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