Air Fryer Yogurt Marinated Chicken

5 from 1 vote

This air fryer yogurt marinated chicken recipe is your ticket to a remarkably tender and flavorful chicken dinner. With a marinade that uses the natural tang of yogurt to infuse the chicken with rich flavor, and an air fryer to cook it to crispy perfection, this recipe is both simple and transformative.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Marinating6

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Indian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Servings: people

Calories: 269kcal

Author: Val

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.

Nutrition