Tandoori chicken is a popular dish known for its flavorful spices and tender meat. Traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor, this Indian delicacy has become a favorite around the world. However, not everyone has access to a tandoor. That’s where an air fryer comes in handy! In this article, we will explore how to make delicious tandoori chicken in an air fryer, providing a flavorful twist on a classic dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. For making tandoori chicken in an air fryer, you will need:
1. Chicken – You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe. About 1-2 pounds of chicken should suffice.
2. Yogurt – Plain yogurt acts as a tenderizer and adds a creamy texture to the chicken.
3. Spices – The key to the delicious tandoori flavor lies in the spices. You will need ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, garam masala, and salt.
4. Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy and citrusy taste to the tandoori chicken.
5. Garlic and Ginger – Minced garlic and grated ginger provide an aromatic kick to the marinade.
6. Oil – A small amount of cooking oil is needed for brushing the chicken and the air fryer basket.
Prepare the Marinade
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to prepare the marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and all the spices. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
Marinate the Chicken
To infuse the chicken with all the wonderful flavors, you need to marinate it. Place the chicken pieces into a ziplock bag or a bowl and pour the marinade over them. Make sure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it succulent.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before cooking the marinated chicken, preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat for 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired cooking temperature and helps in achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly brush or spray the basket with cooking oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the basket and ensures easy cleanup afterward.
Cooking the Tandoori Chicken
Once the air fryer is preheated and the basket is prepared, it’s time to cook the tandoori chicken. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece for proper air circulation.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and the timer to 20 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. For larger cuts, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Flipping and Basting
After the first 10 minutes of cooking, flip the chicken pieces using tongs. This ensures even cooking on both sides and promotes a uniform texture. While flipping, take the opportunity to brush some oil on the chicken pieces. Basting with oil helps in achieving a golden-brown color and locks in moisture.
Check for Doneness
Once the cooking time is complete, check the chicken for doneness. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. If needed, you can continue cooking for a few more minutes until the desired temperature is reached.
Serving the Tandoori Chicken
When the tandoori chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender. Garnish the chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and serve it hot with mint chutney, naan bread, or a side of basmati rice.
Adding a Delicious Twist
While traditional tandoori chicken is delightful on its own, you can experiment with flavors by adding your own twist. Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zing or a sprinkle of chaat masala for a tangy kick. You can also adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this classic dish!
In conclusion, making delicious tandoori chicken in an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy this flavorful Indian dish with a modern twist. By following these simple steps, you can savor the succulent and aromatic chicken without the need for a traditional tandoor. So, gather your ingredients, marinate the chicken, preheat the air fryer, cook to perfection, and savor this mouthwatering delight. Happy cooking!