This Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken is packed with flavor, cooks easily in the air fryer and is served with a delicious mint cilantro chutney. This recipe yields 16 chicken drumsticks.

But First …

If you’ve taken the time to read my “about me” page then you’d know that outside of my kitchen, my family and I like to spend time in the mountains. This month hubby and I got the opportunity to FINALLY (after so many years) “meet” the infamous bear aka “the boss” (from a distance of course in our vehicle). He’s an absolute beast!

Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken

Now, back to my Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken recipe

First, you will want to marinate the chicken drumsticks in yogurt, tomato paste and spices. (Marinate for a couple of hours or even better – overnight!) Next, place the marinated chicken in the air fryer and cook for 40 minutes at 390°F. Finally, serve the tandoori chicken with this delicious Mint Cilantro Chutney.

It is that simple, let’s begin!

What Does Lactose Free Mean?

First and foremost, I try my best to incorporate lactose free ingredients in all my recipes. These ingredients can include, butter, milk, cream cheese etc. With that being said, sometimes it is hard to make an entire recipe using ALL lactose free ingredients. For example, my ice cream recipes include, condensed milk- NOT LACTOSE FREE.

Contrary to what some may believe, lactose – free is not the same as dairy free. Lactose – free still contains milk, however, there is a certain component, I believe a type of sugar (I may be wrong) where the lactose is removed from dairy, making it lactose – free.

Dairy free on the other hand, contains ZERO milk. Alternatives for dairy free are almond milk, oat milk, soy milk etc. You can learn more about the differences here.

Which Ingredients Are Lactose Free?

• Yogurt – I used plain lactose free yogurt.

Why You Will Love Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken!

• Healthier: Air fryer uses less oil compared to the traditional method. Making this a healthier alternative.
• No tandoor required: Tandoori chicken is cooked in a clay pot known as a tandoor. Since most of us do not own one, you can get crispy and charred results using an air fryer.
• Packed with flavor: The combination of yogurt, lemon and spices in the marinade creates a deliciously tangy and savory flavor.
• Spicy: Perfect for those who enjoy a little kick.

Recipe At A Glance:

Chicken Drumsticks: This recipe yields 16 drumsticks. Feel free to use less.

Yogurt: You will need one cup of yogurt. I used lactose-free yogurt.

Garlic and ginger: You will need to blend the garlic and ginger in a food processor and make it into a paste.

Cayenne Pepper: You will need one tbsp.

Paprika powder: You will need one tbsp.

Salt: You will one tsp of salt.

Garam Masala: You will need two tbsp.

Coriander Powder: You will need one tsp for taste.

Cumin Powder: You will need one tsp for taste.

Lemon: You will need the juice from one lemon.

Tomato Paste: You will need one small can of tomato paste.

Cilantro: For garnish

Red Food Coloring: This is optional, you will need two drops of red food coloring to enhance the red color of the chicken.

Equipment Needed:

Large Mixing Bowl: For the ingredients.

Measuring Spoons and Cup: For accurate measurements.

Air Fryer: To cook the chicken.

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Step By Step Instructions:

Step One:

Gather all your ingredients, measure everything then set aside.

Step Two:

Give your chicken drumsticks a quick rinse and pat dry.

Step Three:

In a food processor, blend one tbsp of water, garlic and ginger to form a paste.

Use a can opener for your tomato paste and set aside.

Step Four:

In a large bowl, add chicken, yogurt, lemon juice, tomato paste, garlic and ginger paste, and all your spices. Using clean hands mix the entire bowl until everything is fully incorporated.

Cover the bowl and store in the fridge for two hours or overnight.

Step Five:

Add the marinated chicken drumsticks to the air fryer basket and air fry for forty minutes at 390°F.

Halfway through, flip the chicken so that each side is evenly cooked.

Step Six:

Serve hot and enjoy! This delicious Mint Cilantro Chutney pairs well with my Tandoori Chicken recipe. See the recipe here.

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Storing And Freezing:

Leftovers? No problem! Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to one week. When you are ready to eat the chicken, simply warm the chicken in the microwave for about three minutes before serving.

You can also store the tandoori chicken in the freezer. It can stay fresh for up to one month.

This recipe calls for 16 drumsticks. You can also marinate the chicken, only use what you need and freeze the remaining marinated chicken in the freezer.

Be sure to thaw the chicken before air frying.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is tandoori chicken?

Tandoori is a popular dish that is cooked in Indian culture. The chicken is cooked in a clay pot oven known as a tandoor. Most tandoori recipes are marinated in yogurt and vibrant spices before cooking in the clay pot.

I don’t have an air fryer can I bake the chicken instead?

You sure can! Bake the chicken in the oven for twenty-five minutes at 390°F, then broil for about five minutes for a crispy texture.

What can I serve with air fried tandoori chicken?

You can serve naan or roti with tandoori chicken or basmati rice. Tandoori chicken can also be eaten on its own or with a salad.

Try my Mint Cilantro Chutney with this delicious Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken.

Can I use store bought tandoori masala?

Of course! If you don’t already have the spices stored in your kitchen, to save you time and money feel free to use store-bought tandoori marinade.

Can I use garlic powder and ginger powder?

Using fresh garlic and ginger paste will enhance the flavor of the tandoori chicken. I would avoid powdered form. You can either blend garlic and ginger in a food processor to make a paste or purchase garlic and ginger paste at your local grocery store.

Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken Tips:

1. Marinate the chicken overnight. This will enhance the flavor.

2. If required, preheat your air fryer.

3. Do not overcrowd your air fryer. You want the chicken to cook evenly.

4. Halfway through, flip the chicken to ensure browning on both sides.

5. Serve hot! Fresh and out of the air fryer.

Variations:

• Instead of drumsticks, try chicken thighs instead.
• If you are using chicken breast, cut the chicken into small cubes and add to a skewer.
• For a tangy flavor, add orange or zest with the marinade.
• For more of a creamy texture, add heavy cream or cashew paste to the marinade.

More Delicious Recipes!

If you enjoyed my Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken, have a look at my Roti recipe or my Beef Pulao recipe.

Thank you for reading my post today! Comment below if you have any questions or if you’ve tried my Homemade Air Fried Tandoori Chicken.

Hopefully baking brings you joy and happiness as it does for me and my family!

From my kitchen to yours,

Jas.

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