Restaurant-Style Chicken 65 (Air Fryer)

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Restaurant-Style Air Fryer Chicken 65 is a must-try chicken starter in my book! It’s crispy and spicy on the outside while being delightfully succulent inside. This healthier twist on the classic Indian appetizer is irresistibly delicious – watch it gobbled up before your eyes in no time!

Chicken 65 – the story behind its name

Chicken 65, a spicy and tangy deep-fried chicken dish, is a popular appetizer or starter on most Indian restaurant menus. Introduced in 1965 by A.M. Buhari of Hotel Buhari in Chennai, India, it’s believed that this delightful dish was named as the 65th item on their menu.

However, the story behind the name of this restaurant-style chicken dish is a subject of much debate and fascination. Some argue that the name reflects the use of 65 pieces of chicken in its preparation. Others suggest that it’s named after the number of chilies used. A particularly fascinating theory is that the dish is made from 65-day-old chickens, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this popular side dish.

Regardless of how Chicken 65 got its name, one thing remains constant: its overwhelming popularity.

Reasons to love this recipe

• Healthier and just as tasty: Love the deep-fried version but not the calories? This chicken 65 recipe is a healthier alternative, thanks to the air fryer using less oil while still achieving that crave-worthy crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Quick and convenient: This dish is ready to serve in just under an hour. It’s perfect for a speedy snack or appetizer!
• Prep ahead, stress less: The marinade for this chicken 65 can be prepared in advance, making your cooking process smoother and faster.
• Versatile for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick appetizer, this Chicken 65 recipe fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser as both an appetizer and an entrée.

How to make Chicken 65

Let’s begin with discussing the ingredients –

Step by Step Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making restaurant-style chicken 65 –

1. Chop the chicken: Start by chopping the chicken thighs into 2-inch chunks. This size ensures that each piece cooks evenly and is just the right size for a satisfying bite.
2. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, freshly chopped curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, and avocado oil.
3. Marinate the chicken: Coat each piece of chicken individually in the marinade. This ensures every piece is evenly seasoned.
4. Marinating time: Let the chicken rest in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. This waiting period allows the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
5. Add rice flour: Toss the marinated chicken pieces in rice flour. This step is key for achieving that signature crispy exterior.
6. Prep your air fryer: Oil the air fryer basket well before placing the chicken. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a crispy texture.
7. Preheat the air fryer: Heat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. A preheated air fryer is essential for perfect cooking.
8. Layer the chicken in the air fryer: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You’ll likely need to cook in batches.
9. First round of cooking: Cook the chicken for 7 minutes, allowing the pieces to turn golden brown and crispy.
10. Flip and continue cooking: After the first round, flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 7 minutes.
11. Check internal temperature: Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check.
12. Serving: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken.

Finish the Chicken 65 with tempering

1. Heat the oil: Start by heating oil in a pan. Wait until it’s hot enough for tempering.
2. Sauté spices: Add garlic, curry leaves, and green chillies to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 20 seconds, just until the spices release their aroma.
3. Add cooked chicken: Place the air-fried chicken into the pan with the sautéed spices.
4. Season: Sprinkle pepper powder and chaat masala over the chicken. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
5. Remove from heat: Once everything is mixed well, remove the pan from the heat.
6. Garnish and serve: Garnish your chicken 65 with finely chopped cilantro. Serve it immediately, ideally with a side of lemon for added flavor.

Recipe notes/tips

Making Chicken 65 in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic Indian appetizer with less oil without sacrificing flavor or crispiness. Here are some tips for making air fryer Chicken 65 perfectly every time:

1. Using chicken breasts in place of chicken thighs: While chicken thighs are traditionally used for Chicken 65 due to their tenderness and flavor, you can opt for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful not to overcook them in the air fryer, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep them juicy and flavorful.
2. Be sure to cut the chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking: To ensure that all the chicken pieces cook uniformly and reach the desired level of crispiness, make sure they are cut into equal-sized chunks.
3. Marinate thoroughly: The secret to a flavorful Chicken 65 begins with the marinade. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination is ideal, allowing the spices to infuse the chicken.
4. Preheat your air fryer: Just like with traditional frying, preheating your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, sealing in the flavors and aiding in crispiness.
5. Avoid overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure there’s enough space for the air to circulate freely around each piece. This helps achieve an evenly cooked and crispy exterior.
6. Add curry leaves for enhanced flavor: Incorporate curry leaves into your marinade for that authentic Chicken 65 aroma and taste.
7. Adjust the spice level: Customize the amount of green chilies and chili powder to suit your taste for heat, making the dish as mild or as fiery as you like.
8. Finish with lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken just before serving adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the spicy flavors.

By adapting these tips for the air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of Chicken 65 that still boasts all the traditional flavors and textures you love.

Meal prep and storage instructions

When preparing chicken 65 for an event, consider these meal prep and storage tips for the best results:

• Marinate overnight: If you’re planning ahead for a gathering, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken, enhancing its taste.
• Cook on the day of serving: For the best flavor and texture, cook chicken 65 on the day of your event. This ensures the chicken is at its juiciest and most flavorful when served.
• Refrigeration notes: While you can store any leftovers in the fridge, the chicken may dry out over time. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container and consume it within a couple of days.
• Avoid freezing the marinated chicken: Freezing the marinated chicken is not recommended. Once thawed, the marinade can become watery, which can affect the texture and flavor of the chicken.

