If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, easy, and delicious chicken recipes that don’t take forever to make, right? That’s where Air Fryer Chicken Recipes come in. My new fave? Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken!
Now, I know what you’re thinking — tandoori chicken sounds like something you’d order at a fancy Indian restaurant, not something you could make at home. But trust me, this Chicken in Air Fryer recipe is a total game-changer. It’s a super simple way to bring the flavors of Indian Food Recipes right into your kitchen without needing a tandoor oven or hours of prep.
I’m gonna show you how to make the Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken that’ll have your family thinking you’re some kind of culinary genius (even though it only takes 30 minutes). Whether you’re looking for new Indian Recipes, or just want to mix up your regular Chicken Dishes, this one is for you. You’ll love how easy it is to make Tandoori Chicken in the Air Fryer — and it’s perfect for busy moms like us who need dinner on the table, STAT!
So, grab your air fryer, and let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I use thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts work too)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (the full-fat kind is the best for this — trust me)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (this is what gives it that flavor punch!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tandoori masala (found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores or on Amazon!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust depending on how spicy you want it! I go mild since my kiddos can’t handle too much heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (this is for that crispy outside)
How to Make It:
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Okay, first thing’s first: grab your chicken thighs. If you’re using breasts, just know they cook a bit faster, so watch them carefully. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel — this helps the marinade stick and gives you that crispy edge. Not a big deal if you skip this step, but it’s worth it!
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, throw in the Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up until it’s nice and smooth. If you’ve ever made a marinade before, it’s just like that — simple but SO flavorful.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Now, get messy! Rub that marinade all over the chicken. I like to use my hands because, well, I’m that person. Make sure the chicken is coated evenly. Once that’s done, cover the bowl with some plastic wrap or a lid, and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can let it marinate for a few hours, but 15 minutes works just fine, especially when life is busy (and trust me, it always is!).
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
While the chicken is soaking up all those spices, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give it a few minutes to warm up, so it’s ready when the chicken is.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil to keep the chicken from sticking. Then, arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer. You don’t want to overcrowd the basket — leave a little room between the pieces so the air can circulate and cook everything evenly. Once the chicken’s in, give it a light spritz of oil on top, just to get that crispy finish.
Cook the chicken at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes. Don’t forget to flip the chicken halfway through! I like to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer — it should read about 165°F when it’s done. If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once your chicken is golden brown and juicy, pull it out and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This step is key because it lets the juices settle back into the chicken. I always use this time to grab some sides or set the table.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now, time to eat! I like to serve this with a side of naan or rice (or both if I’m feeling wild!). You can also drizzle some extra lemon juice over the chicken for a little zing. Serve it up with your favorite veggies or a fresh salad, and boom — dinner is ready!
FAQs for Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I personally love using chicken thighs because they’re juicy and tender, you can totally swap them for chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that breasts cook a little faster, so you’ll want to check the internal temperature to make sure they’re not overcooked.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This gives all those delicious spices time to really soak into the chicken, making it even more flavorful. Just pop it in the air fryer when you’re ready to cook!
What if I don’t have tandoori masala?
If you can’t find tandoori masala at your local grocery store, no worries! You can either order it online or make your own blend. Combine equal parts paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and a pinch of cinnamon for a simple DIY version. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still taste delicious.
Can I make this without yogurt?
Yogurt is key to the marinade, giving the chicken that tender, juicy texture. If you’re dairy-free or can’t have yogurt, you can try using coconut yogurt or even a dairy-free sour cream alternative. It may alter the flavor a bit, but it’s still worth trying!
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken! Just make sure you place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then pop it in the air fryer as usual.
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Recipe Card
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon tandoori masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for spraying
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
Make the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and let it sit for 15 minutes (or up to a few hours if you’ve got time).
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat.
Cook the Chicken:
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the chicken in a single layer, and spray the tops with a little more oil. Cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy with naan, rice, or a fresh salad!
Notes
- Naan bread
- Basmati rice
- Cucumber raita (yogurt dip)
- Fresh salad or roasted vegetables
- Want a little extra crispy crunch? Pop the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after air frying for that perfect charred finish!
- Want that extra smoky flavor? If you’ve got a few minutes to spare, throw the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two after air frying to get a charred finish. Totally optional, but totally worth it if you’re in the mood for drama.
I gotta say, this recipe is a total winner for busy nights when you need delicious chicken on the table fast. Whether you’re a newbie to Air Fryer Chicken Recipes or already a pro with Chicken In Air Fryer, this is one of those Indian Recipes you’ll want to make again and again.
The beauty of Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is that it gives you all the rich, bold flavors of traditional Indian Dishes, without the long marinating or grilling time. Plus, it’s way less mess, and honestly, who doesn’t love a little less cleanup?
I hope this recipe adds a little flavor to your week and makes dinner just a bit easier. Chicken in Air Fryer is such a game-changer, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. So go ahead, give it a shot, and let me know how it turns out. I promise your family will love it — mine definitely does!
Until next time, happy cooking and here’s to more delicious chicken meals with less stress. You got this, mama!
