Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this tandoori chicken recipe because it perfectly combines the rich, creamy flavors of Greek yogurt with the aromatic spices, giving me a delicious taste of India right from my own kitchen. Plus, cooking it in the air fryer makes it so easy and convenient, leaving me more time to binge-watch my favorite shows guilt-free while indulging in this tasty dish!

Cooking a whole tandoori chicken in an air fryer gives me the best of both worlds: authentic flavors and a healthy twist. My recipe starts with a marinade of plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and tandoori masala; adds a secret blend of spices (ginger, garlic, cumin, and coriander); and finishes with an air fryer “roast” that seals in the juices and keeps the skin crispy.

The preparation takes longer than my go-to weeknight meals, but working with a whole chicken makes me feel grounded in the kitchen, like I’m some version of my mother or grandmother.

Ingredients

Entire Chicken: Rich in protein and vital nutrients, an excellent choice for a filling centerpiece of a meal.

Greek yogurt without any added flavor: A food that, in equal parts, supplies creaminess and tang, albeit in a more mild form than nonfat Greek yogurt.

Juice of Lemon: Supplies a freshly vigorous taste and is at a high level for vitamin C.

Tandoori Masala: A mixture of spices for real taste, bestows anti-inflammatory qualities.

Paste of Garlic and Ginger: Produces flavor, gives depth character.

Immunity and digestion—it does those two things pretty well, too.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), skin removed
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons tandoori masala
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. In a big bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, tandoori masala, ginger-garlic paste, vegetable oil, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.

2. Rinse the whole chicken and dry it with paper towels. Remove the skin if it is not already off.

3. Make deep cuts in the chicken to allow it to marinate better.

4. Ensure the chicken is completely covered with the marinade, ensuring it penetrates into the incisions. Seal and store in the refrigerator for no less than 4 hours, although it is preferable to let it sit overnight.

5. The air fryer should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).

6. Put the chicken that has been marinated into the air fryer basket, with the breast side facing down.

7. Cook the chicken in an air fryer for 30 minutes. Then, using utmost care, turn it over so that it is now resting on the side that was previously facing the bottom of the air fryer.

8. Keep cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the inside temperature hits 165°F (75°C) and the juices are clear.

9. Take the chicken out of the air fryer with care, and let it sit for 10 minutes before you cut into it.

10. To serve, top with chopped fresh cilantro and present with lemon wedges.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Whisk or spoon (for mixing marinade)
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife
6. Paper towels
7. Refrigerator (for marinating)
8. Air fryer
9. Tongs (for turning chicken)
10. Instant-read thermometer (to check internal temperature)
11. Serving platter (for presenting the chicken)
12. Small knife (for chopping cilantro and lemon wedges)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?Absolutely. Bone-in chicken pieces work well for this recipe. Use thighs, drumsticks, or other similar bone-in chicken parts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to accommodate the bones.
• Q: Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?A: Marinating the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight yields the best flavor. If time is tight, a marinade of 1 hour is still effective.
• Q: How long should I air fry the chicken?A: In the air fryer, the chicken should be cooked at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?A: The preferred form of yogurt is Greek yogurt, due to its thick consistency. However, regular yogurt can also be used. The result may be a slightly thinner, but perfectly delectable, marinade.
• Q: What is tandoori masala and where can I find it?A: Tandoori masala is a spice mix used in Indian cooking. You can find it in almost any big grocery store or online.
• Q: How can I ensure the chicken is cooked evenly?A: Ensure that you turn the chicken halfway through the cooking process and verify that it attains an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Substitutions and Variations

1 whole chicken: Replace with chicken leg quarters or whole chicken breast (adjust cooking time as necessary).
1 cup of regular plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can substitute the following:
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Substitute with lime juice or white vinegar.
If you don’t have tandoori masala, use an equal amount of garam masala plus additional chili powder.
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste: Use 1/2 tablespoon ground ginger and 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder instead.

Pro Tips

1. Marinade Optimization For an even more flavorful marinade, consider adding a pinch of ground cardamom or smoked paprika for a subtle depth of flavor. This can enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.

2. Marinating Technique To ensure the marinade penetrates effectively, massage it into the cuts of the chicken. Use a zip-lock bag to marinate if possible, as it allows for maximum contact between the chicken and the marinade.

3. Ensure Even Cooking Halfway through cooking, rotate the chicken slightly or adjust its position in the air fryer basket to ensure even heat distribution and crisping on all sides.

4. Resting is Key After taking the chicken out of the air fryer, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken.

5. Serving Suggestion Before serving, lightly sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper over the chicken for an added burst of flavor, and consider serving with a side of cucumber raita for a refreshing complement.