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.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Marination Time 4

Total Time 4 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Indian

Servings

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

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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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