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    Home » Air Fryer Recipes

    Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken

    Published: Nov 16, 2021 · Modified: Nov 8, 2022 by Archana · This post may contain affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 8 Comments

    93 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    This is my new favorite way to “roast” chicken and I think it’s about to be yours too! Air Frying a Whole Tandoori Chicken may sound a little out there, but I’m here to tell you why you NEED to try this method. In under an hour you get perfectly juicy chicken glazed with a flavor-packed marinade that gets caramelized and crispy all over. And I’m never going back!

    This is essentially my homemade Indian-spiced rotisserie-style chicken and it’s been a game-changer! It has totally replaced the convenience of store-bought rotisserie and is better in every way. The exquisite crispy-spicy coating from the Air Fryer is unforgettable!!

    Jump to:
    • What Is Tandoori?
    • Air Frying Whole Chicken
    • Tandoori Marinade
    • Tips for BEST Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken
    • Versatile Recipe
    • How to Air Fry Whole Chicken
    • What to Serve with Whole Tandoori Chicken 
    • Storing
    • Recipe

    What Is Tandoori?

    Tandoori is a style of cooking from the Indian subcontinent that refers to cooking food in a clay oven, which is also called a Tandoor. Most traditional Tandoori chicken is marinated in yogurt and vibrant spices before it is roasted in the clay oven.

    Since most of us don't have clay ovens, there are other ways we can replicate the cooking methods with our own kitchen appliances. I love making tandoori chicken in the Instant Pot.

    This recipe will show you how to make perfect tandoori chicken in the air fryer.

    whole tandoori chicken in air fryer basket

    Air Frying Whole Chicken

    The Many Reasons to Love this Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken:

    1. Cooking time is essentially hands-off! The superb marinade of ground spices, garlic paste, ginger paste, and lemon gets rubbed under and over the skin. Then the Air Fryer does the work. Bonus--no need to let the marinade soak in for hours or even overnight so there’s no need to plan ahead. You can decide to make Tandoori Chicken and an hour later it’s ready to eat!
    2. Meal Prep has never been so easy! I like to Air Fry the whole chicken and use it throughout the week to top salads, make wraps, or add protein to grain bowls. It also makes amazing lettuce wraps!
    3. Air Fryer Whole Chicken Tandoori is special event-ready! This will be the centerpiece of our Thanksgiving feast around which we will build the rest of the menu. We don’t even need the oven for this dish so we have plenty of room in there for pies, casseroles, and cornbread. It makes entertaining so easy!
    4. Buying a whole chicken is more cost-effective.
    5. The results are consistent: perfectly cooked through, so very moist, and completely delicious.

    Tandoori Marinade

    Here are the main ingredients and spices I like to use for marinating whole tandoori chicken:

    • Kashmiri red chili powder - A mild chili powder that adds a brilliant hue to the chicken without adding too much heat
    • Ground cumin - Adds nutty warm flavors
    • Ground coriander - Paired with cumin adds an earthy flavor
    • Ground turmeric - The bright, healing spice that adds a peppery-woody taste and a deep golden color to the marinade
    • Garam masala - “warm spice mix” adds warmth and depth, added with other spices makes for a perfect homemade tandoori masala
    • Fresh Ginger & Garlic Paste - Must have in Indian cuisine, fresh ginger and garlic adds authentic taste, flavor, and nutrition
    • Lemon juice - helps tenderize the meat and the acidity balances the spices
    ingredients for tandoori marinade

    Tips for BEST Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken

    • This recipe is tested in Cosori 5.8 QT so if your airfryer is smaller you may want to buy a smaller chicken and reduce the cooking time accordingly. 
    • Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer. Check the chicken for doneness at the 40 minute mark using a digital thermometer. Adjust time as needed 
    • Depending on how big your air fryer is you may wish to use a bigger or smaller whole chicken. Just be sure to adjust your spice and oil mix, and the cooking time. 
    • If you find that the chicken is a bit too tall and the top starts to burn, cut the strings tied on the chicken and press it down so it takes more space horizontally and prevents the top from burning.  
    • Use a digital thermometer to take the guesswork out
    • Adjust the Tandoori spice mix to your taste. If you like it spicier, substitute half of the Kashmiri chili with hot chili powder. 

    Versatile Recipe

    I have used this air-frying whole chicken technique with different types of marinades as well as dry rubs. Use your favorite spices to marinate and get perfectly cooked tender juicy rotisserie-style chicken every single time!

    How to Air Fry Whole Chicken

    Here are step-by-step instructions with photos on how to air fryer whole tandoori chicken. A full list of ingredient quantities and a printable recipe card can be found at the end of this post:

    • In a bowl mix all the marinade ingredients.
    • Prep the Chicken - Remove the bag of giblets from inside the chicken. Rinse the chicken with water and then pat dry from outside and inside with paper towels. You can also trim any excess fat from the chicken using kitchen shears.
    • Make 3 small slits on each of the chicken breasts. Using a silicone spatula or your hands evenly apply the marinade all over the chicken including the insides. Make sure to also apply the marinade under the skin without tearing the skin too much.
    • Tie the legs with a cooking twine
    photos one through four showing how to marinate whole chicken
    • Preheat the Air Fryer to 360 F. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil
    • Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 360F for 50 minutes
    • Using a pair of silicone tongs, flip the chicken. Lightly coat the top side with more marinade and air fry for 10 more minutes.  
    • Make sure that the Internal temperature of the breast is 165F. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving. 
    photos five and six showing whole chicken in air fryer basket

    What to Serve with Whole Tandoori Chicken 

    I often make whole Tandoori chicken as a meal-prep. Serve it on Lettuce Cups for a low-carb meal or serve it with Potato Wedges, Jeera Rice, Quinoa Salad, or Cucumber Salad.

