Tandoori Chicken In An Air Fryer: A Possibility?

Tandoori chicken is an Indian dish that is traditionally cooked in a clay oven, but it can also be made in an air fryer. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, and then cooked until it is charred and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This method of cooking tandoori chicken is much faster than using a conventional oven and produces the same great taste.

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, prepare the chicken by cleaning and patting it dry. If you are using chicken legs or drumsticks, make 3-4 slits across the thick part of each piece. This will help the marinade to penetrate the meat effectively. For chicken thighs, you can simply score the chicken to enhance the absorption of flavours.

Next, prepare the marinade by combining plain yogurt, ginger, garlic, spices, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. For the spices, you can use a combination of red chilli powder or paprika, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and dried fenugreek leaves. If you want a more intense red colour, you can add beet root powder or a natural red food colouring. Mix all the ingredients well to form a thick marinade.

Now, it's time to coat the chicken with the marinade. Place the chicken pieces in the mixing bowl and ensure they are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a brush to spread the marinade generously over each piece. Once the chicken is well-coated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it.

The marinating time can vary depending on your preference and time constraints. It is recommended to let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to an hour. However, for the best results and more intense flavours, it is ideal to marinate the chicken overnight or up to 24 hours. The longer it sits in the marinade, the more time the flavours have to develop and penetrate the meat.

Once the marinating process is complete, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. Discard any leftover marinade or brush it on the chicken for an extra boost of flavour.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The cooking temperature and duration for tandoori chicken in an air fryer will vary depending on the type of chicken used.

For boneless chicken thighs, cook at 380°F for 12 to 14 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F, but for optimal flavor, the internal temperature should be about 180°F.

For bone-in chicken legs and thighs, cook at 380°F for 18 to 20 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F, but for optimal flavor, the internal temperature should be about 180°F.

For boneless chicken breasts, cook at 380°F for 13 to 15 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in chicken breasts can take 7 to 10 minutes longer.

For chicken tenders, cook at 350°F for a total of 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.

For chicken legs, cook at 380°F for a total of 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.

For skinless chicken breasts, cook at 380°F for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes. The chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken cuts

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cut in many different ways, and each cut has its own purpose. Here are some common chicken cuts and their uses:

• Breasts: Chicken breasts are a popular choice for air frying as they are lean and tend to cook quickly. They can be cut into bite-sized pieces or left whole, depending on the recipe. Chicken breasts are also a good source of protein and are relatively inexpensive.
• Thighs: Chicken thighs are another option for air frying. They tend to be more tender and juicy than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a good choice for air fryer recipes as they are less likely to dry out.
• Tenders or Tenderloins: Chicken tenders are located on the underside of the breast and are a boneless, skinless cut. They are quick to cut into chunks and are a good choice for air fryer recipes as they cook evenly and are less likely to dry out.
• Wings: Chicken wings are a favourite for air frying as they get nice and crispy. They are best cooked at a lower temperature to render the fat and then finished at a higher temperature to get that crispy skin.
• Drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks are a good choice for feeding a crowd as they are inexpensive and harder to overcook. They can be marinated and then air-fried, resulting in juicy and flavourful chicken.
• Legs: Chicken legs are essentially thighs and drumsticks still connected. They can be cooked in the air fryer in a similar way to drumsticks.

When choosing a chicken cut for air frying, it is important to consider the cooking time and the level of doneness desired. Boneless, skinless cuts like tenders and breast chunks will cook more quickly and evenly than bone-in cuts like legs and wings. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so choose a cut that will fit comfortably in a single layer in the basket.

Marinade ingredients

The key to a delicious tandoori chicken is its yogurt-based marinade. The chicken is traditionally marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, and aromatic spices before being cooked. Here are the ingredients you will need for the marinade:

• Plain Greek yogurt or plain yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and creates a nice, thick base for the marinade. If you use plain yogurt, you can strain it to make it thicker, or use it as is for a thinner marinade.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferable, but bottled juice or lime juice will also work. You can even substitute it with orange juice.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best, but you can also use garlic paste or jarred minced garlic.
• Ginger: Use fresh grated ginger root or ginger paste.
• Spices: The basic spices you will need are garam masala, salt, pepper, paprika (sweet or smoked), cumin, coriander powder, and cayenne powder (if you want some spice). You can also add fenugreek, turmeric, and red chili powder (commonly Kashmiri chili powder) for more authentic colour and flavour.

To make the marinade, simply combine the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Then, add in the spice mixture and whisk well. You can adjust the consistency of the marinade with water if needed—it should be thick like cake batter.

Serving suggestions

Tandoori chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air fryer tandoori chicken:

Family Dinners or Gatherings:

Tandoori chicken is perfect for a casual family dinner or a get-together with friends. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as:

• Rice: Basmati rice or golden pilau rice go well with the flavours of tandoori chicken.
• Bread: Naan bread or flatbread are traditional accompaniments to tandoori chicken and can be used to scoop up the juicy pieces.
• Salads: A simple salad of cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes, or a crunchy Indian cucumber salad, adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
• Condiments: Fresh lemon wedges and cilantro mint chutney are great for adding extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

Heartier Meals:

For a more substantial meal, you can pair tandoori chicken with:

• Vegetable Biryani: The aromatic spices of biryani rice complement the flavours of tandoori chicken.
• Quick Pickled Onions: The tangy onions add a nice contrast to the rich, spicy chicken.
• Mango Salad: A sweet and tangy mango salad is a refreshing side dish that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Fiesta Quinoa Salad: A colourful and nutritious salad that adds texture and flavour to the meal.

Low-Carb Options:

If you're watching your carb intake, you can serve tandoori chicken with:

• Crunchy Indian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing and low-carb option that pairs well with the spicy chicken.
• Cauliflower Rice: A healthier alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice is a great way to bulk up the meal without adding too many carbohydrates.

Drinks:

To complete the meal and enhance the flavours, consider serving your tandoori chicken with a glass of cold Indian lager or a light, refreshing wine such as sparkling wine or rosé.

Frequently asked questions