Air-Fried Tandoori Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish that involves marinating chicken in yoghurt and spices before cooking it in a clay oven called a tandoor. This recipe can be adapted for an air fryer, which is a quicker and easier way to achieve the same authentic taste and texture. The chicken is typically marinated for several hours before being cooked for around 15-20 minutes in the air fryer. The air fryer method produces tender, juicy chicken with a slightly charred exterior.

How to make a marinade for tandoori chicken

Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish that gets its name from the clay oven, or tandoor, in which it is traditionally cooked. The chicken is marinated in a spicy yoghurt sauce, which gives it its distinctive flavour. Here is a guide on how to make the marinade for tandoori chicken.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the marinade:

• Plain yoghurt (Greek yoghurt is thicker and will create a better base for the marinade)
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed is preferable, but bottled can be used)
• Ginger (freshly grated or ginger paste)
• Garlic (freshly minced or garlic paste)
• Spices: Garam masala, turmeric, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander powder, cayenne powder, and fenugreek. You can also add red chilli powder or Kashmiri chilli powder for extra heat and colour.
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• Red food colouring or beetroot powder (optional, for colour)

Method

• In a small bowl, mix all the dry spices together.
• In a separate, larger bowl, combine the yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until smooth.
• Add the spice blend to the yoghurt mixture and whisk well. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of water until you achieve the desired consistency.
• Apply the marinade to the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are coated well. You can use a sealable plastic bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap for this step.
• Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results. The chicken can be left in the marinade for up to 24 hours.

Your tandoori chicken marinade is now ready to use! For extra flavour, you can also try the dhungar method, a traditional technique used in Northern India to add a smoky flavour to the dish.

How to prepare chicken for the air fryer

Preparing chicken for the air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare chicken for the air fryer:

Choosing the Right Chicken

The type of chicken you choose can impact the cooking time and final texture. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are popular choices for air frying. Chicken breasts tend to be leaner and benefit from high-temperature baking for a shorter period. Chicken thighs, on the other hand, have a higher fat content and can handle longer cooking times without drying out. You can also use chicken legs or wings, but they may require slight adjustments in cooking time.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you begin marinating or seasoning the chicken, it's important to pat the chicken dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the chicken develop a crispy texture when air-fried. You can also lightly pound the chicken with a mallet to flatten and even out the thickness, promoting more even cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is an optional but highly recommended step. It adds flavour and moisture to the chicken. For a simple marinade, you can use a combination of plain yogurt, lemon or lime juice, olive oil or avocado oil, and your choice of spices. Place the chicken in a bowl or sealable bag with the marinade and ensure it's well-coated. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight or up to 24 hours for maximum flavour.

Seasoning the Chicken

If you're not using a marinade, you can directly season the chicken with a dry rub or your choice of spices. A simple seasoning blend could include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with other dried herbs such as oregano or parsley. Sprinkle the seasoning blend generously over the chicken and use your hands to rub it evenly on all sides.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial for optimal cooking. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F to 400°F, and let it preheat for at least 5-10 minutes. Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others may require manual preheating. Make sure the air fryer basket or rack is in place during preheating.

Cooking the Chicken

Once your chicken is prepared and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook! Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket or rack, ensuring they are in a single layer with enough space for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can affect cooking performance.

Cook the chicken for the recommended time based on the type and size of the chicken pieces. For example, smaller chicken breasts may take around 8-10 minutes, while larger pieces may need 12-16 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully turn the chicken, being cautious of any hot air or steam escaping from the air fryer.

Checking Doneness

To ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly, it's important to check its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to get an accurate reading.

Resting and Serving

Once your chicken has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product. Serve your air-fried chicken with your favourite sides, dips, or sauces, and enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for air fryer tandoori chicken vary depending on the cut of chicken and the type of air fryer being used.

Temperature

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 350°F–400°F (180°C–200°C). However, one source suggests preheating to 500°F (260°C) when cooking in an oven.

Timing

Cooking times vary depending on the cut of chicken and the type of air fryer being used. Below is a table with approximate cooking times for each cut of chicken:

| Cut of Chicken | Cooking Time |

|---|---|

| Chicken Thighs | 12–15 minutes |

| Chicken Legs | 10–15 minutes |

| Chicken Breasts | 7–12 minutes |

| Chicken Wings | 10 minutes |

| Chicken Bites | 15 minutes |

It is important to note that these are approximate cooking times and may need to be adjusted depending on the specific air fryer being used. It is always best to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached a safe temperature. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C).

