Tandoori Tofu Tikka - Air Fryer/ Oven/ Grill/ Tawa

5 from 4 votes

Learn how to make Tandoori Tofu Tikka recipe 4 Ways ( in The Air Fryer, Oven, Grill, Tawa) with a few easy steps.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Indian

Keyword tandoori tofu tikka, tofu tikka air fryer

Diet Vegetarian

Method Air Fryer, Oven, Stovetop

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Resting Time 30

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 11kcal

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 few hours.
Meanwhile, soak toothpicks/bamboo skewers in water for at least 15 minutes to avoid burning.
Gently thread tofu, bell peppers, and onion on a toothpick.

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 some 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 with 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 tofu tikka with mint chutney.

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 you are broiling, do not use parchment paper as it can fire.)

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.

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 pan or 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.

Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Marinate the tofu for at least 30 minutes or a few hours, as it absorbs 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.
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 a little heavy cream (malai) to the yogurt marinate to enrich the tandoori tofu appetizer.
Cut the tofu and veggies the same size. It helps for quick and even cooking.

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).