Ingredients
Scale
Gathering ingredients doesn’t have to be a scavenger hunt. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable dish:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
If you can’t find garam masala, a blend of ground cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom can work as a substitute. And if you’re like my mom, always ready to create magic from what you have, feel free to adjust spices to match your family’s palate.
Instructions
- Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. If time permits, marinate overnight for deeper flavors.
- Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. This step is crucial for even cooking, just like preheating an oven.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Brush the chicken lightly with vegetable oil to enhance crispiness.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not overlap for even cooking.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and have a nice char on the edges, reminiscent of traditional tandoori.
Don’t be afraid of a little mess—it’s a sign of love being cooked into the meal. Just like my mom’s kitchen, a bit of spice here and there is part of the process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: chicken tandoori in airfryer, recipe, cooking, food
