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Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks served on a plate

Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks

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Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks feature crispy, charred skin and juicy meat thanks to a yogurt-spice marinade and 400°F air frying. Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours for maximum flavor, then cook for 25 minutes flipping halfway through to achieve even browning.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces chicken drumsticks skin-on for crispier texture
  • 1 cup plain yogurt thick, use full-fat or Greek for best results
  • 2 tablespoon tandoori masala pre-mixed Indian spice blend
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil or mustard oil

Equipment

  • Air fryer Preheat to 400°F; used for cooking chicken drumsticks
  • Large bowl Mix the yogurt marinade and coat chicken
  • Whisk Combine marinade ingredients smoothly
  • Tongs Flip drumsticks halfway through cooking

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, tandoori masala, minced garlic, grated ginger, lemon juice, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, and oil until a smooth paste forms with no lumps.
    1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tbsp tandoori masala, 4 cloves garlic, 1 inch ginger, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp red chili powder, 0.5 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  2. Add chicken drumsticks to the bowl and massage marinade thoroughly into the meat. Ensure every piece is evenly covered. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
    8 pieces chicken drumsticks
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F by running it empty for 5 minutes. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking during cooking.
  4. Arrange the marinated drumsticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving about 2 cm space between each piece to allow proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding or stacking.
    8 pieces chicken drumsticks
  5. Cook the drumsticks at 400°F for 25 minutes total. Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking after 12 minutes using tongs. Continue cooking for another 8-13 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is charred and crispy. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
    8 pieces chicken drumsticks

Notes

  • Marinate for at least 4 hours to tenderize and allow flavors to infuse fully.
  • Do not overcrowd air fryer basket; maintain 2 cm gaps to ensure crispy skin.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness at 165°F.

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