Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Whole Tandoori Chicken

Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Roast Chicken

Safira
Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Roast Chicken - EASY and Healthy recipe for Homemade Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken or Tandoori Murgh. This tandoori spiced whole chicken is perfectly juicy on the inside with crispy skin on the outside. The chicken is marinated in tangy creamy yoghurt and vibrant, aromatic spices and then cooked in the Air Fryer. It is delicious served with Naan, Rice and Mint Chutney. 
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Indian, South Asian
Servings 6
Calories 289 kcal

Ingredients
  

Marinade

  • 3 tbsp Plain Yoghurt Full Fat
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Garlic paste
  • 1 tsp Ginger Paste
  • 1 ½ tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • ½ tsp Ground Turmeric
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala Powder
  • 3 tsp Paprika I used Smoked
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri Chilli Powder
  • ¼ Dry fennel Optional
  • 1 tsp Kasuri Methi Dry Fenugreek
  • Pinch Cardamom Powder
  • Salt and Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Oil Vegetable
  • 1 tbsp Butter Melted

Chicken

  • 2.8 lb Whole Chicken Skin On

Instructions
 

  • Combine all the ingredients for the marinade in a bowl.
  • Clean the Chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Make a few slits in the chicken. 
  • Use your hands to smear the marinade all over the chicken and under the chicken skin. Tie the legs with twine.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer to 180 c/360 F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
  • Add the chicken, breast side down in the air fryer basket. 
  • Air fry for 30 minutes
  • Flip the chicken and baste. Air fry for 20 more minutes. Make sure that the Internal temperature of the breast is 75 C/165 F. 
  • Finally, remove the chicken from the air fryer basket onto a platter or board. Wrap loosely with foil and rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

FAQs

How do I cook a whole chicken in an Air fryer?

After you have added your marinade/flavoured butter/oil/spice rub - cook breast side down for 30 minutes, then baste and cook for a further 10 - 20 minutes. 

How long should I cook a whole chicken in the Air fryer?

The length of time depends on the size of the chicken.
This one is almost 3lb and was cooked for 50 minutes.

Can I roast a chicken in my ninja Air fryer?

Yes! I used the Ninja Arif fryer to cook this Chicken!

Is Tandoori Chicken Healthy?

Absolutely. The chicken is roasted in a yoghurt and spice blend and is healthy!

What makes Tandoori Chicken Red?

The very red tandoori chicken look is usually achieved with a powdered food colour. Kashmiri Red chilli does add some colour though.

How Do I Know When the Chicken Is Done?

The best way is to use a thermometer and ensure that you insert it in the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 75c/165f.
You can also check the juices run clear by slightly pulling the leg away from the body and cutting between it. The  juices should flow out and be clear.

Tips for BEST Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken

Add Gram Flour

You can add gran flour to the marinade to help the marinade clingto the Chicken better.

Pat the Chicken dry  with paper towels

This will help the marinade cling to the chicken and help the skin crisp up.

Use the correct chicken size for your Air Fryer

Make sure the chicken has room in the air fryer.

Start cooking the Chicken Breast side down 

Cooking the chicken with the breasts down for the first 30 minutes means the brst meat will stay moist.
Allow Chicken to rest after cooking 
Allow your chicken to rest after it’s been cooked. This helps lock in the juices. 

Cooking time will vary depending on your Air Fryer

 I recommend you check init from 45 minutes onwards.

Storage

Fridge

Roast chicken can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days.

Freezer

Leftover chicken can be stored in a freezer bag with the air removed. It will keep in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Defrost

Defrost tin the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 19gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 92mgPotassium: 236mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 292IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Air fryer tandoori chicken, Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken, Easy Tandoori Chicken, Homemade tandoori chicken, Roast Tandoori Chicken
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!