Air fryer Chicken 65

Chicken 65 in air fryer is a finger licking chicken main or appetizer. An Indian appetiser, it is spicy and so delicious. 

It is perfect as a snack with drinks. Or, you can make it for your family and friends. It was a big hit at my home.

Air fryer truly is perfect for cooking chicken. It turns out so succulent inside while getting nicely crispy on the outside.

You can air fryer tandoori chicken, tandoori whole chicken in air fryer and air fryer tandoori chicken tikka.

You will also love KFC style Air fryer chicken drumsticks, Air fryer chicken tikka recipe, Air fryer Shake and Bake chicken, air fryer chicken parmesan, air fryer buffalo chicken tenders, air fryer bacon wrapped chicken, air fryer chicken leg quarters.

This slow cooker pork roast and vegetables is delicious too.

What is Chicken 65?

Chicken 65 is a popular and spicy South Indian dish made with bite-sized chicken pieces. These are marinated with delicious spices in yogurt and then traditionally deep fried.

This recipe is believed to have originated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, and has gained a lot of popularity both in India and globally.

It has a signature taste from pepper and curry leaves used both in the marinade and in the final tempering as well.

Personally, I prefer the air fryer version for being more succulent while staying crispy and brown outside.

Ingredients

Chicken: I have used 500 gm. or about 1 lb. boneless chicken thighs. 

Marinade ingredients

Yogurt: Thick Greek yogurt tenderises the chicken and helps the spices adhere to the chicken.

Spices: I have used Kashmiri chilli powder (paprika) for the bright red colour, turmeric, red chilli powder or cayenne for heat, pepper, garam masala and salt.

Curry leaves and green chillies: For the signature Indian taste. I have used curry leaves in the marinade. Curry leaves and green chillies are used as a garnish.

Lemon juice: Enhances taste and tenderises the chicken.

Ginger garlic paste: For a delectable flavour.

All purpose flour and cornstarch: for a nice thick coating.

Oil: Makes the chicken tender and also for an optional tempering at the end.

Variations and Substitutions

1. You can easily swap chicken for mushroom, paneer, tofu, soy curls, shrimp as per your wish. Remember to adjust the cooking times too.

2. You can use only cornstarch if you don’t have all-purpose flour for the coating. Just double the quantity.

3. While the recipe in more flavourful with chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts as well. Since they do not have any fat, be watchful so that you don’t dry it out.

4. For a dairy free alternative, you can use plant-based soy or cashew yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken 65 in air fryer is best enjoyed hot from the air fryer with a green chutney or dip of your preference. Also serve with onion and lemon wedges.

You can also use them shredded in a wrap, taco or sandwich. Best use for leftovers too.

You can also serve them as a main by pairing with naan, rotis or rice and a salad.

Instructions

I have used boneless chicken thighs. Cut it into uniform pieces for even cooking.

Dry the pieces and take in a bowl. Now add all the spices: turmeric, red chilli powder (cayenne) optional, Kashmiri chilli powder or paprika, garam masala and salt.

Add yogurt, ginger garlic paste and chopped curry leaves. Then add lemon juice and oil.

Mix everything well. Then refrigerate for half an hour. I refrigerated for about 4 hours and the chicken was very flavourful and tender.

Just before air frying, add together cornstarch and all-purpose to the marinated chicken. Mix well so as to form a thick marinade.

This when air fried will form a crunchy coating on the Chicken 65.

Preheat air fryer at 390F or 200C for 5 minutes. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil.

Lay your marinated chicken pieces in one layer in the basket.

Air fry for 7 minutes at 390F or 200C on one side. Then flip carefully for even browning. 

Air fry for 4-7 minutes at 390F or 200C more depending upon the thickness of your chicken pieces till they are browned and cooked through.

Now here’s a slight variation. Generally this chicken 65 has a tempering at the end.

If you don’t want to temper chicken separately, then you can just add some green chillies and curry leaves to the chicken 65 in the last one minute of air frying time. 

It will crisp up nicely and work as a nice garnish.

Tempering

Take about 2 tsp. of vegetable oil. Heat it. Then add curry leaves and green chillies. Cook for 15 seconds.

Then toss your chicken 65 with this tempering. and serve hot.

Your delicious spicy chicken appetizer is ready.

Expert Tips

1. Do not overcrowd the air fryer to ensure that the chicken pieces cook evenly.

2. I always use a meat thermometer to check at the densest part. If the temperature is about 165F then the chicken is cooked.

3. Don’t overcook the chicken or else it will get stringy and dry.

4. Customise the spices to your taste. This recipe is spicy. Adjust cayenne and pepper as per taste. 

5. This recipe has a signature taste of curry leaves both in the marinade and in the tempering. Don’t skip that.

6. Once cooked, you can store it in the fridge for upto 2 days in an air tight container. Reheat in air fryer and serve hot. You can freeze leftover chicken 65 as well. Then reheat in the air fryer and serve.

7. You can use chicken breast too but be cautious as it tends to dry faster.

Here’s the recipe card:

📖 Recipe Card