I’m all about quick and easy meals, especially on a weekday. These tandoori chicken skewers made in an air fryer take 30 minutes and require minimum effort. If you are like me who like desi food, but want to make a quick and easy dinner then follow along to learn how you’ll make these tandoori skewers that are incredibly easy yet super flavorful.
Ingredients for tandoori chicken skewers
Chicken
I used boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 2-inch cubes. Chicken thighs are another alternative that makes very juicy filling. I have marinated the chicken with yogurt, oil, lemon juice, and spices. Marinate the chicken for half an hour, or you can do this step the night before. You can cook it right away.
Spices
I used salt, red chili, turmeric cumin, and coriander powder for marination. These are my go-to spices for any desi recipe. You can always adjust the spices according to your taste and make it mild or spicy but this spice mix was perfect for my taste buds.
Yogurt and lemon juice
Tandoori marinade is incomplete without yogurt and lemon juice. I have used 1/2 cup of yogurt and 2 tbsp of lemon juice in the marination. Yogurt and lemon juice will enhance the flavor.
Time to cook the chicken skewers
I air-fried chicken skewers at 425°F for about 10 minutes. Cooking time can differ depending on the air fryer and quantity so adjust it accordingly. You can also make it in a conventional oven but adjust the cooking time.
Herb butter
Take room temperature butter and mix some finely chopped cilantro and fresh garlic. Mix everything, and your garlic butter is ready. I like to apply herb butter at the end right before serving.
How to serve tandoori chicken skewers?
Tandoori skewers serve as a main dish or a side. My favorite way is to serve with white rice, a side salad, and green chutney. These tandoori skewer bowls are perfect for a busy weekday meal, as well as for beginners. This recipe is excellent for meal prepping.
Rice
I used one cup of rice and my instant pot white rice recipe to cook them with salt, turmeric, and oil. I started with rice and as the rice was cooking, I started the tandoori skewers, meanwhile, I prepared salad and green chutney.
Tandoori chicken skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
- 1.25 tsp salt
- 1 tsp red chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp turmeric
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/8 tsp red food coloring optional
- 1 tbsp ginger and garlic paste
Herb butter
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- finely chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 2 inch cubes.
- Preheat air fryer.
- Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl and marinate the chicken for 5 minutes. Put it on the skewers.
- Cook for 20 minutes at 425°F. Change sides halfway through.
- I used a toaster oven and I cooked them for 20 minutes and then broiled for 5 minutes.
- Herb butter is optional, but if you like then mix all the ingredients of herb butter and apply on the chicken right before serving.
Video
Notes
- I used metal skewers but if you are using wooden skewers then soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before using.