🛒 Ingredients
For the Marinated Chicken:
4 boneless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 2 cloves minced garlic + 1 tsp grated ginger)
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp paprika (or Kashmiri red chili powder)
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
🔥 Pro Tip: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts — highly recommended!
For the Butter Chicken Sauce:
2 tbsp butter (or ghee)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or tomato purée)
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp sugar (balances acidity)
½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix:
Yogurt
Lemon juice
Oil
Ginger-garlic paste
Spices & salt
Add chicken pieces, coating well.
Let marinate at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
⏳ No time? Even 5 mins helps!
2️⃣ Prep & Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly grease the basket.
3️⃣ Air Fry the Chicken
Place chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
✅ Don’t overcrowd — ensures crisp edges!
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
While chicken cooks, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion 5 mins until soft.
Add garlic & ginger, cook 1 min more.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, garam masala, paprika, sugar, and salt.
Simmer 8–10 mins until thickened.
Stir in cream and heat through (don’t boil).
5️⃣ Combine & Serve
Toss cooked chicken in warm sauce (or pour sauce over top).
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
Over basmati rice or cauliflower rice
With warm naan or roti
A side of cucumber raita or mango chutney
🌈 Variations & Pro Hacks
🌱 Dairy-Free? Use coconut yogurt + coconut milk
🌾 Gluten-Free? Naturally GF — just check spice blends
🔥 Spicier Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne or a chopped green chili
🧊 Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken overnight — ready to cook fast!
❄️ Freeze It! Freeze sauce for up to 3 months — reheat and add fresh chicken
🥬 Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers or spinach with the sauce
🧠 Why This Works So Well
Yogurt marinade = tenderizes and adds tang
Air frying = sears outside while keeping inside juicy
Cream + tomato balance = rich but not heavy
One-pot sauce = deep flavor with minimal cleanup
It’s not magic — it’s curry-smart cooking. ✨
❤️ Final Thought: Sometimes, the Best Things Are Simple & Spiced
You don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to make something truly special.
Just good chicken, real spices, and love.
This Air Fryer Butter Chicken proves that great meals don’t have to be complicated — they just need to satisfy.
So next time you’re craving takeout…
Skip the app.
Turn on the air fryer.
And let your kitchen fill with the scent of garam masala, garlic, and joy.
Because great food doesn’t have to be hard —
It just has to taste like it came from the heart. 💛