Hi there! Ready to make some delicious Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken? This is a super easy recipe for home cooks that brings a blast of flavor right to your plate. Today, we're going to make it at home using an air fryer, which means less oil and all the yummy spices!
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is perfect for any day of the year, but it’s really special during big celebrations or holidays like Diwali. People love to gather around and enjoy this spicy, juicy chicken with family and friends. It’s a great dish to make when you want something special but easy.
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Ingredients
Let's dive into the ingredients for our Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken recipe and explore some tips, substitutions, and their nutritional benefits!
- Chicken drumsticks: a great source of protein that helps in muscle growth and repair. If drumsticks aren't your thing or you just want something a bit meatier, chicken thighs are an excellent alternative.
- Plain yogurt: the marinade helps to tenderize the chicken. It’s also a great source of probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. A dairy-free yogurt is an alternative.
- Tandoori paste: an essential component, imparts a deep, complex flavor profile. It’s readily available in stores, but a homemade blend of spices can also substitute.
- Garlic: you can use fresh cloves or garlic paste for a pungent kick or use garlic powder for a quicker, milder option.
- Ginger: adds a warm, spicy undertone to the dish. If fresh ginger is too strong or hard to find, ginger paste or even dried ginger can work in a pinch.
- Garam masala: a blend of spices including cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, coriander, and cardamom, adds warmth and depth to the dish. No garam masala? Try a combination of cumin, clove, and cinnamon as a makeshift mix.
- Red chili powder or paprika: brings heat and vibrant color to our tandoori chicken. It contains capsaicin, which is good for boosting metabolism. If you're sensitive to spice, consider reducing the amount or using paprika for a milder heat.
- Cumin powder: adds an earthy note and is good for digestion.
- Turmeric powder: turmeric is a superfood known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is what gives the marinade a lovely golden hue.
- Lemon juice: not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds a zesty, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the spices. It's high in vitamin C, which is great for your immune system.
- Salt and black pepper
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Just in a few steps, you will have a crispy and juicy tandoori chicken!
- In a small mixer or food processor, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, red chili powder (or paprika), tandoori paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, salt and black pepper. Blend it all together until it’s smooth.
- For each drumstick, dry it with a paper towel and pull the skin down from the thickest part to the narrow end removing it. Make a few cuts to the thick part of each drumstick with a knife. It will help the marinade to make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
- Coat the chicken drumsticks well with the marinade. Let them sit in the fridge for at least half an hour (overnight is best for the best flavor!). Make sure to place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket so it cooks evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken for a total of 22 minutes (11 on each side) so they get crispy on all sides. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Hint: For juicy and flavorful Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken, don't skip making a few slashes on each of the chicken pieces before marinating. This allows the spices to seep deeper into the meat, enhancing the taste and ensuring even cooking.
Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder to increase or decrease the heat according to your taste.
- Herbs: Add fresh cilantro or mint to the marinade for an extra burst of freshness.
- Tandoori Chicken Wings: Use chicken wings instead of drumsticks or thighs for a fun, finger-food version ideal for parties. That would require less time in the air fryer, so don't overcook it!
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Equipment
- Air Fryer: Amazing for cooking the chicken, ensuring it gets crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
- Mixing Bowls: For preparing and mixing the marinade.
- Sharp Knife: Useful for scoring the chicken to help the marinade penetrate
Serving Suggestions
- Sides: Serve your Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan bread, or a cool cucumber salad to balance the spices.
- Drinks: Pair with a sweet mango lassi or a crisp cold beer to complement the fiery flavors of the chicken.
- Toppings: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dollop of mint yogurt sauce can add a refreshing finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked tandoori chicken for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm up leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through to maintain the crispy texture.
FAQ
Absolutely, you can use boneless chicken breast, but keep in mind it may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator overnight, making it easy to cook the next day. Storing cooked chicken is also possible, however, I would recommend storing it raw in the marinade.
These methods aren't as reliable as using a thermometer, but you can cut one drumstick open and check if the juices are clean, the meat is firm (and not jiggly), and white all the way through, without signs of pink. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's also helpful to consult your air fryer’s manual for recommended cooking times for chicken.
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PrintThe Best Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Make delicious Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken at home! It's easy, quick, and gives you juicy, flavorful chicken with a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 40
- Cook Time: 22
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
8-10 Chicken drumsticks
½ cup Plain yogurt
3 tbsp Tandoori paste
2-3 cloves Garlic
1 tbsp Ginger
1 tbsp Paprika (or red chili powder to taste)
1 ½ tsp Garam masala
1 ½ tsp Cumin powder
1 ½ Turmeric powder
2 tbsp Lemon juice
1 ½ tsp Salt
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a small mixer or food processor, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, red chili powder (or paprika), tandoori paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Blend it all together until it’s smooth.
2. For each drumstick, dry it with a paper towel and pull the skin down from the thickest part to the narrow end removing it.
3. Make a few cuts to the thick part of each drumstick with a knife. It will help the marinade to make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
4. Coat the chicken drumsticks well with the marinade. Let them sit in the fridge for at least half an hour (overnight is best for the best flavor!).
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Cook the chicken for a total of 22 minutes (11 on each side) so they get crispy on all sides.
7. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 148
- Sodium: 476.7 mg
- Fat: 4.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 94.4 mg
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