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Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken

A delightful dish bursting with flavor, this Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken combines a unique blend of spices to deliver an authentic tandoori experience with less oil.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Preparation
  • 1 whole chicken (4.7lbs/2.1kg) 1 (4.7lb/2.1 kg) whole chicken (preferably organic)
  • 3-4 tablespoon 3-4 tablespoon Oil (for basting)
  • 3 tablespoon 3 tablespoon lemon juice (preferably fresh squeezed)
Tandoori Marinade
  • 1.5 teaspoon 1.5 teaspoon kashmiri chilli powder (or paprika)
  • 0.5 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup 1 cup yogurt (use plain & whole milk yogurt)
  • 1.5-2 tablespoon 1.5-2 tablespoon salt (adjust to your liking)
  • 2 tablespoon 2 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1.5 tablespoon 1.5 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 2 tablespoon 2 tablespoon kashmiri chilli powder (mild), for color (use paprika instead)
  • 1.5 teaspoon 1.5 teaspoon red chilli powder (hot, adjust to tolerance)
  • 0.25 teaspoon 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoon 2 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1.5 tablespoon 1.5 tablespoon super fine almond flour (or cashew powder, optional) optional
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1.5 tablespoon 1.5 tablespoon kasuri methi (crushed, optional) optional
  • 3 tablespoon 3 tablespoon mustard oil (or use ghee)
  • 1/8 teaspoon 1/8 teaspoon red food color (optional) optional
Serving Garnishes
  • 1 sliced onion or pickled onion Sliced Onion or Pickled Onion
  • 1 lemon wedges Lemon Wedges
  • to taste Green chutney
  • to taste Chaat Masala (Tangy Spice Blend)
  • to taste Any other sides you like

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Clean and prep the chicken by removing any giblets and patting it dry.
  2. Sprinkle the chicken with lemon juice and half a teaspoon of salt, ensuring it coats evenly. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Marinade Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, chili powders, salt, garlic paste, ginger paste, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, almond flour, black pepper, cumin, kasuri methi, mustard oil, and red food color (if using). Mix well to create a thick marinade.
  2. Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade, making sure it gets into all the nooks and crevices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 25-35 minutes, basting with oil halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is crispy on the outside.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and to ensure the chicken isn't dried out. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Baste with oil halfway through cooking for extra moisture and crispiness.