Delicious Tandoori Chicken in an Air Fryer: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Are you wondering if you can make succulent tandoori chicken in an air fryer? Yes, you can! I’ve tried it multiple times, and it always comes out incredibly tasty, succulent, and juicy. Let's dive into the step-by-step process.

Ingredients

• 2 kg chicken thighs (or your preferred cut)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
• 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon red food coloring

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Slice the Chicken: Carefully slice the chicken thighs, making 3-4 grooves in each piece. This helps the marinade penetrate the meat, ensuring full flavor.

Step 2: First Marinade

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade, making sure it gets into the grooves. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Second Marinade

1. Prepare the Yogurt Mix: In a separate bowl, combine 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garam masala, ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 2 tablespoons minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
2. Add Food Coloring (Optional): If you prefer the vibrant red color typical of tandoori chicken, add ½ teaspoon red food coloring.
3. Marinate Again: Coat the chicken with the second marinade and let it sit for another 30 minutes in the fridge.

Step 4: Cooking in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip the pieces over.
3. Continue Cooking: Cook for an additional 10 minutes at 180°C. The total cooking time should be around 25 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

1. Inspect the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The exterior should be nicely browned, and the meat should be juicy and tender.

Serving

1. Serve Hot: Garnish with fresh salad and serve immediately.

Tips

• Air Fryer Variations: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. Adjust the time and temperature as needed.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Enjoy this quick and easy recipe for tandoori chicken made in an air fryer. If you found this guide helpful, please subscribe to my channel for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!