Tandoori chicken, a culinary masterpiece from South Asia, has won hearts worldwide. This beloved dish, rooted in the history and tradition of the region, is celebrated in both Pakistan and India for its aromatic spices and tantalizing flavors. But have you ever tried making Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks at home? This recipe not only brings the authentic flavors of tandoori cuisine to your kitchen but also embraces the health benefits of air frying.
The Magic of Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is renowned for its vibrant colors, smoky flavor, and tender, juicy meat. The secret lies in its marination and cooking technique, which we’ll explore in this delicious Air Fryer version.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Air frying offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, reducing the oil content without compromising on taste or texture. It’s a convenient and quick way to cook, perfect for busy lifestyles.
Here is a link to the air fryer I use. I absolutely love it: My Ninja Foodie Air Fryer
Preparing the Tandoori Marinade
– Preparing the Marinade
Combine the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and a pinch of red food color to create a vibrant and flavorful marinade.
– Marination Time
Pour the marinade over the chicken pieces and make sure they’re coated well.
Make sure you really get into the cuts on the drumsticks as well.
Marinate the chicken drumsticks for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to infuse thoroughly.
– Time to cook
Place the marinated drumsticks inside your air fryer. As much as possible, leave some space between them so the hot air can circulate all around. You can spray or coat the tray with a light layer of oil for extra crispy results. However, it is not necessary as we did add some oil to the marinade as well.
The total cooking time is 18 minutes, so make sure you flip the sides at the halfway mark of 9 minutes.
It’s amazing how they are crispy on the inside but soft and juicy on the inside!
Tandoori Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg bone-in chicken with deep cuts (about 10 drumsticks)
- 1/2 cup thick yoghurt (make sure it's thick and not watery)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1.25 tbsp of ginger & garlic paste
- 1 tbsp Kasoori Methi (fenugreek leaves)
- 2 tbsp oil
- pinch of red food colour
- Powder Spices:
- 1 tsp each of: red chilli powder, black pepper, salt, garam masala & cumin powder (you can always increase or decrease chilli powder & salt to your liking)
- 1 tbsp Tandoori Masala (I love using the National brand for this, good taste and the simplest one in terms of ingredients. But you can use your favourite one).
Instructions
Air Fryer Cooking Method
- Temperature and Duration
Cook the marinated drumsticks in the air fryer at 360F for 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through (at 9 minutes). This ensures even cooking and a perfect exterior.
- Achieving the Perfect Char
For that characteristic tandoori char, lightly spray the drumsticks with oil before air frying.
Alternative Cooking Methods
- Oven Baking
Bake in a preheated oven at 375F for 40-50 minutes for a traditional approach.
- Stove Top Cooking
Steam cook the chicken for 30 minutes and then deep fry for a crispy coating.
- Instant Pot Method
Use the Instant Pot to steam cook for 5 minutes, followed by deep frying.
See It to Believe It
For a visual guide to preparing this dish, check out the Instagram video below. It walks you through each step, simplifying your cooking process.
This tandoori chicken recipe could not be simpler and more delicious! No wonder it went viral and was viewed by almost 4 million users on Instagram and thousands of recreations. It turns out crispy on the outside and soft & juicy on the inside!
The marinade could not be simpler – I bet you have all of these spices in your kitchen!
Also, check my easy dessert recipe
