For a more authentic, vibrant red color, add a tiny drop of red food coloring to the marinade mixture.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Marinating the chicken overnight allows the spices to deeply penetrate, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Serve your Air-Fryer Tandoori Chicken with a cooling raita, fluffy naan bread, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Method
1
🐔
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and cut into uniform 1.5-inch pieces. For larger pieces, make shallow scores to help absorb the marinade.
2
🥣
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, lemon juice, tandoori masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth marinade.
3
⏱️
Add the prepared chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring each piece is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2-4 hours, or even overnight for the best flavor penetration.
4
🌡️
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes.
5
🧺
Lightly brush the air fryer basket with a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
6
🔥
Air fry for 18-22 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and has slight charring on the edges. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
7
🍽️
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side.