Description
Enjoy the vibrant, smoky flavors of tandoori chicken with this easy and authentic air fryer recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results quickly and effortlessly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (122.5 g) plain whole milk yogurt
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp tandoori seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ to ½ tsp cayenne
- 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
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Using a sharp knife, make 2-3 deep cuts in each piece of chicken for the marinade to penetrate.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the cuts.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with oil.
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 12 minutes, flip the chicken pieces, and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For extra color, brush chicken with a little oil and increase temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 2 minutes.
- Remove and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt for regular yogurt.
- Boneless chicken pieces can be used; reduce the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring to the marinade for traditional color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 170
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 0