Tandoori chicken wings

User Reviews

4.6

192 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    1 hr

  • Cook Time

    30 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 30 mins

  • Calories

    219 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer

  • Cuisine

    Indian

Tandoori chicken wings

Tandoori chicken wings feature a marinade of plain yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, fenugreek leaves, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and salt. After marinating, the wings are cooked in the oven or air fryer until they develop a charred, spiced exterior while remaining tender inside. The optional cilantro garnish adds a fresh note. This preparation highlights the layers of Indian-inspired spices and the creamy tang of yogurt, providing a flavorful chicken wing experience that balances heat and aromatic herbs.

Description

Tandoori chicken wings combine several traditional Indian spices with a yogurt-based marinade that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with complex flavors. The use of Kashmiri red chili powder gives the wings a distinctive red hue and mild heat, while garam masala and fenugreek leaves contribute warmth and herbal notes. Marinated for at least an hour, the wings are trimmed of excess skin to help the spices adhere better and reduce fattiness.

The wings can be oven-baked or cooked in an air fryer for convenience, allowing the exterior to develop lightly charred, crisp edges. Broiling for a short period enhances the char effect. The marinade's yogurt base helps maintain moisture for tender meat inside the crispy skin. Garnishing with fresh cilantro complements the spices and adds a fresh brightness to the finished wings.

This recipe suits those who want to make a spiced appetizer or snack with rich Indian-style flavors that come from a careful blend of spices and cooking techniques. It pairs well with cooling accompaniments such as yogurt dips or fresh salads. Adjusting the amount of garam masala and chili powder allows control over the spiciness, making it adaptable to different preferences.

For best results, marinate the wings for several hours or overnight to enhance flavor penetration. Cooking times vary based on wing size, so verifying internal temperature with a digital thermometer ensures food safety and optimal tenderness. The recipe suggests discarding leftover marinade to avoid contamination and using a well-ventilated area when broiling to manage smoke.

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken wings raw
  • ¾ cup PLAIN yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons garam masala **
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon fenugreek leaves optional, dried, aka Kasoori Methi
  • 1 tablespoon ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric ground
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped, optional for garnish

Instructions

  1. Trim as much skin off of the wings as possible. I use kitchen sheers for this.
  2. Combine all ingredients (except cilantro) in a bowl and marinate wings for at least 1 hour or longer.

Oven Method

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line up wings on a greased grilling rack. Place the rack on top of the baking tray to catch all the drippings.
  2. Bake the wings for 20-25 minutes (in a convection oven) or up to 40 minutes otherwise. Broil on high for the last 2 minutes to get the char marks. Note: Wings can also be cooked on a preheated outdoor grill.
  3. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  2. Line the marinated chicken wings in a single layer in the basket. Spray oil over the wings.
  3. Air fry for 15 minutes at 370°F (190°C). Shake the basket halfway through, so the wings cook evenly.
  4. When the time is up, shake the basket, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C), and cook for 5 more minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Note: Depending on the size of the wings you may need to adjust the cooking time. Always check for doneness using a thermometer and make sure that the thickest part of the wings reaches 165 degrees F.

Notes

  • Adjust garam masala and red chili powder quantities according to desired spiciness.
  • Trim wings into wingettes and drumettes, discarding the tips for better cooking and marinade absorption.
  • Pat wings dry before marinating to reduce excess liquid in the mixture.
  • Marinate wings for at least 1 hour, ideally up to 24 hours, for maximum flavor.
  • Discard any leftover marinade to ensure food safety; do not reuse.
  • Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a digital thermometer before serving.
  • Fenugreek leaves are optional but add distinctive aroma and flavor.
  • Kashmiri red chili powder can be substituted with any mild red chili powder if unavailable.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 219kcal (11%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 66mg (22%) Sodium 505mg (21%) Potassium 242mg (5%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 940IU (19%) Vitamin C 3.9mg (4%) Calcium 63mg (6%) Iron 1.4mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 219 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 219kcal 11%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 66mg 22%
Sodium 505mg 21%
Potassium 242mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 940IU 19%
Vitamin C 3.9mg 4%
Calcium 63mg 6%
Iron 1.4mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.6

192 reviews
Excellent

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