Have you ever been to an event or party and been absolutely blown away by the food, wondering how on earth your host managed to pull it all off? The truth is, it’s probably not as complicated as it seems! Great-looking and great-tasting food can often be surprisingly simple to create, just like these air fryer tandoori chicken bites. They are the perfect combination of flavour, convenience, and presentation. Not only do they look fantastic and smell amazing, but your guests will love the taste, and you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing them. This recipe is a win for any hostess looking to impress without stress.
I cooked these delicious air fryer tandoori chicken bites on the Channel 5 TV show AIR FRYERS: ENTERTAINING MADE EASY, which first aired on April 4th, 2024. What makes these tandoori chicken bites so special is how quick and easy they are to prepare, all while retaining the rich, smoky flavour that tandoori chicken is known for. The air fryer provides a healthier way to cook this dish, using less oil while still getting that perfectly crispy, golden exterior and tender, juicy interior.
Making tandoori chicken in the air fryer is incredibly convenient, and just as delicious as the traditional method of grilling. Whether you’re hosting an Indian buffet for friends and family or preparing a quick and impressive snack, this recipe is the perfect choice. It’s flavourful, visually appealing, and easy to make. What more could you ask for when planning a successful event? You’ll definitely be the talk of the party when these air fryer tandoori chicken bites are on the menu!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer, a silicone mould and a mixing bowl.
Ingredients for air fryer tandoori chicken
2 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon of tandoori spice rub
1 tablespoon of olive oil
To serve:
Mini poppadom
Mango chutney
Red onion pickle
Yoghurt raita
Fresh coriander, chopped
Method
These air fryer tandoori chicken poppadom bites are packed with bold flavors and make the perfect appetizer or party snack. They’re simple to prepare, but taste like something straight from a restaurant kitchen!
Start by placing two whole chicken breasts into a mixing bowl. Add one tablespoon of olive oil, then, wearing gloves, use your hands to rub the oil into the chicken, making sure every part is well coated. Next, sprinkle in a tablespoon of tandoori spice rub and mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly covered in those beautiful spices. If you have the time, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least an hour. This will deepen the flavour and give your chicken an even richer tandoori kick.
When you’re ready to cook, place the chicken breasts into your air fryer drawer. I like to use a silicone mould to keep clean-up easy, but a disposable foil tray or an oven-safe dish will also work perfectly. Cook the chicken at 190°C for around 20 minutes. Flipping the breasts halfway through to ensure even cooking.
While your chicken is in the air fryer, start assembling the base of your bites. Lay out mini poppadoms on a serving plate. Add a small spoonful of mango chutney and a little red onion pickle to each one. This creates a lovely balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for five minutes, then slice into thin strips. Place one slice onto each prepared poppadom, then top with a dollop of cooling yoghurt raita.
Finish each bite with a sprinkle of fresh coriander for that final touch of freshness.
Tuck in and enjoy. And don’t forget to watch the full video on my YouTube channel.
Tips for Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
These air fryer tandoori chicken bites are packed with flavour and perfect for snacking, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner. Here’s how to get the best results every time:
1. Use boneless thigh or breast pieces
Thighs are juicier, but chicken breast also works well. So just cut into even bite-sized chunks to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Marinate for maximum flavour
The key to authentic tandoori flavour is a good marinade. Mix Greek yoghurt with tandoori spice mix (or a blend of cumin, paprika, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala), garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and salt. Marinate for at least 30 minutes but ideally overnight.
3. Add a touch of oil
A tablespoon of oil in the marinade helps the chicken caramelise and keeps it moist during cooking.
4. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for a few minutes so the chicken starts sizzling straight away, sealing in flavour and juiciness.
5. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Spread the chicken bites out in a single layer with space in between. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of browning so cook them in batches if needed.
6. Flip or shake halfway
Turn the bites or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time (typically 10 to 12 minutes total) to ensure even cooking and colour.
7. Check doneness
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 75°C (165°F) inside. A quick slice should show no pink.
8. Serve with fresh extras
Serve hot with sliced red onion, fresh coriander, lemon wedges, and a cooling mint yoghurt dip or raita.
With crispy edges, juicy centres, and bold spices, these air fryer tandoori chicken bites are a flavour-packed hit every time!
Similar recipes
If you love these spicy air fryer tandoori chicken bites, then you will also like my easy air fryer chicken thighs or air fryer Cambodian curry recipe.
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