Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

This Air fryer Tandoori Chicken is a delicious version of the classic Indian dish, cooked using an air fryer instead of a traditional tandoor oven. The airfryer gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it juicy inside, all with less oil. A perfect weeknight dinner recipe for the whole family!

My recipe for Airfryer Tandoori Chicken is a modern twist on a traditional Indian recipe to enjoy this spicy, flavorful dish. By using an air fryer instead of a clay tandoor oven (not everyone has haha!), you can achieve a similar charred and smoky taste without the need for a lot of oil, making it healthier but still delicious!

Why the air fryer? The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, cooking it evenly and creating a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Using an air fryer also reduces cooking time compared to the oven, without compromising on the taste!

But if you don’t want to use the air fryer, you can check out this Baked Tandoori Chicken recipe that uses a standard oven instead or you can bake this chicken recipe in the oven on a foil lined baking sheet.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, with thighs being juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner.
• Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and a vibrant red color to the chicken.
• Tandoori masala: An Indian spice blend key to achieving the authentic flavor of tandoori chicken, typically including spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
• Turmeric: Provides a bright yellow hue and a warm, earthy taste, along with anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Vegetable oil: Used to help the spices adhere to the chicken, help it crisp up while cooking and to add a bit of moisture.
• Plain yogurt: Acts as the base of the marinade, tenderizing the chicken and helping the spices stick, while adding a slight tang. Make sure to use unsweetened yogurt.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the flavors with acidity, enhancing the overall taste of the marinade.
• Ginger and garlic : Two crucial flavor bases in many Indian dishes, offering a pungent and spicy kick.
• (Optional) Fresh mint leaves: Provides a fresh, cool contrast to the warm spices, used as a garnish or blended into the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.

Substitutions

If you need to substitute some ingredients in this air fryer tandoori chicken recipe due to dietary preferences, availability, or taste, here are some alternatives:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Turkey or pork can be used for a similar texture, or tofu and paneer for vegetarian options.
• Paprika: Sweet chili powder for a similar color with a touch more heat, or a combination of red food coloring and mild chili powder to maintain the vibrant red without altering the flavor too much.
• Tandoori Masala: Make your own blend using equal parts of ground cumin, coriander, cardamom, and a pinch of clove powder to mimic the complex flavors of tandoori masala.
• Turmeric: Mustard powder can be used for a similar earthy flavor and color, though it’s slightly more pungent.
• Vegetable Oil: Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil will work, or for a richer taste, melted ghee or butter can be used.
• Plain Yogurt: Sour cream or coconut milk yogurt for a dairy-free option, both of which maintain the creamy consistency necessary for the marinade.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Cilantro offers a similarly fresh flavor if mint is too strong or unavailable. Basil can also work for a different but complementary flavor profile.

Variations

Here are some interesting variations you can try with your air fryer tandoori chicken recipe to keep things exciting and cater to different tastes:

• Spicy Tandoori Chicken: Add extra chili powder or fresh chopped green chilies to the marinade to give the chicken a fiery kick.
• Vegan: Substitute the chicken for large slices of tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower steaks. Follow the same marinating and cooking process for a vegan-friendly version.
• Smoky: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade, or a few drops of liquid smoke for an enhanced smoky flavor, mimicking the traditional tandoor-cooked taste.
• Cheesy: Sprinkle grated cheese such as mozzarella or paneer over the chicken halfway through cooking for a gooey, cheesy twist.
• Tandoori Chicken Wraps: Slice the cooked tandoori chicken and serve it in flatbreads or tortillas with fresh vegetables, additional mint yogurt sauce, and a squeeze of lime for a convenient, handheld meal.

Instructions with Photos

Serving Suggestions

This air fryer tandoori chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. For a traditional approach, pair it with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, and a side of cucumber raita to balance the spices. It also makes a great topping for salads or can be sliced into wraps with fresh veggies and a dollop of mint chutney for a refreshing meal. For a festive gathering, serve it as an appetizer with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chaat masala.

Freezing Instructions

To use this tandoori chicken recipe as a meal prep freezer meal, follow these simple instructions:

1. Add the marinated cubed chicken pieces into a freezer bag. (Do not pierce them with the kebab sticks as that might cause holes in the bag, which would create freezer burn.)
2. Store the bag flat in the freezer for up to three months.
3. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.
4. Follow the remaining cooking instructions in the recipe, starting with the kebab sticks.

Storage and Reheating

Once cooled, place the leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to a month.

To reheat, simply place the chicken in the air fryer at 350F for about 5 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through. Reheating in the air fryer helps preserve the chicken’s crispy exterior and juicy interior. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, to keep it moist.

Recipe FAQs

Similar Recipes you might enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out also these other chicken recipes:

• Chicken Burrito Bowls
• Chicken Pesto Alfredo Pasta
• Sesame Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Chicken French Dip Sandwiches
• Baked Chicken Strips