
Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Experience the rich and tantalizing flavors of India with this Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken. This dish showcases marinated chicken drumsticks coated in a vibrant blend of spices, yogurt, and zesty lemon juice. The air fryer ensures a delightful crispy exterior while keeping the chicken succulent and juicy on the inside. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, serve it alongside warm naan or fluffy basmati rice to truly embrace the essence of traditional Indian cuisine. Tandoori cooking dates back to ancient India, where meats were marinated and cooked in clay ovens, known as tandoors, imparting a unique smoky flavor. Now, you can bring this culinary heritage right into your home with ease!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (2 pounds)
- Greek yogurt (1 cup)
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic paste (1 tablespoon)
- Ginger paste (1 tablespoon)
- Tandoori masala (2 tablespoons)
- Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Turmeric powder (1 teaspoon)
- Cumin powder (1 teaspoon)
- Coriander powder (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Cooking oil spray (as needed)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic paste, ginger paste, tandoori masala, paprika, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to create a rich and aromatic marinade.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or best, overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the marinated chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded for optimal cooking.
- Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through, until they are fully cooked and have developed a crispy exterior (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Dietary Information
Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) • Cook Time: 20 minutes • Calories: 320 • Fat: 10g • Carbs: 8g • Protein: 40g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 3g