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Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is a special dish in Indian cuisine. It is a unique spice blend and yogurt marinade that makes a spicy but cool chicken dish.
This air fryer Tandoori Chicken dish is unique because instead of using a clay oven to cook this cuisine, this dish is made easily using the air fryer.
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What We Love About This Recipe
This recipe for tandoori chicken is also special because instead of chicken legs, we will be using boneless chicken thighs that we skewer, making them quick, full of amazing flavor and so easy.
- 30 Minute Meal: They cook super quick in the air fryer so dinner can be on the table quickly.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry and when combined, they make an amazing meal.
- Family Friendly: Because this tandoori chicken recipe is made on skewers, they are fun for the whole family.
- Adaptable: Can make it how your family likes it, simply adjust the seasoning blend accordingly.
- Makes Great Leftovers: Wonderful for salads the next day or even as a sandwich on some naan bread.
Ingredient Notes for Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: Two pounds of boneless chicken thighs cut into uniform pieces
- Greek Yogurt: Plain, use full fat or even a fat free version
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, ginger puree, paprika, chili powder, turmeric, and cumin
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowls
- Mixing Spoons
- Wooden Skewers
How to Make Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
These are the basic steps for making chicken tandoori. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.
STEP 1: MIX
First, in a large bowl, mix the spices, yogurt and chicken. Cover and allow to marinate for one hour.
STEP 2: SKEWERS
Second, cut the skewers to fit in your air fryer basket. Place the chicken onto the skewers and place in the air fryer. Cook on 370 degrees for 15 minutes, flip the skewers and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
STEP 3: VERIFY AND SERVE
Finally, check to verify that the chicken has reached 165 degrees F internal temperature on a meat thermometer. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Prep and Storage Tips
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
The chicken can safely marinade for several hours. Therefore, you can make it and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator before work and cook in the air fryer when you get home
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Store the chicken in an airtight container or wrapped well in foil for up to four days.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
This recipe can be frozen either cooked or uncooked in an airtight container for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE
Return the thawed chicken to the air fryer and cook until the cooked chicken is warmed through, or cook the uncooked thawed chicken per the directions below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course, you can use a low fat or fat free Greek yogurt for this dish, also you can substitute the chicken thighs for cubed chicken breasts.
Indeed, sweet spices can also be used, such as cinnamon or cardamom.
Yes, you can adjust the recipe card below to fit the amount of people that you plan to serve, however, remember leftovers are great too.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
- Add more or less spice: Adjust the quantities of the spices to fit the individual taste of your family.
- Short cut tip: Feel free to use a premade spice mix, they are available in the Indian section of most supermarkets.
- Variation tip: Feel free to use chicken legs or chicken breasts for this recipe; they are also great in the air fryer.
- Liner: Use a silicone liner or parchment paper in the air fryer to make clean up much easier for this spicy chicken dish.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Cook this dish in a hot oven (450 degrees F) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Citrus: Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest add a refreshing zing to the chicken dish; add some to your marinade.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
- Rice
- Air Fried Cauliflower
- Grilled Vegetables
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowls
- Mixing Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chick thighs , cut into small pieces
- ½ cup Greek yogurt, plain
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons ginger purée
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Meat skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the spices, yogurt and chicken. Stir until chicken is completely coated. Cover and place in refrigerator for 1 hour to marinade.
- Cut meat skewers to fit in your air fryer basket. Put meat onto skewers and place inside air fryer basket.
- Cook on 370 for 15 minutes, flip skewers and cook for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with naan and basmati rice.
Expert Tips
- Add more or less spice: Adjust the quantities of the spices to fit the individual taste of your family.
- Short cut tip: Feel free to use a premade spice mix, they are available in the Indian section of most supermarkets.
- Variation tip: Feel free to use chicken legs or chicken breasts for this recipe; they are also great in the air fryer.
- Liner: Use a silicone liner or parchment paper in the air fryer to make clean up much easier for this spicy chicken dish.
- Alternate cooking method tip: Cook this dish in a hot oven (450 degrees F) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Citrus: Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest add a refreshing zing to the chicken dish; add some to your marinade.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible for the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.