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Tandoori Chicken in the Air Fryer


  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy restaurant-style Tandoori Chicken at home with this easy air fryer recipe! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly charred, it’s a quick and healthy alternative to traditional tandoor cooking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Sliced onions and lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Make small cuts on the chicken pieces to help the marinade penetrate. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring all sides are covered.
  3. Rest the Chicken: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for deeper flavor.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.
  5. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket and place the marinated chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
  6. Cook the Chicken: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a slight char on the edges.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sliced onions and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Boneless Chicken: Use boneless chicken thighs for a quicker cook time and easier eating.
  • Spicy Version: Add extra Kashmiri red chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Replace yogurt with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
  • Smoky Flavor: After cooking, place a piece of hot charcoal in a bowl inside the air fryer, drizzle with oil, and cover for a few minutes to infuse a smoky aroma.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: air fryer
  • Cuisine: italian

Keywords: Tandoori Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken, Indian Chicken Recipe, Healthy Tandoori, Easy Tandoori Chicken