Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Kebabs: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Kebabs are a delightful fusion of flavor and convenience that will elevate your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. As someone who has always been captivated by the rich, aromatic spices of Indian cuisine, I find that these kebabs perfectly encapsulate the essence of traditional tandoori cooking while offering a healthier twist. The air fryer not only reduces the cooking time but also ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender, with a beautifully charred exterior that is simply irresistible.

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, tandoori chicken has a long-standing history, traditionally cooked in a clay oven known as a tandoor. This method imparts a unique smoky flavor that is hard to replicate. However, with the advent of modern cooking appliances like the air fryer, we can now enjoy this beloved dish in a fraction of the time, making it accessible for busy home cooks. People adore Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Kebabs not only for their vibrant taste and tender texture but also for their convenience—perfect for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Join me as we dive into this easy and delicious recipe that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes)

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain yogurt, vegetable oil, and lemon juice. This will serve as the base of our marinade, giving the chicken a tender and flavorful coating. 2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the bowl. These ingredients will infuse the chicken with a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. 3. Next, add the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined. The vibrant colors of the spices will make you excited about the dish! 4. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more cayenne pepper.

Marinating the Chicken

5. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. I like to use my hands for this step; it’s the best way to make sure every piece is covered in that delicious marinade. 6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for 4 to 6 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. This allows the spices to penetrate the chicken deeply.

Preparing the Skewers

7. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step. 8. Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. I usually fit about 4-5 pieces per skewer, but you can adjust based on the size of your skewers.

Cooking the Kebabs in the Air Fryer

9. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, giving it a nice sear. 10. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the skewers in the basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. If you have a lot of kebabs, you may need to cook them in batches. 11. Cook the kebabs for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will help them cook evenly and get that beautiful golden-brown color. Keep an eye on them; cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. 12. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), they are done! The kebabs should be juicy and slightly charred on the edges.

Assembling and Serving

13. Carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer. I like to use tongs for this step to avoid burning my fingers. Let them rest for a couple of minutes; this helps the juices redistribute within the chicken. 14. While the kebabs are resting, prepare your serving platter. You can serve them with a side of naan, rice, or a fresh salad. I love to add a cooling yogurt sauce or mint chutney on the side for dipping. 15. Garnish the kebabs with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lemon wedges. The lemon adds a nice brightness to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the spices. 16. Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Kebabs! They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with

Conclusion:

In summary, these Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Kebabs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of tender, marinated chicken infused with aromatic spices and the convenience of the air fryer makes this dish not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, the vibrant colors and enticing aromas will have everyone at the table eager to dig in! For serving suggestions, consider pairing these kebabs with a refreshing cucumber raita or a zesty mint chutney to balance the spices. You can also serve them alongside warm naan or fluffy basmati rice for a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different proteins like shrimp or tofu, or even add some colorful bell peppers and onions to the skewers for a delightful veggie twist. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made these Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Kebabs, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation! Let’s spread the joy of cooking together! Print