Cilantro Lime Air Fryer Chicken (Printer-Friendly Version)
Tangy cilantro and lime brighten juicy chicken skewers, air fried for deliciously tender, hassle-free results.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Chicken
01 -
600 g chicken tenderloins, boneless and skinless, cut into evenly sized pieces
→ Marinade
02 -
100 g plain Greek yogurt (2% or higher fat, unsweetened)
03 -
1 large handful fresh cilantro, washed and roughly chopped (about 20 g)
04 -
1 medium jalapeño, deseeded and coarsely chopped
05 -
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
06 -
Juice of 1/2 lime (about 15 ml), freshly squeezed
07 -
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
08 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 -
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
→ Optional for Basting (For Oven or Grill Method)
10 -
15 g unsalted butter, melted
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a food processor or blender, combine Greek yogurt, cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
02 -
Place chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl. Pour approximately half of the sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce in two separate small bowls for basting and serving.
03 -
Thread coated chicken pieces tightly onto wooden or metal skewers without leaving gaps between pieces to prevent drying.
04 -
Place prepared skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set air fryer to 200°C and cook for 4 minutes. Flip skewers, baste with one reserved portion of sauce using a clean brush, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Wash brush to avoid cross-contamination, then flip and baste with the remaining clean sauce. Air fry for another 1–2 minutes, or until chicken is golden and internal temperature reaches 74°C.
05 -
Drizzle finished skewers with any remaining sauce before serving for extra flavor.
06 -
Preheat oven to 230°C. Arrange skewers on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 7 minutes, flip, baste with melted butter, and bake for another 7 minutes. Switch oven to grill/broil setting and cook an additional 2 minutes, basting with cilantro lime sauce before serving.
07 -
Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers directly over heat, turning and basting with melted butter every 5–6 minutes, until fully cooked and nicely charred. Finish with a final baste of reserved cilantro lime sauce before serving.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
Tightly threading chicken ensures even cooking and prevents the meat from drying out.
02 -
Always use separate bowls and brushes for basting raw and cooked poultry to maintain food safety.
03 -
Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes prior to use to prevent burning.