Tandoori Chicken 🍗

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Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken (Indian Smoky Masala Chicken)

Use bone-in chicken for extra juiciness. Drumsticks and thighs give better results than breasts.Marination time matters. If you’re short on time, at least 2 hours is necessary, but overnight gives the deepest flavor.

Add smoke at the end for authentic taste: Heat a piece of charcoal until red-hot, place it in a small bowl inside the chicken dish, drizzle a few drops of oil, cover with a lid for 2 minutes, then remove. The smoky flavor will mimic the clay tandoor.Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed for crispier edges.


Nutrition Per Piece :

🍽️
Calories
280 kcal
🥩
Protein
32 g
🥑
Fat
14 g
🌾
Carbs
6 g

Tandoori Chicken 🍗

Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is a healthier take on the classic Indian dish, bursting with smoky flavors and aromatic spices. Marinated in yogurt and tandoori masala, then air-fried to perfection, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a slightly charred exterior—perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings without the hassle of a traditional tandoor.
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken – a smoky, spicy, and juicy Indian chicken recipe made with yogurt and aromatic spices. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s healthier than restaurant-style tandoori and packed with authentic flavors!

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marination Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g chicken legs or thighs bone-in preferred
  • 200 g plain Greek yogurt hung curd works best
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder for color
  • 1 tsp hot red chili powder for spice, optional
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp tandoori masala optional but enhances flavor
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika optional, for smoky flavor
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • Onion rings and lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, mustard oil, and salt. Mix until you have a smooth marinade.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Make small cuts on the chicken pieces to help the marinade seep in. Add chicken to the bowl and coat each piece generously. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
  • Cook the Chicken: Place marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is charred at the edges and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).
  • Serve Hot: Garnish with lemon wedges, cilantro, and onion rings. Sprinkle with chaat masala for extra zing.

Notes

🔹️Use bone-in chicken for extra juiciness. Drumsticks and thighs give better results than breasts.
 
🔹️Marination time matters. If you’re short on time, at least 2 hours is necessary, but overnight gives the deepest flavor.
 
🔹️Add smoke at the end for authentic taste: Heat a piece of charcoal until red-hot, place it in a small bowl inside the chicken dish, drizzle a few drops of oil, cover with a lid for 2 minutes, then remove. The smoky flavor will mimic the clay tandoor.
 
🔹️Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed for crispier edges.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal
Keyword Chicken
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Serving Ideas

Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it straight off the fryer with onion rings and mint chutney, wrap it in naan with salad for a quick roll, or even shred the chicken to use in salads, tacos, or rice bowls. It also makes a fantastic party appetizer because the air fryer lets you cook big batches quickly.

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