008: AIR FRYER: TANDOORI CHICKEN

🔥 Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken — Spice & Fire Made Easy

Archetype: The Fire-Keeper — smoky-red spice, tangy yogurt, and char-kissed flavor without a clay oven.

💡 Why This Works

Traditional tandoori chicken needs a blazing clay oven. The air fryer’s rapid heat mimics that charry intensity — giving you juicy inside, crisp edges, and a vibrant spice crust. Marination is the magic; the fryer makes it weeknight-easy.

⚡ Energy & Time

• Active: 15 min • Total: 6–8 hr marinate + 20–25 min cook
• Effort: Moderate (RPE 5/10). Just marinate, air fry, flip once.
• Gear: Air fryer, mixing bowl, parchment (optional)

🎭 Flavor & Mood

Smoky, tangy, chili-warm, and deeply spiced — perfect with naan, rice, or tucked into wraps. Vibrant color and aroma make it as festive as it is comforting.

🥣 What It Is

Yogurt-marinated chicken, spiced with tandoori masala, garlic, ginger, and lemon, air-fried till charred at the edges. Serve with fresh herbs, onion rings, and cooling raita.

🧾 Ingredients (serves 3–4)

• Chicken: 2 lbs bone-in thighs/drumsticks (or boneless thighs, for faster cook)
• Yogurt marinade: 1 cup thick yogurt • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste • 2 tbsp tandoori masala powder • 1 tsp cumin • 1 tsp paprika (or Kashmiri chili powder for red color) • 1 tsp garam masala • 1 tsp salt
• Oil: 1–2 tsp for brushing or misting
• To serve: Lime wedges • onion rings • cilantro • cooling raita

✍️ Method

1. Prep chicken: Pat chicken dry, score a few shallow cuts for flavor to seep in.
2. Mix marinade: Whisk yogurt, lemon, spices, and salt in a bowl. Coat chicken well. Cover and marinate at least 6 hr (overnight best).
3. Preheat fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 min.
4. Cook: Arrange chicken in a single layer. Brush with a little oil. Air fry 20–25 min, flipping halfway. Target internal 165°F / 74°C.
5. Finish: Rest 3–5 min. Garnish with lime, onion rings, and cilantro. Serve with naan or rice.

🌿 Maker’s Notes

• Color boost: Use Kashmiri chili powder for red hue without extreme heat.
• Smoky hack: Add 1 drop liquid smoke to the marinade for tandoor-like flavor.
• Boneless thighs: Reduce cook time to 15–18 min.
• Meal prep: Marinate chicken in freezer bags and freeze; thaw overnight before air-frying.

📜 Lore / Origin

Born in the clay ovens of Punjab, tandoori chicken became an icon of Indian cuisine — crimson, smoky, and festive. The air fryer brings that same magic to the countertop, no glowing coals required.

🌺 Benefits

• Protein-rich: satisfying and balanced
• Yogurt marinade: probiotics + tenderizing magic
• Air fry method: charred edges, minimal oil

🧭 Self-Score to 100

• Flavor Fire: 20/20
• Ease & Gadget Use: 20/20
• Nutrition & Balance: 20/20
• Visual & Mood: 20/20
• Mythic Resonance: 20/20

Total: 100/100 — Red spice fire, air fryer-fast.