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Easy Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

A quick and budget-friendly recipe for tender, juicy tandoori chicken cooked in an air fryer.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1 cup plain yogurt Use thick yogurt for better coating.
  • 2 tablespoons tandoori masala Can substitute with homemade spices if needed.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
Chicken
  • 4 pieces chicken legs Can substitute with chicken breasts or thighs.
  • 1 tablespoon oil For brushing the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
  • 1 cup basmati rice As a side dish.
  • 4 pieces naan bread Optional accompaniments.
  • 1 cup cucumber salad To balance flavors.
  • 1 cup mint yogurt sauce For dipping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  2. Add the chicken legs to the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Brush the marinated chicken legs with oil and arrange them in the Air Fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be fully cooked and have a nice char on the outside.
Serving
  1. Take the chicken out and serve it hot with basmati rice or naan bread.
  2. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

If short on time, marinate for just 30 minutes, but longer marination enhances flavor. You can freeze leftovers for up to three months.