Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken: Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home

Craving the smoky, vibrant flavors of tandoori chicken but without the hassle of a traditional tandoor oven? Your air fryer is here to save the day! This recipe delivers perfectly cooked, juicy chicken infused with an aromatic tandoori marinade, all in a fraction of the time. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into strips)
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (or 1 tsp each of grated ginger and garlic)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Guide:

1. Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, oil, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat them thoroughly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
3. Air Fry: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro (optional) and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like mint chutney or raita. Enjoy!

Tips:

• For crispier chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before marinating to remove excess moisture.
• Don’t overcrowd: This allows for even air circulation and crispier results. Cook in batches if needed.
• Cooking time variations: Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken, the cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on your chicken and adjust the time as needed.
• Spice it up: Like it hotter? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of sriracha to the marinade.
• Leftovers: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.