Oven-Baked Tandoori Chicken Wings Recipe – Smoky, Crispy, and Simply Irresistible

When you take that first bite of these Tandoori Chicken Wings, the combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors will leave your taste buds dancing! The crispy texture of the wings paired with the richness of the marinade creates a perfect harmony of crunch and juiciness, making this a recipe you’ll be reaching for time and time again. Whether you're hosting a party or just craving a flavor-packed snack, this recipe delivers!

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I stumbled across this amazing recipe from Insanely Good Recipes, and after trying it out, I knew I had to share it with all of you. The bold spices and simple steps make it an instant favorite, and trust me—you'll be begging for seconds!

The Backstory

Growing up, I was always drawn to the fragrant aroma of spices from Indian cuisine, but it wasn’t until I tried Tandoori Chicken Wings that I found my true love for this flavor-packed dish. These wings are marinated in yogurt and a perfect blend of spices, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with bold flavors. It’s a fusion of tradition and modern cooking, bringing the rich taste of Tandoori right to your home. Whether you bake them in the oven or pop them in an air fryer, these wings turn out crispy on the outside while staying juicy and tender inside.

Fun Fact: What is Tandoori?

Tandoori is a style of Indian cooking that traditionally uses a clay oven, known as a tandoor, to grill meat at high temperatures, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. However, in this recipe, we recreate that smokiness by baking or air frying, so you can enjoy the taste of tandoori chicken without needing any special equipment.

How to Make the Perfect Tandoori Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings, cut at joints, tips discarded
• 1⁄2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder (or mild paprika)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Chopped cilantro and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix together the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, and all the spices to create a rich marinade.
2. Marinate the Wings: Add the chicken wings to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer:
4. • For the oven: Preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and spray generously with cooking spray.
   • For the air fryer: Preheat to 400°F and spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
5. Cook the Wings:
6. • Oven Method: Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of the cooking time.
   • Air Fryer Method: Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, flip, and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until crispy and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Serve the wings hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and lemon wedges. For an extra treat, pair them with a cooling yogurt-based dip like raita or tzatziki.

Pro Tips:

• Spice it Up: For those who love heat, don’t hesitate to add extra garam masala or red chili powder to kick things up a notch.
• Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate, the more intense and delicious the wings will be. Overnight is ideal!
• Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Recipe Variations:

• Mild Option: If you prefer a milder flavor, swap the Kashmiri red chili powder with more paprika.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Alternative: For a plant-based twist, try marinating cauliflower florets or paneer cubes in the same spice mix and baking them until crispy.

Pairing Suggestions:

These wings pair beautifully with a simple cucumber raita or a fresh green salad to cool off the spice. For a heartier meal, serve alongside naan bread or fragrant basmati rice.

Call to Action:

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