In this air fryer yogurt marinated chicken recipe, we're taking the classic flavors of marinated chicken to new heights, quite literally.
Picture this: succulent, tender chicken infused with a tangy yogurt marinade, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer. It's a world apart from the traditional oven-baked or skillet-fried variations.
Why do I prefer this method? The air fryer ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, achieves a delightful crispy exterior, and retains its juicy interior—all without the excessive oil used in frying.
It’s a simple and healthier approach to a beloved dish, promising flavor, and texture that are sure to captivate your taste buds from the first bite.
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Video Tutorial
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt can also be used)
- 2 teaspoons dried garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Juice of a quarter lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Container or bowl for marinating
- Fork
- Whisk
- Sieve
- Measuring spoon
- Serving dish
Steps
1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start with a clean canvas: rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
To enhance tenderness, grab a fork and gently poke the chicken in several places. This simple trick helps the marinade penetrate deeper, promising a flavorful and juicy result.
2. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together the natural yogurt, dried garlic, dried basil, dried marjoram, sweet paprika, and the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon.
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This is where the magic begins—the marinade is the secret behind this dish’s irresistible flavor.
3. Marinate the Chicken
Immerse the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken take a flavorful nap in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
For a truly transformative taste experience, I recommend letting it marinate for 5-6 hours, or better yet, overnight.
4. Prep Your Air Fryer
Time to get cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). My go-to is the Instant Vortex Plus XL, which boasts an excellent non-stick coating.
But if your air fryer tends to hold onto food, lightly coat the bottom of the basket with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
5. Air Fry the Chicken
Nestle the marinated chicken breasts into the air fryer basket and cook for about 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 75°C (167°F).
For that evenly golden and crisp texture, flip the chicken breasts at the halfway point.
6. Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is beautifully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few moments—patience is key. For a burst of color and fresh flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
Now, all that's left is to serve this masterpiece alongside your favorite side dish or sauce.
Tips for Adjusting Cooking Time and Temperature
- Air fryer models may vary in power and performance, so it's essential to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. For air fryer models that tend to go hotter, it's advisable to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking the chicken.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, increasing the cooking temperature by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit and reducing the cooking time slightly can help achieve that desired texture.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking and make adjustments as needed. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 75°C (167°F) for fully cooked chicken.
Serving Recommendations
- Serve the air fryer yogurt marinated chicken alongside a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a light and balanced meal.
- Pair the chicken with fluffy quinoa or seasoned rice for a heartier option.
- For a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast, serve the chicken with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of roasted vegetables.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Alternative Proteins: This yogurt marinade isn't just for chicken. Try it with turkey, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin. The yogurt helps to tenderize and flavor these proteins just as wonderfully.
- Non-dairy Options: If you're avoiding dairy, coconut milk or a non-dairy yogurt alternative can be a great substitute. You’ll still achieve a nice tenderizing effect and a unique flavor profile.
- Different Herbs and Spices: While I love the classic combination of garlic, paprika, and a touch of cayenne, feel free to explore. Think rosemary, thyme, turmeric, or a zesty za'atar blend. The yogurt base is a blank canvas for flavor.
- Add Citrus: For an extra tangy kick, add the zest and juice of a lemon or lime to the marinade. It complements the yogurt’s acidity and brightens the entire dish.
- Spice Level Adjustments: Not a fan of heat? Skip the cayenne. If you love a good kick, add more or try a dash of hot sauce in the marinade.
- Low-fat Option: If you're watching your fat intake, low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt works beautifully in this recipe. You’ll still get that wonderful tang and tenderizing effect.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze leftovers for later, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
The frozen chicken should last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the chicken in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the right yogurt: Opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt. Greek yogurt works wonderfully due to its thick consistency, which clings to the chicken, ensuring a rich flavor.
- Marinate for time: Aim for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. The longer you marinate, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. This ensures that hot air circulates evenly, giving your chicken that desired crispiness.
Air Fryer Yogurt Marinated Chicken FAQs
Yogurt acts as a tenderizer. The acidity helps to break down the protein in the chicken, resulting in meat that is tender, moist, and absorbs flavors beautifully.
No, there is no need to rinse off the yogurt marinade. It helps to form the delightful crust on the chicken as it cooks in the air fryer.
Absolutely! Yogurt is a fantastic alternative to buttermilk. It is equally effective at tenderizing the chicken while imparting a rich, tangy flavor.
Yes, Greek yogurt is excellent for marinating due to its thick consistency. It adheres well to the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply.
In this air fryer yogurt marinated chicken recipe, we've unlocked the secret to a perfectly cooked, irresistibly flavorful chicken dish. This method champions health without compromising on taste or texture, offering a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Whether you’re new to the air fryer or an experienced user, this recipe is a delightful addition to your repertoire. Explore our blog for more air fryer recipes that are equally impressive and easy to master.
And if you’ve tried making this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below sharing your experience.
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Recipe
Air Fryer Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Container or bowl for marinating
- Fork
- Whisk
- Sieve
- Measuring spoon
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoon dried garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- juice of a quarter lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish optional
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Breasts
- Start with a clean canvas: rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- To enhance tenderness, grab a fork and gently poke the chicken in several places. This simple trick helps the marinade penetrate deeper, promising a flavorful and juicy result.
Make the Marinade
- In a large bowl, whisk together the natural yogurt, dried garlic, dried basil, dried marjoram, sweet paprika, and the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This is where the magic begins—the marinade is the secret behind this dish’s irresistible flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
- Immerse the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken take a flavorful nap in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- For a truly transformative taste experience, I recommend letting it marinate for 5-6 hours, or better yet, overnight.
Prep Your Air Fryer
- Time to get cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). My go-to is the Instant Vortex Plus XL, which boasts an excellent non-stick coating.
- But if your air fryer tends to hold onto food, lightly coat the bottom of the basket with vegetable oil or cooking spray.
Air Fry the Chicken
- Nestle the marinated chicken breasts into the air fryer basket and cook for about 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 75°C (167°F).
- Nestle the marinated chicken breasts into the air fryer basket and cook for about 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches a safe 75°C (167°F).
- For that evenly golden and crisp texture, flip the chicken breasts at the halfway point.
Finish and Serve
- Once the chicken is beautifully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few moments—patience is key. For a burst of color and fresh flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- Now, all that's left is to serve this masterpiece alongside your favorite side dish or sauce.
Notes
- Air fryer models may vary in power and performance, so it's essential to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. For air fryer models that tend to go hotter, it's advisable to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking the chicken.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, increasing the cooking temperature by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit and reducing the cooking time slightly can help achieve that desired texture.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking and make adjustments as needed. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 75°C (167°F) for fully cooked chicken.
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