Mother’s Day Special Recipe: Crispy Chicken 65 in Air Fryer

From the day you took your first breath, you were showered with unconditional love in the form of a mother's love. For this Mother’s Day, you can show your appreciation by preparing a wholesome, heart-rendering meal.

For too long, the popular narrative has indicated that food can't be delicious if it is nutritious and vice versa. What if we told you that you could make a healthy version of Chicken 65 for your mothers and indulge as much as you’d like without deep frying or excess oil?  That does sound like a stretch, but we introduce you to the magical air fryer.

Today, we are going to show you how to make Crispy Chicken 65 in an air fryer. And believe us, this will change your perspective on healthy snacking. 

Let’s see how you can make this time-honored meal simpler, healthier, and equally as appetizing  all in your home kitchen.

What Is Chicken 65?

Credits: Freepik

Chicken 65 is one of those ancient meals that takes you right back to the most beautiful times. One of the most cherished classic South Indian starters, this red hot dish includes cubical portions of chicken which is braised in spices, deep fried till crispy, and then seasoned with garlic, green chilies as well as curry leaves.

 The meaning of "65" numerals has always been controversial; some say it claims to be the 65th item on the menu at a hotel in Chennai, while others say it refers to the year it was invented.

 Regardless of its origins, one thing’s clear: Chicken 65 is flavor-packed and here to stay.

But what’s not so great? The deep frying. Traditional Chicken 65 is drenched in oil, not ideal if you’re trying to eat lighter, cleaner, or are watching your cholesterol.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Chicken 65?

Let’s bust a common myth: air fryers don’t “fry” your food. Instead, they use rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and give it that crispy texture, minus the mess and oil splatter. Here’s why switching to an air fryer is a game-changer, especially for Chicken 65:

1. Healthier Cooking: You reduce oil usage by up to 85%. Less oil means fewer calories and less guilt.
2. Easy Clean-Up: No greasy pans, no oil smell lingering for hours. Your kitchen stays clean and fresh.
3. Quick & Efficient: Most air fryers preheat in minutes, and the cooking time is significantly faster than conventional ovens.
4. No Compromise on Taste: You still get the juicy inside and crispy outside that makes Chicken 65 irresistible.

Ingredients

Credits: Freepik

For Marination:

• 500 grams boneless chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons thick yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder (adjust as per spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon rice flour or corn flour (for crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For Final Toss:

• 1 teaspoon oil (optional, for sautéing)
• 1 sprig of curry leaves
• 2 to 3 slit green chilies
• 4 to 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Step-by-Step Recipe

Marinate the Chicken

Take your boneless chicken in a mixing bowl. Add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, lemon juice, garam masala, rice flour, and salt. Mix well until all pieces are coated evenly. Let this rest for at least 30 minutes. If you can marinate it for 2–3 hours or overnight in the fridge, even better!

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 180°C (around 350°F) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes.

Arrange the Chicken

Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with a little oil spray or brush. Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Air Fry the Chicken

Credits: Glen India

Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. After that, open the fryer, flip the pieces, and cook for another 7–8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust the time slightly.

Do the Classic Toss (Optional but Recommended) 

Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan. Add chopped garlic, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until aromatic. Toss your air-fried chicken in this mix for that authentic Chicken 65 flavor burst. This step takes it from great to unforgettable!

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Chicken 65

• Don’t skip marination. It locks in moisture and gives that deep flavor punch.
• Use thick yogurt to prevent the marinade from becoming watery.
• Flour matters. A little rice or corn flour adds that extra crisp texture without deep frying.
• Avoid crowding. If you’re making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.
• Spice it your way. Dial down the chili if you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

Why This Version Works for Everyone?

There's a reason this Chicken 65 recipe fits seamlessly into modern life. The recipe comes together in a matter of minutes, contains a minimal amount of oil, abundant protein, and delights the palate. Be it for managing your weight, finding a wholesome option post-workout, or preparing something delicious yet nutritious for your kids, this recipe is bound to satisfy every need.

This recipe is adaptable to its core. Whether it's used as an appetizer for fancy dinners, an evening snack high in protein, or even stuffed into wraps for lunch, this recipe will have you coming back time and time again.

Making It a Family Favorite

Credits: Canva

 Chicken 65 doesn’t have to be reserved for weekend cheat days anymore. With this air fryer version, it becomes weeknight-appropriate. It’s not just healthy, but also the kid approved and the husband tested .

Want to add a twist? Try these variations:

• Toss with a little honey and chili flakes for a sweet-spicy glaze.
• Add chopped onions and capsicum for a Chicken 65 stir fry.
• Serve it over a salad for a fusion, protein-packed meal.
  
  

Let’s Talk About Lifestyle Choices

Given how quickly life moves now, cooking elaborate meals is out of the question. But an air fryer isn’t just a gadget; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. When preparing dishes such as Chicken 65, air fryers become appliances that no other device can match. Air frying chicken is not simply cooking; it is a gentle reimagining of classic comfort foods in a manner that is deeply health conscious.

For delicious recipes such as Chicken 65, the process might surprise you with how simple it is. Just imagine the sensation of biting into that spicy, crispy chicken, and knowing that it was prepared using almost no oil at all. That’s the real deal.

Conclusion

If you've always loved Chicken 65 but hesitated because of its oily, greasy reputation, it’s time to put those fears to rest. The air fryer version brings everything you love: crunch, spice, and satisfaction without the baggage. 

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a bunch of hungry guests, this recipe delivers every single time.

And when it comes to air fryers that combine performance with sleek kitchen aesthetics, Glen India’s range of smart air fryers makes the perfect companion to your modern kitchen. Because healthier eating starts with smarter choices and smarter appliances.