Tandoori Tofu is a protein-rich healthy Indian appetizer where tofu cubes are marinated with a spicy yogurt mixture, and then roasted in a Tandoor (Clay oven) to get that smoky flavor. They are accompanied by green chutney or mint yogurt chutney dip. In India, Tandoori starters are very popular, be it a dinner party, barbeque, or get-together. Check out other popular Tandoori starters from my blog for your next Indian dinner party ideas, like tandoori gobi, tandoori broccoli, tandoori paneer tikka, and tandoori aloo tikka. Today I am sharing how to make Tandoori tofu tikka in The Air Fryer, Oven, Grill, and Tawa. More Indian Tofu Recipes
Tofu Bhurji Palak Tofu Tofu Paratha
Ingredients
You will need the following main ingredients to make the Tofu tikka recipe.
Extra firm tofu: Extra firm tofu works best here because it holds its shape well and is great for air frying, baking, grilling, or pan-frying. Vegetables: I like to use colored bell peppers, and red onions cut into cubes. You can also use other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and baby corn. Yogurt: Use plain, full-fat hung curd or Greek yogurt for a thick, creamy marinade. Here is the detailed recipe for How to make hung curd at home. Besan (Gram Flour): It is added to help the tofu and veggies coat well and prevent sticking to the air fryer basket or pan. I prefer to roast it lightly on a pan over low heat until it becomes fragrant and light brown, then let it cool before using. If you don’t have besan, you can substitute it with corn flour or all-purpose flour. Ginger and garlic: Use freshly minced or homemade garlic and ginger paste. Spices: I have used turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala (or tandoori masala), chaat masala, and salt. Oil: I like to use olive oil for cooking. Dried fenugreek leaves: Also known as Kasuri methi, give a nice flavor to the dish. If you don’t have one, skip it. Lemon juice: use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
How to Make Tandoori Tofu Tikka
Prepping the Tofu
Press extra-firm tofu with some heavy objects for at least 30 minutes to drain excess moisture. Then, cut the tofu into cubes. Add hung curd, besan, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala, garam masala, kasuri methi, lemon juice, salt, and oil in a large bowl. Mix everything well. Then add tofu cubes, bell peppers, and onion to it. Toss tofu and veggies gently until well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or a few hours. Meanwhile, soak the toothpicks/bamboo skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to avoid burning. Gently thread tofu, bell peppers, and onion on a toothpick.
Air Fryer Instructions
Preheat the Air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange all the prepared toothpicks or skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them. Brush or spray oil on the top, ensuring the tofu and veggies don’t dry out. Cook for 5 minutes at 390°F (200°C). After 5 minutes, turn the toothpicks/skewers, lightly spray or brush oil, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove to a serving plate, squeeze some lime juice, sprinkle chaat masala, and immediately serve air fryer tandoori tofu tikka with green chutney.
Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange all the prepared skewers ½-inch apart in a single layer. Brush or spray some oil on the top; this ensures the tofu and veggies don’t dry out. Bake for 15 minutes, turning the pieces once or twice in between, then broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes to get slightly charred edges. Broiling is completely optional. (If broiling, do not use parchment paper as it can fire)
Outdoor Grill Instructions
Preheat the grill. Line the outdoor grill with aluminum foil to prevent the tofu from sticking. Arrange all the prepared skewers ½-inch apart in a single layer. Brush or spray oil on the top, ensuring the tofu and veggies don’t dry out. Cook for 10-12 minutes by turning halfway through.
Stovetop Tawa Instructions
You can make this tofu tikka recipe on the stovetop even if you don’t have an air fryer, oven, or grill. A stovetop grill pan or even a non-stick Tawa pan will work. Heat the Tawa over medium-high heat, brush, or spray oil on the pan first. Then, arrange all the prepared skewers in a single layer. Again, lightly brush some oil on the top. Cook from both sides until it turns golden brown.
Make Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: The tofu and veggies can be marinated and covered in the fridge a night before cooking. Refrigerator: It tastes the best if served straight from the air fryer or oven. However, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. I do not recommend freezing. Reheat: You can reheat in a microwave or air fryer until warm.
Variations
I like to use toothpicks or wooden skewers when serving tofu tikka as an appetizer during a party or BBQ. You may also use stainless steel skewers. If you are not fond of Tofu, substitute it with fresh Paneer (Indian Cottage Cheese). You can place the marinated tofu and veggies directly on the air fryer basket and cook them if you do not have skewers. Make sure not to overcrowd, and spray some oil before cooking. If you don’t have besan, you can use chickpea flour, corn starch, or all-purpose flour as substitutes. Use dairy-free yogurt like coconut or cashew and follow the same process for a vegan-friendly recipe. To make a Keto-friendly version, skip besan (gram flour).
More Air Fryer Indian Recipes
★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes. They work great as filling in wraps or kathi rolls to make a complete meal. It can also be used in making tandoori tofu tikka masala.
