This Air Fryer Chicken 65 recipe is an easy and delicious adaptation of the Indian restaurant favorite and is much healthier than the original deep-fried version. Chicken 65 is a boldly spiced appetizer of bite-sized chicken that’s crispy on the outside and tender inside If you wish to fry the chicken, I give you instructions to deep fry too.
In a small bowl, stir together chili powder, paprika, turmeric, salt, cumin powder, black pepper, garam masala, fennel powder, ginger, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, cilantro, and curry leaves to make a paste.
Marinate the chicken pieces with the spice mix.
Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or at least 30 minutes. Overnight marination will add even more flavor.
Batter
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
Thoroughly coat the chicken with the egg white.
Mix together rice flour, cornstarch and baking powder and sprinkle on the chicken.
Stir to coat the chicken thoroughly with the flour. You might need to use your hands.
Air fry Option (See Note!)
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes.
Coat the floured chicken with oil either by spraying or using your hands.
Oil the air fryer basket and place the chicken pieces in the basket without overcrowding.
Working in batches, air fry the chicken for 13 minutes, turning the chicken after 8 minutes. **
Deep fry Option
Heat the oil to 325 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Fry the chicken pieces in batches, being sure not crowd the oil.
Deep fry until golden and crisp.
Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Bake in Oven Option
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place chicken on baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes or till cooked through, turning once.
Tempering
Heat oil in a large frying pan.
Add cumin seeds and curry leaves and sauté till the curry leaves are crispy but not burnt.
Stir in ginger, garlic, chili powder, pepper, salt and fry till fragrant, without burning the spices.
Add water and ketchup.
Heat through till slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
Add the chicken and stir to coat or serve as a sauce on the side.
Video
Notes
Note: Every air fryer's cooking time will vary due to wattage, capacity, and other factors. Always check on the food 2 to 3 minutes before the time is up to make sure it's not burning or overcooking!
* Chicken 65 is traditionally a spicy recipe but as written, this recipe is not too spicy. To make it spicier, replace the paprika with chili powder and/or add a sliced chilis (serrano or jalapeno) to the tempering.
** Cooking time can vary based on the air fryer model. At the 11-minute mark, check the chicken to make sure it isn't burning or overcooking.