Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Skewers with Rice
These air fryer tandoori chicken skewers are a healthier twist on the classic tandoori dish. The chicken is marinated in yogurt, lemon, and aromatic spices, then air-fried until juicy and slightly charred. Served with fluffy rice and a cooling yogurt sauce, this dish brings together the warmth of Indian-inspired flavors with a Mediterranean-style balance — light, fresh, and satisfying.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour marination)
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g (about 1 lb) boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size cubes
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ginger paste (or finely grated fresh ginger)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp coriander powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (for color and mild flavor)
¼ tsp turmeric
Salt and black pepper, to taste
(Optional: ¼ tsp chili powder if you prefer a slightly spiced flavor — skip for non-spicy.)
For the Rice:
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water or broth
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
For Serving:
Fresh lemon wedges
Chopped cilantro or parsley
Simple yogurt sauce (optional):
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped mint or parsley
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
1. In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and all spices.
2. Add chicken pieces and toss well to coat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Rice
1. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
3. Add rice, olive oil and salt.
4. Cover and simmer on low for 12–15 minutes until rice is fluffy.
3. Cook Chicken in the Air Fryer
1. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers (wooden skewers soaked in water for 20 minutes if using).
2. Preheat air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
3. Lightly brush the basket with oil and place the skewers in a single layer.
4. Air fry for 14–16 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges.
4. Make Yogurt Sauce (Optional)
Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, mint, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to serve.
5. Serve
Place skewers over a bed of rice. Drizzle with yogurt sauce and garnish with lemon wedges and chopped herbs.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garam masala or sumac on top before serving.
You can use the same marinade for vegetables like bell peppers and onions to air fry alongside the chicken.
Avoid overcooking — chicken should be juicy and tender inside.
frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I bake instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~430 kcal
Protein: 37g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g