Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken – Easy and Authentic Recipe

Have you ever craved the vibrant, smoky flavors of restaurant-style tandoori chicken but didn’t want to deal with the hassle of firing up a traditional clay oven? After a long day at work, I found myself in exactly this situation – hungry for something delicious yet unwilling to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when I discovered the magic of making Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken at home!

This Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken recipe delivers all the authentic flavors of classic tandoori – the tender, juicy meat, the perfect char marks, and that incredible aroma of warm spices – but with a fraction of the effort and cooking time. The air fryer creates that beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly moist, giving you restaurant-quality results without leaving your kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or simply treating yourself to a special weeknight meal, this easy Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken will quickly become your go-to recipe for satisfying your Indian food cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

• ✅ Perfect for beginners – this Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken recipe is virtually foolproof
• ✅ Incredibly healthy Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken with less oil than traditional methods
• ✅ Quick Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken dinner ready in under 30 minutes active cooking time
• ✅ Authentic flavor without specialized equipment – just your air fryer!
• ✅ Versatile Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken spice blend you can customize to your heat preference
• ✅ Easy Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken marination that can be prepared ahead of time
• ✅ Perfect for meal prep – stays delicious for days in the refrigerator

Ingredients for Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

For this flavor-packed Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken, you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup (122.5 g) plain whole milk yogurt (Greek yogurt works great too for extra protein)
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp tandoori seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
• 3/4 tsp salt (adjust according to your taste preferences)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ to ½ tsp cayenne (adjust for your desired spice level)
• 2 1/2 lb (1,133.98 g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks

For Homemade Tandoori Seasoning (Optional)

• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Ingredient Notes:

• For dairy-free Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken, substitute coconut yogurt for regular yogurt
• Boneless chicken pieces can be used, but reduce the cooking time by 5-7 minutes
• Fresh garlic and ginger can replace powdered versions for even more vibrant flavors

How to Make Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken – Step by Step

Preparing the Marinade

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 2: Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep cuts in each piece of chicken to allow the marinade to penetrate.

Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the cuts you made earlier.

Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight marination will yield the most flavorful Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken.

Cooking the Tandoori Chicken

Step 5: Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes while you preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).

Step 6: Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Step 8: Cook for 12 minutes, then flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior has a nice char.

Step 9: For extra color, brush the chicken with a little oil and increase temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the final 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 10: Remove and let the Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

• The key to perfect Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is in the marination – don’t rush this step! Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor penetration.
• Adding a tablespoon of oil to your marinade helps create that signature tandoori char in the air fryer.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Cooking in batches ensures proper air circulation and even cooking.
• For more authentic Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken, add 1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring to the marinade (optional, but traditional in many restaurants).
• Pat the chicken pieces dry before marinating for better adhesion of the spice mixture.
• For a smokier flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika to your marinade.
• Brush the chicken with melted butter or ghee in the last few minutes of cooking for an extra rich finish.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with numerous side dishes:

• Serve with fluffy basmati rice and cooling cucumber raita
• Wrap in warm naan bread with sliced onions and mint chutney
• Create a tandoori salad by serving over mixed greens with mango and avocado
• Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete low-carb meal
• Serve alongside a fragrant biryani for special occasions
• Add sliced Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken to wraps or sandwiches for lunch

For an authentic Indian meal experience, garnish your Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced red onions, and lemon wedges. A cooling side of raita (yogurt cucumber dip) balances the spices perfectly.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

The leftover Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken makes excellent additions to salads, wraps, or grain bowls for quick weekday lunches!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook tandoori chicken in an air fryer?

For bone-in Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken, cook for approximately 22-25 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Boneless pieces will need less time, around 16-18 minutes total. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Can you make tandoori chicken in an air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for making tandoori chicken as it creates a similar effect to a tandoor oven – hot circulating air that creates a slightly charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

What temperature do you air fry tandoori chicken?

For optimal results, cook Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken at 380°F (193°C) for most of the cooking time, then finish at 400°F (204°C) for the final 2 minutes if you want extra charring.

Do you need to marinate chicken for air fryer tandoori?

Yes, marination is crucial for authentic Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken. While you can technically cook it after just 30 minutes of marination, the flavor develops significantly with longer marination time. For best results, marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

Per serving (approximately 6 oz/170g of chicken with skin):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg

This Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with protein, making it perfect for those following keto or low-carb diets.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need a traditional clay tandoor oven to enjoy authentic Indian flavors at home. With just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s healthier, faster, and just as delicious as the original.

The beauty of this Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility – adjust the spices to your preference, serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s both impressive and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply elevating your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Have you tried making Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken before? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love Indian cuisine!

Print