Get ready to experience the iconic flavors of Butter Chicken in a whole new, irresistible way! These Air Fryer Butter Chicken Skewers bring that perfectly sweet and buttery magic to the table with a finger-licking glaze and a deeply nostalgic smoky char. It's a hearty, 30-minute meal that's just as fun to make as it is to eat, with lots of ways to serve.
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If you asked my family what they wanted for dinner every night, the answer would unanimously be Butter Chicken curry. To capture those iconic spices and smoky flavors in a fresh way, I started experimenting with Butter Chicken Skewers. What began as a fun appetizer for a weekend get-together didn't stay 'just an app' for long - the moment we tasted that concentrated, charred flavor, we knew they belonged at the center of the dinner table.
Between the irresistible charred edges from the air fryer and that deep, nostalgic smoky aroma from the Dhungar method, my family was asking for them for dinner before the party was even over! Now, they're our favorite weeknight shortcut - ready in under 30 minutes with just 10 minutes of active air frying.
Served over fluffy turmeric quinoa rice, wrapped in flaky parathas, or topped on our favorite Naan Pizza, these skewers are a total dinner win. For a lighter lunch, serve them with a zesty salad they bring all the sweet and buttery comfort of the classic dish in a fun, charred bite that never gets old. And of course, its been a great addition to my list of crowd-pleasing Indian appetizers especially when served with the classic cilantro mint chutney
Ingredient Notes & Pro-Tips
- Chicken Tenders or Thighs: I love using chicken tenders for their lean, uniform shape, but boneless skinless thighs are great if you prefer a juicier bite. Just make sure to cut your chicken into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces so the marinade coats every side and the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
- Greek Yogurt & Heavy Cream: This duo is what gives the recipe its signature "Butter Chicken" richness. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer, while the cream adds that velvety mouthfeel. You can also use cashew cream in place of the heavy cream.
- Honey & Tomato Paste: This is where that sweet and buttery profile comes from. The tomato paste provides a deep, savory base, while the honey balances the acidity and helps the chicken caramelize and char beautifully with the heat.
- Kasoori Methi (Dried Fenugreek): If you want that "restaurant-like flavors" in your kitchen, do not skip this! It adds a nutty, maple-like aroma that defines Indian cooking. Pro-tip: Crush the leaves between your palms before adding them to the marinade for deeper aroma and flavor.
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: This gives the skewers a vibrant red hue without artificial coloring. It offers a very mild heat, making it perfect for kids.
How to Make Butter Chicken Skewers
Meal Prep, Freezing & Reheating
These skewers are perfect for meal prepping.
- Refrigerator: Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for the deepest flavor.
- Freezer: You can thread the skewers and freeze them raw in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw them completely in the fridge before air frying.
- Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To keep them juicy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. If using a microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to lock in the moisture.
While we love traditional Butter Chicken with naan or basmati rice, these skewers open up a whole new world of 'fun dinner' possibilities. On busy weeknights, I can have these marinated and air-fried in just 10 minutes using the precision and speed of my Cosori Iconic air fryer. If I'm feeding a crowd, I simply double the batch and slide them into the oven!
I truly can't wait for you to try these and hear your thoughts. I'm looking forward to your feedback and seeing how you choose to serve them!
★ Tried this recipe? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and let me know, or snap a quick pic and upload it-I love seeing your creations. If you're on Instagram, tag @ministry_of_curry so I can check it out. Your feedback means so much to me and makes all the time I spend perfecting each recipe totally worth it. Thank you!
Recipe
Butter Chicken Skewers
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders or thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces
Marinade
- 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- ½ teaspoon minced green chili
- 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 Kashmiri red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) crushed
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
Baste & Garnish
- 2 tablespoon butter melted
- 2 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Add chicken pieces and toss until well-coated. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes or refrigerate overnight if meal prepping.
Optional Dhungar Step
- Make a small "well" in the center of the marinated chicken bowl and place a small heat-proof bowl or a piece of aluminum foil (shaped like a cup) on top of the chicken.
- Using tongs, hold a piece of charcoal over a gas flame until it is red-hot and glowing.
- Place the hot coal into the foil cup.
- Pour 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil directly onto the coal. It will start smoking immediately.
- Quickly cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or heavy foil to trap the smoke. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Thread the chicken onto four 8-inch metal or soaked wooden skewers. Leave a tiny bit of space between pieces to ensure the air circulates for even browning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Arrange the skewers in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through if you'd like. Note: For extra char marks, air fry for an additional 2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook so the chicken stays juicy. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Immediately brush the hot skewers with the melted butter and cilantro mixture.
Notes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place a wire rack over a large baking sheet (this allows the heat to circulate just like an air fryer). Arrange the skewers in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes until the edges are beautifully charred. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Prea says
So delicious! Great recipe, easy to follow
Prea says
So delicious, great recipe easy to follow
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you! So glad you tried it.
Megha Jadhav says
Such a flavorful and easy recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or to impress your guests. My family loved it
Archana Mundhe says
Thank you Megha!
Randy Snakenberg III says
Awesome recipe! My 3 year old daughter even loved it! Next time I make it I will make extra and freeze it for a quick and easy weeknight meal!
Andree says
The recipe calls for 1 Kashmiri red chili powder. Is it 1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon?
Thank you!
Archana Mundhe says
1 teaspoon for 1 pound of chicken. This recipe makes mildly spices butter chicken using Kashmiri red chili powder. You can always add more if you like it spicy.