Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs Recipe
If you’re craving the bold flavors and irresistible char of tandoori kebabs but don’t want to fuss with a grill or a tandoor oven, these Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs are your weeknight miracle. They’re juicy, vibrant, and laced with spices that bring every bite to life. I absolutely adore how the air fryer gives the chicken those crispy caramelized edges while keeping the inside unbelievably tender. Whether you’re making a fun meal for family or impressing friends at a casual dinner party, this dish delivers big flavor with very little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—each item here truly pulls its weight, from the brightness of the yogurt to the earthy warmth of turmeric. The secret to mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs lies in a wonderful balance of bold spices and just a bit of patience while the chicken marinates.
- Chicken thighs (or breasts): Choose boneless, skinless pieces for maximum juiciness and quick, even cooking.
- Plain Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt): This forms the luscious base of the marinade and helps lock in moisture and tang.
- Salt: Essential to bring out all the aromatic flavors in your marinade and keep the kebabs deeply savory.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that pairs perfectly with the warmth of the other spices.
- Ginger purée: Fresh ginger paste gives these kebabs that unmistakeable zing (store-bought, squeezable ginger works beautifully).
- Paprika: For a beautiful red hue and mild sweetness that elevate both taste and appearance.
- Chili powder: This is where some smoky heat comes in, making the flavor pop without being overwhelming.
- Garlic powder: Adds deep savory notes and makes the marinade even more aromatic.
- Ground turmeric: Gives that classic golden color you expect in tandoori recipes while adding earthiness.
- Ground cumin: A pinch gives these Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs a delicious, nutty aroma.
- Fresh cilantro leaves and lime juice: Both essential for serving—herbaceous freshness and a citrusy spark to finish each skewer.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
Start by combining the Greek yogurt, all the aromatic spices, and ginger puree in a large mixing bowl. Add your chopped chicken and make sure each piece is evenly coated—this marinade is where all that flavor magic happens! Cover, pop it in the fridge, and let the spices sink in for one to two hours if you can wait. Marinating is the secret behind those juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Once your chicken is marinated to perfection, carefully thread the pieces onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning. This is your chance to get a little hands-on—slide the chicken on, leaving just a smidge of space between pieces for even cooking and those deliciously crisp edges.
Step 3: Preheat and Air Fry
Depending on your particular air fryer model, you may need to preheat it to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange your loaded skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving them a little room to crisp up on all sides. Cook at 370F for about 15 minutes, then flip the skewers and give them another 5 minutes. What you’re aiming for is tender, fully-cooked chicken with a gorgeous, caramelized exterior—the hallmark of great Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
When your kebabs come out of the air fryer, they’ll be sizzling and irresistible. Transfer them to a platter, shower them with fresh chopped cilantro, and squeeze plenty of lime juice over the top. This finishing touch brightens everything up and adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these kebabs truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs
Garnishes
Scatter plenty of chopped cilantro and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice across the kebabs just before serving. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or paper-thin slices of red onion for added color and crunch—these little touches help the Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs look as vibrant as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these kebabs with warm naan, fluffy steamed basmati rice, or a fresh cucumber-tomato salad. I also love serving them alongside cooling mint yogurt dip or tangy pickled onions—each bite feels like a quick trip to your favorite Indian grill!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a colorful spread by arranging your Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs on a platter with piles of lemon wedges, little bowls of chutney, and extra herbs. Or, slide the kebab pieces off the skewers, wrap in flatbreads with crisp veggies, and let everyone assemble their own tandoori wraps.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover kebabs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool first to prevent condensation and sogginess—this keeps your Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs just as delicious for the next round!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked kebabs. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Freeze a few extra for quick weeknight dinners or lunchbox favorites!
Reheating
To revive your leftover kebabs, reheat them in the air fryer at 350F for a few minutes until hot and sizzling. This brings back their tender, freshly-cooked texture. You can also microwave briefly, but air frying helps reclaim that lovely, crisp finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well for Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs, though thighs provide extra juiciness. If you use breast, just monitor the cooking time so they don’t dry out—cut the pieces evenly and keep an eye on doneness.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt to make this dairy-free?
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Use plain coconut milk yogurt for a creamy, tangy, dairy-free marinade that clings to the chicken and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
How spicy are these kebabs?
The spice level is customizable. The recipe provides a gentle kick but isn’t overwhelming—if you love extra heat, add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne. If you’re serving kids, reduce the chili powder slightly to tame the flames.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
This depends on your air fryer model. Some require preheating, while others don’t. Check your manual, but if in doubt, a quick three-minute preheat ensures your Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs cook evenly and get that lovely char right from the start.
Can I prepare the chicken a day ahead?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The longer marinating time actually amplifies the flavors and tenderness, so it’s a terrific make-ahead option for easy entertaining.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how effortless and satisfying these Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs are, and I truly believe they deserve a spot in your dinner rotation. Give them a try for your next family meal or casual gathering—you’ll be hooked by their color, aroma, and flavor in every bite!
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Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue. Marinated in a blend of yogurt and flavorful spices, these kebabs are juicy and packed with Indian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, bones removed and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ginger purée
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, spices, and chicken. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Air fry the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip the skewers and air fry for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kebab
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Tandoori Kebabs, Tandoori Chicken, Air Fryer Recipe, Indian Cuisine
