Description
These Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Bites are succulent, flavorful pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of traditional Indian spices and yogurt, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Quick to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors, they're perfect as a snack or appetizer and come with an optional refreshing yogurt-dill sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch thick cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder or garam masala
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- cooking oil spray
Yogurt Sauce (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl or a Ziploc bag, ready for marinating.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle paprika, curry powder, cumin, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Rub the seasonings thoroughly all over each piece to ensure even coating.
- Add Marinade Ingredients: Stir in the plain yogurt, tomato paste, and vegetable oil. Toss everything well until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Transfer the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil spray to help with browning.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken bites with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with the optional yogurt sauce.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce (Optional): In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve alongside the chicken bites.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of the minimum 1 hour.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer juicier bites compared to chicken breasts.
- The optional yogurt sauce adds a refreshing contrast but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispness.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference, adding more chili powder if you like it spicier.
