Tandoori Tofu - Air Fryer/ Oven/ Grill/ Tawa

Learn how to make Tandoori Tofu Tikka recipe 4 Ways ( in The Air Fryer, Oven, Grill, Tawa) with a few easy steps. Tofu Tikka is the perfect Indian party appetizer/starter and it can be accompanied by coriander mint chutney.

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 yogurt chutney dip.

In India, Tandoori starters are very popular be it a dinner party, barbeque or get-togethers. Checkout 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.

Tandoori Tofu Ingredients

You will need the following main ingredients to make the Tofu tikka recipe.

• Extra firm tofu: Extra firm tofu works 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 onion 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.
• Besan (Gram Flour) - is added to help tofu and veggies to coat well and not stick to the air fryer basket/pan. I like to roast it slightly on a pan on low heat until fragrant and light brown, cool, and then use. If you don't have besan, use corn or all-purpose flour.
• Ginger and garlic: Use freshly minced or 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, 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. This will drain the 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 maximum of up to 24 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 or pan will work.

Heat the tawa over medium-high heat, brush or spray some 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.

Serving Suggestions for Tandoori Tofu

Serve Tandoori tofu tikka with

• coriander and mint chutney
• onion slices
• salad leaves
• lemon wedges
• and a glass of mango lassi

They work great as a filling in wraps or kathi rolls to make a complete meal. It can also be used in making tandoori tofu tikka masala.

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.

Tips to make the Best Tandoori Tofu

• Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes or a few hours, as they absorb more flavors from the marinade.
• Tofu tikka becomes dry while air frying or baking, so brush some oil to retain the moisture.
• I highly recommend adding besan (gram flour) to the marinade, this helps the marinade to coat well and not stick to the basket/pan.
• Cut the tofu and veggies the same size. It helps for quick and even cooking.
• Make sure to line the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each other. Work in batches if needed.
• Restaurants add little heavy cream (malai) to the yogurt marinate to enrich the tandoori tofu appetizer.

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 if you do not have skewers. Make sure not to overcrowd and spray some oil before cooking.
• If you don't have gram flour (besan), use chickpea flour, corn starch, or all-purpose flour.
• 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 Tofu Recipes

• Air Fryer Tofu
• Tofu Bhurji
• Palak Tofu
• Tofu Paratha
• Thai Red Curry

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Onion Pakoda
• Air fryer Tandoori Gobi
• Air Fryer Tandoori Broccoli
• Masala Peanuts
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Tandoori Aloo
• Beetroot Cutlet

If you’ve tried this Tandoori tofu tikka recipe or any other recipe on Indianveggiedelight, then don’t forget to rate the recipe. You can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see the latest recipes!