Go Back
–+ servings
Hariyali chicken tikka kebab served on a platter with sliced onions, lemon wedges, and green chutney

Hariyali Chicken Tikka Kebab (Air Fryer)

Jyoti Behrani
Vibrant green herb-marinated chicken with bell peppers and onions, cooked to juicy, lightly charred perfection in the air fryer. Cottage cheese in the marinade is the secret to an irresistible, creamy coating with a tandoor-like char.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

For the chicken & vegetables

  • 1.5 lbs (750 g) boneless chicken breasts cut into 1.5-2 inch cubes
  • 1 bell pepper any color, cut into 1.5-inch pieces (optional)
  • 1 red or yellow onion cut into chunks, layers separated (optional)

Grind to a paste (marinade)

  • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or hung curd
  • ¼ cup cottage cheese soft, full-fat
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves & stems
  • 2 green chilies adjust to taste
  • 3-4 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger roughly chopped
  • 1½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

For the marinade coating

For basting

  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil

Instructions
 

  • Make the green marinade paste
    Add Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, mint, cilantro, green chilies, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and vivid green. Use minimal water (1 tablespoon max) the paste must be thick, not runny.
  • Season the marinade
    Transfer paste to a large bowl. Stir in salt, black pepper, and roasted cumin powder. Mix well into a uniform marinade.
    Tip: Taste the marinade, it should be bold, slightly salty, and punchy since the flavor mellows once it coats the chicken and cooks.
  • Marinate the chicken
    Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels. Add to the marinade along with mustard oil and crushed kasuri methi. Toss thoroughly so every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
  • Add vegetables & prep skewers
    Remove chicken from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. Add bell peppers and onions to the marinated chicken and toss to coat lightly. Arrange the chicken and veggies in a single layer directly in the air fryer basket.
    Note: Alternatively, you can thread chicken, peppers, and onion onto skewers.
  • Preheat the air fryer
    Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Air fry - first side
    Place skewers or chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Flip, baste & finish
    Flip the skewers or turn each chicken piece. Brush generously with butter or oil. Air fry for another 6-8 minutes until cooked through with lightly charred edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • Rest & serve
    Rest the kebabs for 2-3 minutes. Serve with sliced onion rings, lemon wedges, green chutney, and warm naan or roomali roti.

Notes

Why cottage cheese in the marinade?
Blended cottage cheese makes the marinade thick and creamy, helping it cling to the chicken and producing a blistered, tandoor-like char in the air fryer.
Key tips
Dry the chicken well before marinating - moisture steams instead of charring. Always crush kasuri methi between your palms to release its aroma. Mustard oil is key for authentic flavor; substitute any neutral oil if needed.
Stovetop / grill pan method
Heat a cast-iron grill pan over high heat until smoking. Brush with oil. Cook chicken and vegetables 3-4 minutes per side until charred. Baste with butter in the final minute. Total cook time: 12-15 minutes.
Oven / broiler method
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers or arrange chicken and vegetables on a wire rack set over a lined baking tray. Bake on the middle rack for 20-22 minutes, turning once halfway through and basting with butter. Then switch the oven to broil and move the tray to the top rack. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the edges are lightly charred and blistered. Watch closely the broiler works fast.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Hariyali Chicken Tikka Kebab (Air Fryer)
Amount per Serving
Calories
285
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
112
mg
37
%
Sodium
 
1052
mg
46
%
Potassium
 
834
mg
24
%
Carbohydrates
 
10
g
3
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
4
g
4
%
Protein
 
40
g
80
%
Vitamin A
 
1249
IU
25
%
Vitamin C
 
50
mg
61
%
Calcium
 
71
mg
7
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
Follow Me On PinterestFollow @livingsmartandhealthy!