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating your leftover tandoori chicken is a great way to make the most of your delicious meal. Here's a detailed guide to help you do it right:

Storing Leftovers:

• Let the chicken cool down: Before storing, it's important to let your leftover tandoori chicken cool to room temperature. This helps prevent bacterial growth and ensures your chicken stays safe to eat.
• Use airtight containers: Transfer the chicken to airtight containers or sealable bags. This will maintain freshness and prevent odours from seeping into your food.
• Refrigerate promptly: Place the containers in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of cooking or reheating.
• Store for up to 3-4 days: Leftover tandoori chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that, it's recommended to freeze or discard it.

Reheating Leftovers in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes. You can also preheat at a higher temperature (e.g., 400°F/200°C) if you want a crispier result.
• Prepare the chicken: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to remove some of the chill. Optionally, brush the chicken with a bit of oil or cooking spray for added crispiness.
• Arrange in the air fryer basket: Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper air circulation. You may need to reheat in batches if you have a lot of leftovers.
• Reheat at 350°F: Set the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the chicken. For even cooking, flip the chicken halfway through, usually after about 6 minutes.
• Check internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's thoroughly reheated and safe to eat.
• Optional crisping step: If you prefer a crispier texture, you can increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.

Tips for Storing and Reheating:

• Avoid overcrowding: When storing, avoid overcrowding your containers, and when reheating, ensure proper spacing in the air fryer basket for even heating and crisping.
• Sauce and breadcrumbs: If your chicken has a sauce or breadcrumb coating, place it on parchment paper in the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
• Adjust timing: Remember to adjust the reheating time based on the thickness and amount of chicken you're reheating. Smaller or thinner pieces will take less time, while larger or bone-in pieces may take longer.
• Don't reheat multiple times: It's recommended to avoid reheating leftovers multiple times, as this can increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

What to serve with tandoori chicken

Tandoori chicken is a perfect dish for a backyard barbecue, but what to serve with it? Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your tandoori chicken without stealing the show.

Rice

Rice is a classic side dish to serve with chicken, and there are many different types of rice that would go well with tandoori chicken. Here are some ideas:

• Lemon rice: A beautiful, sunshine-yellow dish with anti-inflammatory turmeric and the crunch of roasted peanuts and lentils.
• Kashmiri fruit pulao: A sweet and refreshing side dish made with long-grain Basmati rice, cooked in ghee, whole spices, saffron, and milk, and mixed with fried onions, dried and fresh fruit.
• Mushroom pulao: Earthy and fragrant, this rice dish is made with mushrooms, fried onions, cilantro, and spices.
• Peas pulao (matar pulao): A simple and flavorful rice dish made with white basmati rice, sweet garden peas, ginger, and whole spices.
• Saffron rice: The warmth and color of saffron make this a beautiful and tasty side dish.
• Vegetable biryani: A one-pot dish with lots of vegetables and aromatic whole spices and herbs.

Breads

• Naan: A classic Indian bread that is perfect for dipping into sauces or eating with your hands.
• Whole wheat naan: A healthier option made with whole wheat flour or Indian atta.
• Keema naan: A thick, fluffy stuffed bread filled with spicy ground lamb.

Salads and Vegetables

• Kachumber: A fresh and healthy salad made with cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and a lemony chili dressing.
• Chana chaat: An Indian chickpea salad with bold flavors and a secret ingredient—chaat masala.
• Mint raita: A light and refreshing yogurt-based sauce with mint, salt, and cilantro.
• Air fryer cauliflower steaks: A low-carb, vegan side dish with slightly charred outer edges and tender insides.
• Stuffed green bell peppers: Small bell peppers stuffed with a spicy potato filling and baked in the oven.
• Air fryer smashed potatoes: Golden, crispy baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
• Bombay potatoes: Spicy and crispy baby potatoes with soft insides.
• Air fryer cauliflower: Seasoned with spices and served with a cilantro yogurt sauce.

Dips

• Green coriander chutney: A bright green, spicy, and tangy dip that is perfect for grilled or fried food.
• Onion raita: A cooling yogurt dip with chopped onions, perfect for spicy Indian food.
• Dahi baingan: A soothing side dish made with lightly fried eggplant, onions, garlic, and cilantro mixed with yogurt.
• Cucumber raita: A refreshing dip made with grated cucumber, yogurt, and spices.

Frequently asked questions