There’s something truly magical about tandoori chicken. The way the spices dance together, infusing the chicken with layers of flavor, and that irresistible smoky aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks! I have fond memories of my mom preparing this dish for family gatherings. She would marinate the chicken overnight, and I could hardly wait to feast on those gorgeous, tangy, red pieces of goodness. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken recipe with you. It’s a healthier and quicker way to enjoy this classic dish—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

The air fryer gives the chicken that lovely char without requiring a messy grill or hours of waiting. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your spices, and let’s dive into this flavorful adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy weeknight dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Budget-friendly: all the spices are pantry staples.
Flavorful and tender chicken that is bursting with comforting, exotic flavors.
Healthier alternative without sacrificing that signature tandoori taste.
Perfect for meal prep—great for salads, wraps, or just devouring with some naan.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound of chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works great!)
2 tablespoons tandoori masala (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons garlic paste (fresh is best for that punch!)
2 teaspoons ginger paste
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for that extra crispiness)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional but oh so pretty!)

Tip: If you can’t find tandoori masala, you can make your own by combining cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garam masala!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to start? Let’s bring this tandoori chicken to life!

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, cayenne, and salt. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s completely coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for maximum flavor).
Preheat your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you wait for the chicken to marinate. This ensures you’ll get that delightful char right away.
Prepare for Cooking: After marination, rub the chicken pieces with vegetable oil. This helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure NOT to overcrowd them; we want them to cook evenly and get that nice crisp! Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. If your air fryer is smaller, you might need to do this in batches.
Check the Doneness: Once the cooking time is up, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re feeling fancy, you can even pop the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two after air frying to get an extra char!
Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that pop of color, and enjoy it straight from the air fryer!

Watch-out: Don’t skip the resting time! It helps the juices redistribute, making for an incredibly tender bite.

Pro Tips & Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists and pro tips:

Spice it Up: Add more cayenne for extra heat or throw in a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Try Different Proteins: This marinade is versatile! You can use chicken breasts, shrimp, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
Herb-Infused Yogurt: Add fresh mint or cilantro to your yogurt marinade for a refreshing twist.
Make it Saucy: Whip up a quick yogurt sauce by mixing yogurt with mint, salt, and a dash of lemon—perfect for drizzling on top!

Remember, the more you play with the ingredients, the better you’ll get at finding your perfect flavor combo. Cooking should be fun and expressive!

Serving Suggestions

There’s nothing like a feast that engages all the senses! Here’s how I love to serve this Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken:

With Naan: Serve with warm naan bread for a traditional touch. You can even use it to scoop up that delicious chicken and any yogurt sauce!
On Rice: A bed of fluffy basmati rice works beautifully, especially with some steamed veggies on the side.
In a Wrap: Shred the chicken and toss it into a wrap with fresh veggies and a yogurt sauce for a quick lunch!
With a Side Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad brightens up the plate and adds a refreshing crunch.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (though, let’s be honest, they might go quick), here’s how to store them:

Refrigerate: Store the cooked tandoori chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll be good for about 2-3 months. Just make sure to label and date!
Reheat: Reheating is easy! You can pop it back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but it won’t have the same crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may cook a bit faster than thighs. Aim for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I make this a vegan option?

Swap the chicken for firm tofu or cauliflower florets. The marinade will work great with either! Just be cautious about the cooking time—start checking them earlier, as they might cook faster than chicken.

What can I serve with leftover tandoori chicken?

Leftover tandoori chicken is so versatile! Toss it in salads, wraps, or even on pizzas for a fun twist. You could also enjoy it with leftover rice for a quick meal.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Will it change the flavor?

Yes, marinating overnight is a fantastic idea! It allows the flavors to really penetrate the chicken for an even more delicious result.

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends! An easy and delicious Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken that will surely become a favorite in your home. I hope you enjoy making this as much as I do. Feel free to share your own twists or how you served it down in the comments. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delightful aromas and flavors!