1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Crispy Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy. Flip halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
4. Make the Butter Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Once the chicken is crispy and cooked, transfer it to the skillet with the butter sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot over rice or with naan bread for a complete meal.
6. Enjoy:
- Enjoy your crispy butter chicken with your favorite side dishes!
Tips for Success:
- Marination: Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.
- Crispiness: For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
- Butter Sauce: Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes.
Conclusion: Crispy Butter Chicken is a delightful fusion of rich, creamy butter chicken and crispy, golden chicken pieces. This recipe offers a deliciously satisfying texture and flavor that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its easy preparation and impressive results, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!