If you are looking for an easy, simple, and healthy fish tikka recipe, then this Air Fryer Fish Tikka is perfect for you. This recipe is ideal for beginners, busy home cooks, and anyone who wants restaurant-style fish tikka at home with very little oil.
Fish tikka made in an air fryer turns out soft from inside, crispy from outside, and full of flavour. The best part is that there is no deep frying, no smoke, and no messy kitchen. This makes it a perfect recipe for everyday cooking as well as special occasions.
Why Make Fish Tikka in an Air Fryer?
Air fryer cooking has become very popular, and for good reasons. When you make fish tikka in an air fryer, you get taste plus health together.
Benefits of Air Fryer Cooking
- Uses very little oil
- Makes food crispy and juicy
- No deep-frying smell in the kitchen
- Easy to clean
- Perfect for fish, chicken, and vegetables
- Saves time and effort
Fish is naturally soft, so the air fryer cooks it evenly without drying it out. This is why air fryer fish tikka tastes amazing.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Fish Tikka Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Masala
Take a clean bowl and add Salt to taste, ½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, ½ tsp Cumin powder, ½ tsp coriander powder, ¼ tsp Red chilli powder, ¼ tsp Black pepper powder, ¼ tsp Turmeric powder, and ¼ tsp fish masala powder (I used Eastern fish masala powder, but you can use any brand you like. )
Now mix all the spices very well.
This step is important because mixing the spices first helps the masala coat the fish evenly later.
Step 2: Add Fish and Other Ingredients
Now add 200 grams of boneless fish pieces. (You can use any fish like basa, tilapia, pomfret, or surmai), Finely chopped coriander leaves and Juice of ½ lemon.
Gently mix everything with the spices.
⚠️ Important Tip:
Fish is very soft, so always mix gently. Do not press or over-mix; the fish pieces can break.
Step 3: Add Oil
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the marinated fish and mix gently again.
Oil helps the fish tikka become juicy and slightly crispy in the air fryer.
Step 4: Marinate the Fish
Once the fish is well coated with masala, keep it aside for 15 to 20 minutes.
Marination helps:
- Masala go deep inside the fish
- Improve taste and flavour
- Make fish more juicy
If you have more time, you can marinate for up to 30 minutes.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer at 180°C for 5 minutes.
Preheating is important because it helps the fish cook evenly and gives better texture.
Step 6: Arrange Fish in Air Fryer Basket
Grease the air fryer tray with a little oil
Place fish pieces in the basket with some gap
Do not overcrowd the basket
Apply a little oil on top using:
- Oil brush
- Oil spray bottle
- Special oil dispenser
- This step helps in even cooking.
Step 7: Air Fry the Fish
Close the air fryer.
Set the temperature to 185°C.
Set the time to 15 minutes.
After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and gently flip the fish pieces.
This helps the fish cook evenly from both sides.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once done, take out the fish tikka and serve it hot.
Your easy air fryer fish tikka is ready – soft, juicy, and full of flavour.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve air fryer fish tikka with:
- Green chutney
- Mint sauce
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh salad
- Onion rings
It also tastes great as:
- Starter
- Evening snack
- Side dish
- Healthy dinner option
Tips for Perfect Fish Tikka
- Always use boneless fish for the best results
- Do not overcook, fish cooks very fast
- Use Kashmiri chilli powder for colour without too much spice
- Always flip the fish once during cooking
- Light oil brushing gives a better texture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
# Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can make it in a pan or oven, but an air fryer gives the best healthy result.
# Which fish is best for fish tikka?
Soft boneless fish like basa, tilapia, or pomfret work best.
# Is air fryer fish tikka healthy?
Yes, it is very healthy because it uses very little oil.
# Can I store leftover fish tikka?
You can store it in the fridge for 1 day and reheat it in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
Why This Is the Best Easy Fish Tikka Recipe
- Very simple ingredients
- Easy steps
- Beginner friendly
- Healthy cooking method
- Perfect for busy days
- Restaurant-style taste at home
This easy and simple air fryer fish tikka recipe is perfect for those who want to eat healthily without compromising on taste.
Easy & Simple Air Fryer Fish Tikka Recipe (Healthy, Juicy & Crispy)
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix all the spices well.
- Add fish pieces, coriander leaves, and lemon juice.
- Mix gently so the fish does not break.
- Add oil and mix lightly.
- Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer at 180°C for 5 minutes.
- Grease the air fryer tray and place fish pieces with some gap.
- Brush or spray little oil on top.
- Air fry at 185°C for 15 minutes.
- Flip the fish after 10 minutes for even cooking.
- Serve hot with chutney or lemon wedges.
Notes
My other Recipe:
If you are trying air fryer recipes for the first time, this simple fish tikka recipe is a great place to start. It is quick, tasty, and healthy. Once you try this recipe, you will want to make it again and again.
If you liked this recipe, save it, share it, and try it at home.
Happy Cooking