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tandoori broccoli tikka served on a plate with lime wedge, onions and mint chutney collage
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5 from 6 votes

Air Fryer Tandoori Broccoli

Tandoori Broccoli Tikka is a fusion appetizer recipe prepared by marinating broccoli in a spiced yogurt-based marinade and grilled in an air fryer or oven.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Indian
Keyword tandoori broccoli
Diet Keto, Low Carb
Method Air Fryer
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 108kcal

Ingredients

For the Marinade

Other Ingredients

  • 1 large head broccoli (about 20-22 medium sized florets, around 300 grams)

Garnish

Instructions

  • Clean and cut the broccoli head into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
    The next step is to blanch the broccoli. Bring a medium-sized pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Drop the broccoli into the boiling water and let it cook for 1 minute (for firm broccoli). Then, transfer it into a bowl filled with ice water.
    Once cooled, drain the water and pat the broccoli dry with a kitchen or paper towel. Alternatively, you can steam the broccoli in Instant Pot.
  • In a large bowl, combine hung curd, besan, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, chaat masala, kasuri methi, lemon juice, salt, and oil. Mix everything together until well combined.
    Next, add the blanched or steamed broccoli florets to the bowl and gently mix until each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
    step to prepare the yogurt marinade and mix with vegetable collage
  • Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the marinated broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, (cook in batches if necessary). Lightly brush or spray the tops with oil to keep the broccoli from drying out.
    marinated broccoli in the basker
  • Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown and the broccoli turns crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time.
    air fryer tandoori broccoli tikka in air fryer basket
  • Remove in a serving plate, squeeze some lime juice, sprinkle chaat masala, and serve it immediately with mint yogurt chutney.
    tandoori broccoli tikka served on a plate with lime wedge, onions and mint chutney collage

Oven Method

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated broccoli in an even, single layer on the baking sheet.
    Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15-20 minutes, then broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the edges are charred and crispy. Turn the broccoli halfway through the cooking time for even browning.

Notes

Tips & Variations

  • Cut them the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
  • Work in batches. Make sure to spread the marinated broccoli in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each other. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Shake the basket halfway: It's important to shake it halfway through to allow the tandoori broccoli tikka bites to be cooked evenly.
  • Marination: Let the broccoli florets marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have some extra time, then let them sit for longer that way, they absorb more flavors from the marinade. 
  • Besan (gram flour): I highly recommend adding besan (gram flour) to the marinade, this step ensures that the besan helps the broccoli to coat well and not stick to the air fryer basket/pan.
  • Other Veggies: You can also add onion, bell peppers, and zucchini to this recipe.
  • Keto: If you want to make keto broccoli tikka bites, then skip besan (gram flour) in this recipe.
 
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 542mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1100IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 1mg