chicken completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and avoid food safety issues.

How do I prevent the rice from drying out in the air fryer? To prevent the rice from drying out, ensure that the rice is partially cooked (parboiled) before layering it with the chicken in the air fryer. Additionally, you can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the dish before cooking to keep the rice moist.

Can I customize the spices and ingredients in Chicken Biryani for air frying? Yes, feel free to customize the spices and ingredients in Chicken Biryani according to your taste preferences. You can adjust the level of spice, add additional vegetables, or incorporate different types of meat or protein to create your own unique version of Chicken Biryani.

How do I know when Chicken Biryani is done cooking in the air fryer? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s cooked through. Additionally, the rice should be fully cooked and fluffy, and the dish should be hot and aromatic.

Can I reheat leftover Chicken Biryani in the air fryer? Yes, you can reheat leftover Chicken Biryani in the air fryer. Simply place the leftovers in the air fryer basket and cook at a moderate temperature for a few minutes until heated through. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s hot and safe to eat.

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