Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken

Follow these steps to prepare the perfect Chicken Tandoori:

Score the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, make deep cuts into the chicken thighs. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat, ensuring maximum flavor.
Pat Dry: Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the marinade adhere better.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, red chili powder or paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Add Natural Food Coloring (Optional): For the iconic red hue, you can add a pinch of red food coloring or use a natural alternative like beetroot powder.

Coat the Chicken: Add the scored chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Use your hands or tongs to work the marinade into the cuts.
Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Preheat the Oven or Grill: If using an oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or directly on a grill rack.
Bake or Grill: Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and charred.
Broil for Extra Char (Optional): For additional charring, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking.

Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
Garnish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves and lemon wedges over the chicken for added freshness and flavor.
Serve: Enjoy your homemade Chicken Tandoori with naan bread, basmati rice, or a side salad.

Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Tandoori

Creating authentic Chicken Tandoori requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces retain moisture better during cooking, resulting in juicier meat.
Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red chili powder or paprika. Feel free to add more if you prefer a spicier dish.
Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer marination time allows the spices to penetrate deeply.
Achieve the Right Char: If you don’t have a tandoor, mimic its effect by using a high heat setting on your oven or grill to achieve that characteristic charred exterior.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest briefly after cooking to lock in the juices and enhance flavor.

Chicken Tandoori is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some creative variations to consider:

Preparation: Use chicken wings instead of thighs for a fun and finger-licking appetizer. Marinate and cook as directed, adjusting the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Preparation: Cut boneless chicken breast or thigh pieces into bite-sized chunks. Skewer the marinated pieces and grill or bake until cooked through.

Preparation: Add extra heat by incorporating finely chopped green chilies or cayenne pepper into the marinade for a fiery kick.

Preparation: Enhance the freshness by adding chopped mint leaves and a dash of lime juice to the yogurt marinade for a zesty twist.

Preparation: For a vegetarian alternative, marinate paneer, tofu, or vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and mushrooms in the tandoori marinade and cook as directed.