    For a Holiday or Special Occasion pairing, choose from Cranberry Apple Sauce, Roasted Carrots with Herb Chutney, Sweet Potato Casserole, Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts or Kale Salad with Almonds.

    whole tandoori chicken in a platter with lemon wedges and sliced onions

    Storing

    Store any leftover tandoori chicken refrigerated in an air-tight container for up to 5 days. For longer shelf life you can also freeze the leftovers.

    Did you enjoy this air fryer recipe? Here are some more Indian Air Fryer Recipes to try:

    • Tandoori Drumsticks
    • Masala Fries
    • Kurkuri Bhindi
    • Paneer Tikka
    • Onion Pakoda

    Recipe

    Tried this recipe? We love your feedback.Please click on the stars in the recipe card below
    whole tandoori chicken in a serving platter
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    5 from 5 votes

    Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken

    Perfectly juicy from the inside and crispy on the outside this Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken is ready in an hour - a must-try recipe!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time1 hr
    Total Time1 hr 10 mins
    Course: dinner
    Cuisine: Indian
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 390kcal
    Author: Archana Mundhe

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer
    • Digital Thermometer

    Ingredients

    • (1) 4½ to 5 lbs whole chicken

    Marinade:

    • 2 tablespoons kashmiri red chili powder
    • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
    • 1½ tablespoon kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon garam masala
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
    • 2 tablespoons ginger paste
    • 2 tablespoons garlic paste
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 3 tablespoons oil

    Instructions

    • Prep the Chicken - Remove the bag of giblets from inside the chicken. Rinse the chicken with water and then pat dry from outside and inside with paper towels. You can also trim any excess fat from the chicken using kitchen shears.
    • In a bowl mix all the marinade ingredients. Using a silicone spatula or your hands evenly apply the marinade all over the chicken including the insides. Make sure to also apply the marinade under the skin without tearing the skin too much. Make 3 small slits on each of the chicken breasts.
    • Preheat the oven to 360 F. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil.
    • Place the chicken breast side down in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 360F for 50 minutes
    • Using a pair of silicone tongs, flip the chicken. Lightly coat the top side with more marinade and air fry for 10 more minutes.
    • Make sure that the Internal temperature of the breast is 165 degree F. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    • This recipe is tested in Cosori 5.8 QT so if your air fryer is smaller you may want to buy a smaller chicken and reduce the cooking time accordingly.
    • Cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer. Check the chicken for doneness at the 40-minute mark using a digital thermometer. Adjust time as needed Depending on how big your air fryer is you may wish to use a bigger or smaller whole chicken. Just be sure to adjust your spice and oil mix, and the cooking time.
    • If you find that the chicken is a bit too tall and the top starts to burn, cut the strings tied on the chicken and press it down so it takes more space horizontally and to prevent the top from burning.
    • Use a digital thermometer to take the guesswork out Adjust the Tandoori spice mix to your taste.
    • If you like it spicier, substitute half of the Kashmiri chili with hot chili powder.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 112mg | Sodium: 1449mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 827IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @ministry_of_curry or tag #ministryofcurry

    Author: Archana

    Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
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    1. Sanobar Hassan says

      February 20, 2022 at 6:53 am

      Hi Archana,
      I cooked this fabulous recipe in my Ninja Foodi and it turned out delicious. It’s the new family favourite.

      Reply
      • Archana says

        February 21, 2022 at 1:30 pm

        So glad that the whole family enjoyed them.

        Reply
    2. Deborah Tulchin says

      April 25, 2022 at 12:56 pm

      How is there no yogurt with this recipe?

      Reply
      • Archana says

        April 26, 2022 at 8:05 am

        I am adding lemon instead. I did not add yogurt so that the marinate is more concentrated and most of it stays on the chicken while cooking.

        Reply
    3. Habiba says

      November 07, 2022 at 8:43 am

      Hi, May I know what brand is the Air fryer. Thanks

      Reply
      • Archana says

        November 08, 2022 at 5:37 pm

        It is Cosori and the exact model is linked on the recipe card under equipment.

        Reply
    4. Mary says

      December 11, 2022 at 9:27 pm

      I made this exactly as indicated in the recipe. It was marvelous. I had to butterfly the chicken to get it to fit in my smaller air fryer, but other than that, this was the perfect recipe. Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
      • Archana says

        December 13, 2022 at 2:30 pm

        Thank you for the lovely feedback. Good idea to butterfly the chicken to fit the air fryer.

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Archana: a former software engineer, now a full-time blogger. I am a mother of two boys who share my love for food and cooking. Words I love to hear are, “Mom, what’s for dinner?” The same words I say to my mom every time we speak. I live in the greater New York City Area with my husband and sons.

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