For Indian food lovers who don’t want smoke, mess or a bulky grill
Real Talk: Not Everyone Has a Tandoor at Home
You know that mood for food when it just barges in? Out of nowhere, you picture warm, spicy tandoori chicken-charred outside, tender inside, and dripping flavor. But then reality crashes in-you don’t own a grill, the thought of lighting charcoal sounds awful, and your small kitchen is already baking at forty-two degrees.
Enter the humble microwave, your quiet hero.
And no, I’m not talking about the sad heat-it-for-a-minute setting. I mean a smart convection microwave with an air fryer option. That little powerhouse cooks what you crave while you binge the next episode on your streaming list.
Who Said You Need a Grill?
You don’t need coal or an outdoor tandoor to get that restaurant-style finish. Today’s smart microwaves come with convection and grilling features, which means they use hot air to crisp the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
And if your microwave has air fryer mode? Game over. That’s your new shortcut to zero-oil, smoke-free, perfectly browned tandoori chicken.
Ingredients: Everything You Already Have in the Kitchen
We’re keeping it real here. No exotic ingredients. No running to five stores.
- Chicken (500g): Bone-in gives better flavour
- Hung curd (1 cup): For richness
- Ginger-garlic paste (1 tbsp)
- Red chilli powder (1 tsp)
- Turmeric (1/2 tsp)
- Coriander powder (1 tsp)
- Cumin powder (1 tsp)
- Garam masala (1/2 tsp)
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- Salt (as per taste)
- Mustard oil (1 tbsp): Optional, but adds that dhaba kick
- Food colour: Only if you want that bright tandoori red
Step 1: The Secret Is in the Marinade
If your chicken is not marinated right, no tech can save it.
- Wash and pat dry the chicken
- Score deep cuts so the masala enters fully
- Mix all your marinade ingredients
- Rub generously all
- Let it sit for minimum 4 hours in the fridge (overnight is best)
This step is everything. Don’t rush it.
Step 2: Preheat That Microwave Like a Pro
Set your convection microwave to 200°C and preheat for 10 minutes.
Microwaves like the 30L Convection Microwave with In-Built Air Fryer do this faster than most. Their hot air circulation is spot on, especially for browning meats evenly.
Step 3: Rack It Up Right
Use a grill rack or microwave-safe grill tray. Place the marinated chicken on it.
Leave space between pieces. Don’t pile them up. You want heat to hit every corner of the meat.
Under the rack, place a plate or drip tray to catch the juices. This keeps your microwave clean and avoids soggy chicken bottoms.
Step 4: Cooking in Two Rounds
Round 1: Convection mode at 200°C for 10 to 12 minutes
Round 2: Flip the chicken. Continue for another 10 minutes
Now for the best part
If your microwave has air fryer mode, switch to it for the last 5 minutes. You’ll get those crispy edges without a drop of oil. It tastes like grilled food, but it’s cooked in air. Magic, right?
Want That Dhaba Wali Smokiness?
Do this trick. It takes 5 minutes.
- Heat a small piece of charcoal on your stove till red hot
- Place a small steel katori in the middle of your cooked chicken tray
- Drop the coal in, add half a spoon of ghee
- Immediately cover the tray with a big lid or foil
- Let it sit for 5–7 minutes
That’s how you get that “straight-from-the-roadside-dhaba” aroma, without burning anything.
Bonus: The Same Method Works for Paneer Tikka Too
Yes, vegetarians. You’re covered.
Just swap chicken with firm paneer cubes. Use the same marinade, but skip turmeric if you want that classic white tikka. Air fry or grill in the microwave at 200°C for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway. Done.
No smoke. No oil. No mess.
Pair It Like a Pro
Serve it with:
- Sliced onions + lemon juice + chaat masala
- Green chutney (mint + coriander + green chilli)
- Roomali roti or tandoori naan (store-bought ones crisp up nicely in the microwave too)
What Makes This Worth Trying?
Anyone can order tandoori chicken from Zomato. But making it yourself in 20–25 minutes with no smoke, no charcoal, and no special equipment?
That’s kitchen confidence. That’s a lifestyle upgrade.
So, What Microwave Should You Be Using?
Here’s where your appliance makes all the difference. If you’re cooking on an old solo microwave that just reheats biryani, this recipe won’t hit right.
Check out Haier’s lineup of modern convection microwaves that are made for Indian kitchens.
Featured Picks from Haier India:
30L Convection Microwave With In-Built Air Fryer (HIL3001ARSB)
- Big enough for whole meals, not just snacks
- Built-in air fryer mode for that crispy tandoori finish
- Comes with convection + grill combo
- Easy-to-clean interiors and smart presets for Indian dishes
- Ideal for families who love non-veg and kebabs
28L Convection Microwave (HIL2801RBSJ)
- Grill + convection functions
- Great for tandoori dishes and baked snacks
- Comes with 3-year magnetron warranty
- Quick preheating and uniform cooking
25L Model (HIL2501CBSH)
- Perfect if you’re living solo or as a couple
- Budget-friendly and packed with essential features
- Still offers that grill + convection combo that makes tandoori possible
These aren’t just reheating machines. They’re real appliances for real food.
Still Thinking? Here’s the Real Reason to Try It
Making tandoori chicken in a microwave is not about cutting corners. It’s about using modern tech to make classic Indian cooking faster, smarter and cleaner.
You save time.
You avoid oily pans.
And you finally get to cook the kind of food your parents think only restaurants can pull off.
So whether you’re hosting a match-night dinner or just meal-prepping for the week, your microwave isn’t just for reheating rajma chawal anymore. It’s your new tandoor.
Final Take: Why Wait?
Ditch the old idea that tandoori needs a grill.
Try this recipe in your Haier convection microwave, and see how this one appliance can change how you cook Indian food at home.
Ready to level up your kitchen?
Explore full microwave range at Haier India’s and find the right model for your desi cravings.