If you love smoky tandoori starters, this vegan tandoori tofu tikka is the perfect alternative to paneer tikka. Made with extra firm tofu, marinated in spiced yogurt and roasted in the air fryer or oven, it’s a high-protein, gluten-free, and family-friendly dish. The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need a clay tandoor to enjoy restaurant-style results at home. The air fryer delivers the same charred finish with far less oil.
Tofu is an excellent substitute for paneer, absorbing all the bold flavors of garam masala, lemon juice, and smoky mustard oil. Serve your tandoori tofu skewers hot with mint chutney, lime wedges, or even wrap them in a roti for a quick vegan roll in a vegan naan.
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Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu cubes
- Red and green capsicum (bell peppers)
- Onion or baby onions
- Vegan yogurt / coconut cream
- Chickpea flour (besan)
- Ginger garlic paste
- Lemon juice
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Cumin powder (jeera)
- Garam masala
- Mustard oil (or any cooking oil)
- Salt
- Wooden skewers (soaked)
refer to recipe card for details.
How to make tofu tikka in air fryer? ( recipe video)
How to make tofu tikka in air fryer ? Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1 & 2
Start by adding chickpea flour, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, salt, ginger garlic paste, vegan yogurt (or coconut cream), lemon juice, and a little oil into a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, lump-free marinade.
Step 3 & 4
Next, add extra firm tofu cubes along with diced red and green capsicum and onions to the prepared marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to coat the tofu and vegetables well so every piece is covered with the spiced mixture.
Step 5 & 6
After marinating for at least 4 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor), thread the tofu cubes and vegetables onto soaked wooden skewers. Alternate tofu and vegetables for even cooking and better presentation.
Step 7 & 8
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (355°F). Place the skewers in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 13–14 minutes, brushing with oil once halfway through. The tofu should turn golden while the vegetables get lightly charred on the edges.
Related tofu recipes
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy:
- Easy Paneer Tikka in Air Fryer
- Paneer Tikka Masala (Restaurant Style)
- Easy Air Fryer Paneer Recipe
- Air Fryer Tandoori Mushroom Tikka
- Air Fryer Falhari Tikka (Fasting Friendly)
Easy Air Fryer Tandoori Tofu | Protein-Packed Vegan Appetizer
Equipment
- skewers
- whisk
- Air fryer if not using oven
Ingredients
- 300 grams tofu
- 2 capsicums/peppers 1 red and 1 green diced
- 1 onion diced/few baby onions
For Marination:
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoon chickpea flour/besan
- Salt as per taste
- ⅓ cup lentil flour
- ½ cup coconut yogurt
- 2 tablespoon mustard oil + extra oil for brushing (replace with any cooking oil)
- Wooden skewers soaked in water
Instructions
- Prepare the oil: Heat mustard oil until it turns slightly smoky, then set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together vegan yogurt (or coconut cream), chickpea flour, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, salt, and the cooled mustard oil until smooth.
- Marinate tofu and veggies: Add tofu cubes, diced capsicum, and onion pieces into the bowl. Mix gently until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Assemble skewers: Thread marinated tofu and vegetables onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between tofu and veggies.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (355°F) and let it heat up for 5 minutes.
- Cook the skewers: Place the skewers in a single layer inside the basket. Air fry for 13–14 minutes and brushing lightly with oil.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with mint chutney and fresh lime wedges.
Video
Notes
Substitutions & variations
This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences:
- Fasting/Vrat option: Make a falhari tikka by skipping onions and using rock salt (sendha namak).
- Hariyali tikka: Blend cilantro and mint into the marinade for a green herby version.
- Mild version: Use Kashmiri red chili powder for vibrant color without heat.
- Spicy version: Add black pepper and extra garam masala to boost the kick.
- Cooking method: You can also bake at 200°C for 12 minutes, then broil for 3–4 minutes for a charred finish.
FAQs
You can freeze any leftovers in a plastic box and reheat the frozen tofu tikka in the oven / air fryer.
yes, removes excess water
yes, place directly in air fryer basket
yes, marinate overnight
Conclusion: This air fryer tandoori tofu is the perfect vegan starter or snack—smoky, flavorful, and packed with protein. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a party, or as part of a festive spread, it’s guaranteed to impress. With just a handful of spices and the convenience of an air fryer, you can recreate restaurant-quality tandoori flavors at home.
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