Easy Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken Wings

If you’re a fan of Indian food and love the flavor of tandoori chicken, then you’ll want to try this air fryer tandoori chicken wings recipe.

This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something with a bit of spice, but also want to keep things simple and convenient. Marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and tangy yogurt, these wings are bursting with flavor.

Using an air fryer allows you to achieve the perfect crispiness without any added oil or mess.

In this article, we’ll take you through the steps of making these delicious air fryer tandoori chicken wings.

Why cook tandoori chicken wings in an air fryer?

Easy – Chicken wings are a delicious low-cost mealtime option. Cooking chicken wings in an air fryer is easy and the best way to cook your wings. Covered in this tandoori marinade they are delicious. The marinade is simple to make, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge if busy.

Quick – By using an air fryer you will be able to serve these tandoori chicken wings in 15 minutes. Faster than if you were using a traditional oven or tandoor oven (clay oven).

Healthier – You do not need to add oil when cooking wings in an air fryer. Fatty grease also drips to the bottom of the basket, away from the wings as they cook. The wings do not re-absorb that fat, providing crispy and juicy wings that have fewer calories.  

Easy clean up – No fat splatters or oven trays to clean. Just wash the air fryer’s basket and drawer with soap and warm water.

What ingredients do I need to make tandoori chicken wings?

This easy air fryer recipe needs mostly simple ingredients plus some specific indian spices. All these spices are regularly available.

• Chicken wings – pre-split into drumettes and wingettes or separated yourself. Use a sharp knife and cut into the joint.
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh garlic or garlic powder
• Fresh ginger or ginger powder
• Lime or lemon juice – freshly squeezed or concentrated.
• Coriander powder
• Garam Masala
• Turmeric
• Paprika
• Red chili powder
• Fenugreek leaves – Or substitute for chopped celery leaves
• Flour
• Vegetable oil
• Salt and black pepper

The recipe card below has the ingredients listed along with the quantities.

What equipment do I need to make tandoori chicken wings?

No specialist equipment is needed…

• A knife
• A large mixing bowl
• Some spoons
• Air fryer liner or aluminum foil
• Kitchen tongs
• Digital meat thermometer 

How long does it take to cook chicken wings in an air fryer?

Cooking chicken wings takes 15 minutes at 400 F (200 c). You may need to add some extra time if cooking large wings or you like your wings to be extra crispy. Use a digital meat thermometer to check the wings are fully cooked.

The tandoori marinade takes less than 5 minutes to make. For best results and if you have time, let the wings marinate for at least 2 hours. But you can skip this step if in a rush. The wings still taste delicious.

How to make and cook tandoori chicken wings in an air fryer

To serve up delicious tandoori chicken wings simply follow this step-by-step guide. Within 15 – 20 minutes you will be serving chicken wings covered in a delicious tandoori marinade that is guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Step 1 – Make the tandoori marinade

Add all the ingredients (except the chicken wings) to a large mixing bowl and mix until everything is combined.

Step 2 – Prepare the chicken wings

Using a sharp knife cut the wings in half. Cut the wings at the joint to give you a drumette and wingette from each wing.

Step 3 – Cover the wings in the tandoori marinade

Add the chicken wings to the large mixing bowl and cover the wings with the tandoori marinade.

Step 4 – Marinate (optional)

If you have time cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap (cling film) and put it in the fridge. Leave it there for at least 2 hours.

Step 5 – Pre-heat the air fryer

Pre-heat the air fryer to 375 F (190 c).

Step 6 – Add and organize the wings

Once the air fryer has been pre-heated, brush or spray some oil into the air fryer basket or add a liner to reduce the clean-up time. I tend to use either parchment paper or silicone liner.

It’s optional, but I find wings stick to the basket without a liner or oil.

Take the wings from the mixing bowl, and hold them over the bowl for a few seconds to allow any excess marinade to drip off.

Organize the marinated chicken wings in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket, on top of the liner (if using one).

Step 7 – Cook

Cook the wings for 10 minutes at 375 F (190 c).

Step 8 – Turn

After 10 minutes of cooking, pull out the air fryer drawer and use tongs to turn the chicken wings.

Increase the air fryer temperature to 400 F (200 c).

Return the drawer and cook for the remaining 5 minutes.

Step 9 – Check

After 15 minutes in total, remove the drawer and check that the wings are fully cooked.

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken wings have an internal temperature of at least 165 F (74 c). If you are also happy with how crispy they are, move to step 11.

Step 10 – Extra time

If you like your chicken wings to be crispier or the internal temperature is not above 165 F (74 c) cook for 2 to 5 extra minutes.

Step 11 – Serve

Serve up the cooked tandoori chicken wings with some lime wedges.

Top tips

Here are some top tips to follow to serve up the best tandoori chicken wings using your air fryer.

Single layer – For best results don’t be tempted to air fry too many chicken wings at once and have them piled up on each other. This will disrupt the cooking process, resulting in uneven cooking and less crispy wings. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket you may need to cook the wing in batches.

Turn – To serve up wings that have crispy skin on all sides, turn the wings halfway through their cooking time.

Marinate – If you can, try and let the wings marinate for at least 2 hours. If you are organized make in the morning, marinate during the day and cook in the evening.

Timings – You may need to increase the cooking time if your batch contains larger wings. The timings stated are a guide as wings do vary in size. If needed, cook the wings for more or less time to crisp to your personal preference.

Internal temp – Before serving check the wings with a digital meat thermometer. The cooked chicken wings should have an internal temperature of 165 F (74 c).

Serve with

If serving as a perfect appetizer, simply serve as is. Alternatively, serve the wings with some rice or naan bread and a salad for an easy meal.

Make sure you have some paper towel or a damp cloth to hand to clean your fingers. Do not forget if eating with children.

Common questions

How do you store leftover chicken wings?

If you have cooked too many wings, store the wings in an airtight container or freezer bag in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezer for 3 months.

The marinade can also be pre-made and stored in the fridge for use when needed.

How do I reheat leftover chicken wings?

To reheat your chicken wings, take them from the fridge and add them to your air fryer basket.

Reheat in a preheated air fryer for 4 minutes at 360 F (180 c).

Can I substitute chicken wings for chicken drumsticks?

Yes, you can use chicken drumsticks, breasts, thighs, or legs instead of chicken wings. As these chicken pieces are larger than wings you will need to increase the cooking time.

Related article

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes – A collection of easy chicken air fryer recipes to provide you with inspiration and help you make the most of your air fryer.

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings – A delicious chicken wings recipe. Worth a try if you want to complement your tandoori chicken wings with other flavored wings.

Frozen Chicken Wings – A guide how to cook chicken wings in your air fryer from frozen.

Recipe card