Variations

Chicken 65 is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations to spice up your Chicken 65 recipe:

1. Vegan chicken 65: Swap chicken for cauliflower or tofu. Marinate and cook using the same spices for a delicious vegan twist. Cauliflower offers a great texture, while tofu absorbs all the flavors beautifully. You can swap chicken with paneer for a vegetarian version.
2. Deep-fried chicken 65: Follow the same marination process, then deep fry the chicken in hot oil until golden and crispy using a slotted spoon. Once fried, let the chicken rest for a few minutes on a wire rack or paper towels. This helps to drain excess oil and keeps the exterior crispy.
3. Grilled chicken 65: Marinate chicken pieces as per the recipe and then grill them over medium heat. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the spicy marinade well. Serve with lemon wedges and onion slices for added zest.

Each variation maintains the essence of Chicken 65 while offering a new twist on the classic dish. Experiment with these ideas to keep your meals exciting and cater to different dietary needs or preferences.

Serve it with

Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Chicken 65 experience:

1. Lemon wedges and raw onion rings are the classic way to serve chicken 65. The acidity of lemon and the sharpness of raw onions cut through the spice, offering a refreshing contrast.
2. Raita: A cooling yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, mint, or boondi can balance the heat of chicken 65, providing a creamy texture and a soothing taste.
3. Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing can offer a crisp, refreshing side that contrasts the rich flavors of chicken 65.
4. Chicken 65 wrap: Place cooked chicken 65, sliced onions, lettuce, and a drizzle of green chutney on a tortilla or homemade chapati, roll it up, and enjoy a delicious fusion of flavors.
5. Cilantro mint chutney: A tangy and refreshing cilantro mint chutney can add a zesty flavor when paired with tamarind chutney.
6. Fried rice: When paired with a side of vegetable or egg fried rice, chicken 65 can make for a complete meal.

Other appetizer recipes that you’ll love

1. Air Fryer French Fries – These crispy vegan air-fryer French fries are so damn good that they could give the deep-fried ones a run for their money.
2. Tandoori chicken tikka – This quick and easy Tandoori chicken tikka recipe is a delicious appetizer dish that is slightly charred on the outside and succulent on the inside. Make this over the stovetop or air fry it – All it takes is about 30 minutes of cooking time!
3. Crispy Roasted Idli Fry: Turn your leftover idlis into this delicious, ghee-laden snack that doubles as breakfast. 
4. Tandoori chicken – This quick and easy Tandoori chicken recipe makes the most flavorful and authentic chicken that is crisp on the outside and succulent on the inside – just like it is supposed to be!
5. Indian Bread Roll – This crispy Air Fryer Indian Bread Roll stuffed with spicy potato filling is a delicious snack that you can savor any time of the day. 

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Restaurant-Style Air Fryer Chicken 65

Perfectly crisp and spicy on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside, this restaurant-style air-fried Chicken 65 is the ultimate South Indian appetizer or snack!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 28 minutes mins

Marination time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 3 minutes mins

• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs skinless

For coating the mesh tray (Air fryer)

For serving

• 3-4 lemon wedges
• 2 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro / coriander leaves for garnishing

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Finish the dish with tempering

• To temper, heat oil in a pan. Once hot, add garlic, curry leaves, and green chilies. Saute it for about 10-20 seconds and then add the cooked chicken.

• Sprinkle pepper powder and chaat masala over the chicken. Mix well and take it off heat.

• Garnish with finely chopped cilantro and serve immediately with a side of lemon wedges.

1. 1. Using chicken breasts in place of chicken thighs: While chicken thighs are traditionally used for Chicken 65 due to their tenderness and flavor, you can opt for chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful not to overcook them in the air fryer, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep them juicy and flavorful.
   2. Be sure to cut the chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking: To ensure that all the chicken pieces cook uniformly and reach the desired level of crispiness, make sure they are cut into equal-sized chunks.
   3. Marinate thoroughly: The secret to a flavorful Chicken 65 begins with the marinade. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination is ideal, allowing the spices to infuse the chicken.
   4. Preheat your air fryer: Just like with traditional frying, preheating your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C) ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, sealing in the flavors and aiding in crispiness.
   5. Avoid overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure there’s enough space for the air to circulate freely around each piece. This helps achieve an evenly cooked and crispy exterior.
   6. Add curry leaves for enhanced flavor: Incorporate curry leaves into your marinade for that authentic Chicken 65 aroma and taste.
   7. Adjust the spice level: Customize the amount of green chilies and chili powder to suit your taste for heat, making the dish as mild or as fiery as you like.
   8. Finish with lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken just before serving adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the spicy flavors.

1. By adapting these tips for the air fryer, you can enjoy a healthier version of Chicken 65 that still boasts all the traditional flavors and textures you love.

For helpful information on ingredient swaps, storage tips, meal prep ideas, and variations!

Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.

Calories: 516kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 32gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 1132mgPotassium: 502mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1464IUVitamin C: 82mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 2mg

Diet: Gluten-free

Course: Accompaniment

Method: Air fryer, Baking

Keywords: spicy, Tangy

Cuisine: Indian

Please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to rate!

Recipe inspiration

We ordered Chicken 65 a few months ago from our favorite Indian takeout restaurant, and since then, we have been hooked. The spicy and crispy chicken appetizer with a hint of tanginess tasted so good that it would disappear in seconds.

When we started portioning out the dish before serving to ensure everyone got their fair share, I knew it was time to learn how to make it at home.

I was determined to avoid deep-frying for health reasons and to reduce oil waste. So, I took it upon myself to create a healthier, air-fried chicken 65 recipe that we could enjoy guilt-free, and now you can, too.

Perfecting the recipe was a mix of trials and triumphs. The real game-changer came when I stumbled upon chef Ranveer Brar’s recipe, which suggested adding chopped curry leaves to the marinade. That little adjustment elevated my Chicken 65 from good to absolutely extraordinary!

This post was first published on November 17, 2020, and was updated with text and pictures on Feb 1st, 2024.