Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

cooked tandoori chicken thighs placed in a white tray along with lime wedges.

These Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Thighs are authentic and mega flavorful with a two-step marination. Made using a scrumptious marinade without food color, this is the best tandoori chicken recipe you'll try - Oven and Grilling instructions included!

Course Chicken

Cuisine Indian

Keyword air fryer tandoori chicken, tandoori chicken thighs

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Resting time 6

Total Time 6 25

Servings servings

Calories 198kcal

Author Maria Doss

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

First Marinade

1 tablespoon lime juice
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Second marinade

⅓ cup plain yogurt
1 ½ tablespoons Vegetable oil
½ tablespoon Kasoori methi optional
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder or use ½ to 1 teaspoon addional cayenne
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon garam masala powder
½ to 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

First marinade - Toss chicken thighs with lemon juice, cayenne and salt. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Second marinade - Add all second marinade ingredients and toss to thoroughly combined. Cover the bowl and allow the marinade to infuse the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes to up to 6 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Place chicken thighs, smooth side down and cook for 5 minutes.
Using tongs, flip the chicken so that the smooth side is facing up. Continue cooking at the same temperature for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Video

Notes

Kasoori methi - It is dried fenugreek leaves and is essential for imparting a distinctive buttery flavor to an authentic tandoori chicken recipe. It can be easily found in Indian grocery stores or Amazon. However, feel free to omit it if it's not available.

Ginger and Garlic - Traditionally, ginger garlic paste is used, but I prefer freshly grated ginger and garlic. Grinding a small amount can be cumbersome, so this method offers convenience without compromising on taste.

Kashmiri chili powder - Made using a special type of red chilies from the Indian region of Kashmir, it is very mild spicy but imparts a vibrant red color to the dish. It is available in Amazon or Indian grocery stores.

Refer recipe notes to make it in the oven or grill

Nutrition