Healthy Air Fryer Chicken 65 – Ready in 20 Minutes
Get ready to fall in love with the most addictive air fryer chicken 65 recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen! This spicy, tangy, and incredibly crispy chicken dish transforms ordinary chicken pieces into a flavor-packed sensation that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
Originally created in a hotel in Chennai, India, in 1965, this dish gets its name from the year it was invented. What makes this air fryer version absolutely irresistible is how it achieves that perfect golden crunch without deep frying, making it healthier yet just as delicious as the traditional version.
Just like our popular air fryer buffalo cauliflower, this recipe proves that air fryers can create magic with minimal oil and maximum flavor.
What is Chicken 65?
Ever wondered why this fiery red chicken dish has a number in its name? Well, legend has it that Chicken 65 was the 65th item on a hotel menu in Chennai back in 1965! Some say it was made with 65 spices, while others believe it was invented when the chef was 65 years old.
Whatever the true story, one thing’s certain – this dish knows how to make hearts race and taste buds dance. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this spicy, crispy delight is definitely a shortcut to anyone’s heart! Ready to create some culinary magic in your air fryer?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken 65
Healthier Indulgence Without Compromise This air fryer chicken 65 gives you all the crispy, spicy goodness of the restaurant favorite with 70% less oil than traditional deep-frying methods. The air fryer creates that perfect golden exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside, proving that healthy can be absolutely delicious.
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking Making chicken 65 at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at restaurants. With simple pantry ingredients and affordable chicken pieces, you can feed a family of four for under $12, compared to $30+ at most Indo-Chinese restaurants.
Flavor Explosion in Every Bite The marinade combines yogurt’s tanginess, ginger-garlic’s warmth, and a blend of spices that create layers of flavor. The final toss with curry leaves, green chilies, and onions adds freshness and crunch that perfectly balances the spice. Similar to our popular air fryer tandoori chicken, this recipe showcases how marination transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new go-to party appetizer!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken 65
Quick Overview
This air fryer chicken 65 recipe is surprisingly simple and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The secret lies in the two-step process: a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with spices, followed by air frying that creates the perfect crispy texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating time) Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Serves: 4-6 people Difficulty: Easy
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken 65
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
For the Seasoning and Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 3-4 green chilies (slit lengthwise)
- 1 medium onion (sliced thin)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better crispiness in the air fryer.
Step 2: Create the Marinade In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Add lemon juice and mix until smooth. This yogurt-based marinade will tenderize the chicken while infusing it with incredible flavors.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Add chicken pieces to the marinade and mix thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration. The longer marination results in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Step 4: Prepare for Air Frying Remove chicken from refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Add cornstarch, all-purpose flour, and beaten egg to the marinated chicken. Mix well to create a light coating that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Step 5: Preheat Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-4 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment you add the chicken.
Step 6: First Round of Air Frying Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning.
Step 7: Second Round for Extra Crispiness Increase temperature to 400°F (204°C) and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Prepare the Tempering While chicken cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add curry leaves (they’ll splutter), green chilies, and sliced onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions are slightly softened.
Step 9: Final Assembly Add the crispy chicken to the pan with tempering. Sprinkle red chili powder and chaat masala. Toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve Transfer to serving plate, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
What to Serve Air Fryer Chicken 65 With
Traditional Pairings:
- Steamed Basmati Rice – The mild rice perfectly balances the spicy chicken
- Vegetable Fried Rice – Creates a complete Indo-Chinese meal experience
- Naan or Roti – Great for wrapping up the chicken pieces
Modern Accompaniments:
- Fresh Cucumber Salad – The cooling crunch provides perfect contrast
- Mint Chutney – Adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the spices
- Pickled Onions – The tanginess enhances the overall flavor profile
Beverage Suggestions:
- Lassi or Buttermilk – Traditional cooling drinks that tame the heat
- Sparkling Water with Lime – Cleanses the palate between bites
- Indian Chai – For those who enjoy the spice-on-spice experience
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken 65
For Maximum Crispiness
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets proper air circulation. Pat chicken completely dry before marinating, and let excess marinade drip off before air frying.
Ingredient Substitutions
Replace Greek yogurt with regular yogurt mixed with a pinch of salt if unavailable. Substitute ginger-garlic paste with 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger and 2 minced garlic cloves. For a gluten-free version, use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Spice Level Adjustments
Reduce red chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon for mild heat, or add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra kick. Always taste-test your marinade before adding chicken to ensure the spice level suits your preference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never skip the marination time – it’s crucial for flavor development. Avoid opening the air fryer frequently during cooking as this releases heat and affects crispiness. Don’t add the tempering ingredients (curry leaves, chilies) directly to the air fryer as they’ll burn.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Marinated chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. For meal prep, cook the chicken completely and store separately from the tempering mixture to maintain crispiness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover air fryer chicken 65 in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and any garnishes separate to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezer Storage: Cooked chicken 65 can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. This prevents pieces from sticking together.
Reheating Methods: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Alternatively, use a conventional oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating as it will make the coating soggy.
Pro Reheating Tip: Add fresh curry leaves and a light sprinkle of chaat masala when reheating to refresh the flavors and aroma.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (6 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs actually work wonderfully for this recipe as they stay more moist and flavorful. Just ensure they’re boneless and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a golden-brown, crispy exterior. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Absolutely! Simply omit the egg and add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to help create the crispy coating. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Why is my chicken not crispy enough?
This usually happens when the chicken pieces are too wet before air frying, the basket is overcrowded, or the temperature is too low. Ensure chicken is patted dry and cook in batches if needed.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This actually helps develop deeper flavors in the final dish.
What if I don’t have curry leaves?
While curry leaves add authentic flavor, you can substitute with fresh basil leaves or simply omit them. The dish will still be delicious, though slightly less traditional in taste.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add finely chopped fresh green chilies to the marinade, increase the red chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the final seasoning.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, replace cornstarch and flour with almond flour or pork rinds powder. This will reduce the carb content significantly while maintaining the crispy texture.
This air fryer chicken 65 recipe brings the authentic flavors of South Indian cuisine right to your kitchen with the convenience of modern cooking technology. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and crispy texture makes it an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving something deliciously spicy, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and watch it become a regular favorite in your recipe collection!
