Crispy Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Hey everyone! If you love bold flavors and juicy, tender chicken with a crispy, charred crust, this Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken recipe is for you.

It’s packed with aromatic Indian spices, marinated for deep flavor, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Let’s get started!

What’s in This Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken?

This dish is all about bold, smoky, and tangy flavors. The whole chicken is coated in a vibrant tandoori marinade made from yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of warm spices, then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

It’s a healthier take on a classic, requiring little to no oil while delivering restaurant-style taste at home.

Crispy Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs) (skin removed for better marination)
1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works best)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
1 tablespoon tandoori masala
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) (optional, for authentic flavor)
2 tablespoons melted butter (for basting)
Fresh cilantro and lemon wedges (for garnish)

How to Make Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. Make deep slits across the chicken to help the marinade penetrate. This ensures maximum flavor and even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, garam masala, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, salt, mustard oil, and kasuri methi (if using). Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Coat the whole chicken thoroughly with the marinade, making sure to get it into the slits and cavity. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Step 4: Preheat and Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket, breast-side down. Cook for 30 minutes, then carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Baste and Crisp Up

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with melted butter for a glossy finish and extra crispiness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lemon wedges. Serve hot with naan, rice, or salad.

Cooking Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Marination time: 4-12 hours
Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: About 5 hours (including marination)

Serving

This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a special meal.

Calories & Macros (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~5g

Tips and Tricks

For extra flavor, marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the better the taste!
Use mustard oil for authenticity. It enhances the smoky tandoori flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches or use a rotisserie-style air fryer.
To get a deeper char, broil the chicken for 5 minutes after air frying.
Pair with mint chutney or raita for a cooling contrast.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste in a healthier way. The combination of warm spices, tangy yogurt, and smoky char makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep or special occasions.

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! 😊