Air Fryer Spiced Chicken with Herbed Yogurt Rice & Avocado

Air Fryer Spiced Chicken with Herbed Yogurt Rice & Avocado

What you’re making

Crispy, deeply seasoned air-fried chicken served over fluffy rice mixed with a creamy herb yogurt sauce, finished with avocado, cherry tomatoes, feta, lime, and a spicy oil drizzle.

---

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Air Fryer Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1½ tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (adjust heat)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

---

Herbed Yogurt Sauce (for rice)

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

• Salt & pepper to taste

---

Rice

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice

• 2 cups water or chicken broth

• Pinch of salt

---

Toppings

• ½ ripe avocado, sliced

• Handful cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

• Lime slices

• Fresh mint leaves

• Crushed red pepper flakes

---

Optional Chili Oil Drizzle

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp chili flakes

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.

2. Add rice, water (or broth), and salt to a pot.

3. Bring to a boil, cover, lower heat, and simmer 12–15 minutes.

4. Turn off heat and let steam 5 minutes.

5. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

---

2. Make the Herbed Yogurt Sauce

In a bowl, mix:

• Greek yogurt

• Garlic

• Lemon/lime juice

• Olive oil

• Parsley/cilantro

• Mint

• Salt & pepper

Set aside. This sauce should be fresh, tangy, and herby.

---

3. Season the Chicken

Pat chicken dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil and all spices.
Coat chicken thoroughly — every edge should be covered.

---

4. Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

2. Place chicken in basket (don’t overcrowd).

3. Air fry 10 minutes, flip, then cook 6–8 more minutes until:

   • Deeply browned

   • Internal temp reaches 165°F / 74°C

4. Rest 5 minutes before serving (keeps it juicy).

🔥 That dark crust you see in the photo = flavor payoff.

---

5. Mix the Rice

Gently fold half of the yogurt sauce into the warm rice.
Taste and adjust salt.

---

6. Optional Chili Oil

Warm olive oil and chili flakes in a small pan for 30–60 seconds.
Remove from heat and stir in smoked paprika.

---

Assemble the Plate

1. Spoon yogurt rice onto a plate.

2. Top with air-fried chicken.

3. Add avocado slices and cherry tomatoes.

4. Sprinkle feta generously.

5. Drizzle chili oil around the plate.

6. Finish with mint, crushed red pepper, and a squeeze of lime.

---

Pro Tips

• Chicken thighs = juicier, more char

• Want extra crisp? Spray chicken lightly with oil before air frying

• Make it low-carb: swap rice for cauliflower rice

• Meal prep friendly — keeps well 3–4 days