Juicy, flavor-packed chicken legs marinated in spiced yogurt and roasted to perfection in the air fryer—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with smoky tandoori flair.
Author:Mari
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes (plus marination time)
Yield:2 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Air Fryer
Cuisine:Indian
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
UnitsScale
2 chicken leg quarters (bone-in, skinless)
1/2cup plain yogurt (preferably Greek)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, oil, and all the spices into a smooth marinade.
Make deep slits in the chicken legs to help the marinade penetrate.
Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade, making sure it gets into the slits. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Cook at 360°F for 15 minutes. Flip the pieces and cook for another 10–12 minutes, or until charred on the edges and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Adjust chili powder to suit your spice preference.
Use smoked paprika for added smokiness, or skip it if unavailable.