Air-Frying Chicken 65: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Chicken 65 is a popular South Indian dish that is usually deep-fried. However, this recipe is for an air-fried version, which is healthier and uses less oil while still achieving a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. The chicken is marinated in a spice mix and then coated in rice flour before being air-fried. The dish gets its name from the year it was invented – 1965 – by A.M. Buhari of Hotel Buhari in Chennai, India. It is believed to have been the 65th item on their menu.

Choosing your chicken: Boneless chicken thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts are leaner

Chicken 65 is a spicy and tangy South Indian dish, usually deep-fried, but can be cooked in an air fryer for a healthier option. It is believed that the dish was introduced in 1965 by A.M. Buhari of Hotel Buhari in Chennai, India, and was named after the 65th item on their menu.

When it comes to choosing your chicken, you can opt for either boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Here are the key differences between the two:

Boneless Chicken Thighs:

• Juicier and more flavourful due to higher fat content.
• Stay moist and work perfectly for this preparation.
• Cut into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• May need to adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking if using an air fryer.

Chicken Breasts:

• Leaner option with less fat.
• Need to be marinated for a minimum of 4-6 hours to prevent drying out and becoming chewy.
• Cut into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Can be used if you prefer a lighter colour as chicken breast is white meat.

Both options will work well for Chicken 65, but the key is to ensure the chicken is cut into evenly sized pieces and is not overcooked. The marinade also plays an important role in keeping the chicken moist and flavourful, so be sure to follow the recipe instructions for the best results.

Marinating the chicken: For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 24 hours

For the best results, it is recommended that you marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 24 hours. This waiting period allows the flavours to infuse the chicken. However, one source suggests that you can marinate the chicken for up to 48 hours before cooking.

To prepare the chicken for marination, cut the chicken into 2-inch or bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is a satisfying bite-sized appetizer.

To make the marinade, combine the following ingredients in a large bowl: yogurt, freshly chopped curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste, cumin powder, Kashmiri chilli powder or red chilli powder, ground black pepper, salt, and oil. You can also add in chopped green chillies, lemon juice, and garam masala. Mix the ingredients well.

Next, coat each piece of chicken individually in the marinade to ensure that every piece is evenly seasoned. After marinating for the recommended time, add rice flour to the chicken and mix well. The rice flour will help create a crispy exterior when fried.

You can also add cornstarch and all-purpose flour to the marinated chicken to form a thick crunchy coating. This is an optional step, but it will give your chicken a nice thick coating.

Preparing the air fryer: Preheat to 200°C/400°F and lightly brush the basket with oil

Preparing the air fryer is a crucial step in making delicious Chicken 65. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a temperature of 200°C/400°F. This step is essential as it ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately once placed inside the air fryer, sealing in the flavours and aiding in achieving that desirable crispiness. Depending on your air fryer model, the preheating time may vary, so refer to your appliance's instructions.

Secondly, lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil. This step is crucial as it prevents the chicken from sticking to the basket and ensures a crispy texture. Use a pastry brush or a cooking oil sprayer to lightly and evenly coat the basket with your preferred cooking oil. Avoid using commercial spray oils as they may contain preservatives that can damage the air fryer basket over time.

By following these steps, you'll create the ideal environment for cooking Chicken 65, ensuring even cooking, optimal crispiness, and preventing any unwanted sticking. Now, you're all set to cook your delicious Chicken 65!

Cooking the chicken: Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 14-20 minutes, turning halfway through

When it comes to cooking the chicken, it's important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, brush the basket with oil to prevent sticking. Then, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and set the air fryer to 200°C/400°F.

For the first round of cooking, fry the chicken for 7 minutes, allowing the pieces to turn golden brown and crispy. After this, flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 14 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.

It's important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tempering: Heat oil in a pan, add aromatics, then toss the cooked chicken in the tempering

Tempering is a process that infuses flavour into the oil used for cooking. In the case of Chicken 65, tempering involves heating oil in a pan, adding aromatics like garlic, curry leaves, and green chillies, and then tossing the cooked chicken in this mixture. This step adds an extra punch of flavour to the dish and is what makes Chicken 65 so special.

Step 1: Heat Oil in a Pan

Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. You can use avocado oil or any other high smoke point oil like coconut oil or vegetable oil.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once the oil is hot, add the aromatics to the pan. For Chicken 65, the key aromatics are garlic, curry leaves, and green chillies. You can also add spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns to the hot oil. Sauté the aromatics for about 20-30 seconds until they release their aroma.

Step 3: Toss the Cooked Chicken in the Tempering

Once the aromatics have infused their flavour into the oil, it's time to add the cooked chicken to the pan. Toss the chicken in the tempering until it is evenly coated. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice at this stage for a tangy touch.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Chicken 65 is best served immediately while it is still hot and crispy. You can garnish it with finely chopped cilantro or coriander leaves and serve it with lemon or lime wedges and raw onion rings on the side.

Tempering is an essential step in the preparation of Chicken 65 as it enhances the flavour and aroma of the dish. It is what gives Chicken 65 its signature taste and makes it a favourite among food lovers!

Frequently asked questions