Air Fryer Recipes

A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Tandoori Jackfruit Skewers Recipe, Perfect for Air Frying

Tandoori jackfruit skewers are a delightful twist on the classic Indian tandoori flavours we all love. Ideal for a vegetarian or vegan meal, jackfruit serves as a fantastic alternative to meat, with its tender texture and ability to absorb the rich spices of the tandoori marinade beautifully. Using an air fryer makes this recipe not only healthier but also more convenient without compromising on the authentic taste. Let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that will have you preparing this dish over and over again!

Ingredients

• 500g young green jackfruit, drained and cut into chunks
• 200g natural yogurt (or a plant-based alternative for vegan)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons tandoori masala
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt to taste
• Skewers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jackfruit: If using canned jackfruit, rinse and drain it well. Cut it into manageable chunks, ensuring you remove the excess core from each piece.
2. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, vegetable oil, tandoori masala, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ginger powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.
3. Marinate: Add the jackfruit chunks to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavour, marinate overnight.
4. Skewer the Jackfruit: Once marinated, thread the jackfruit pieces onto skewers. Ensure the pieces are not too tightly packed to allow for even cooking.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
6. Cook: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the jackfruit is browned and cooked through.
7. Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve hot with a side of mint chutney or raita for dipping.

Additional Tips

• Skewer Choice: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes before use to prevent burning in the air fryer.
• Yogurt Alternatives: For a vegan version, use coconut yogurt or any non-dairy yogurt.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the spices according to your preference. Add more chili powder if you prefer a spicier dish.

Why Jackfruit?

Jackfruits are not only a vitamin-rich fruit but also a fantastic meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan recipes. When cooked, the texture closely resembles pulled meat, making it ideal for replicating dishes that traditionally use meat. It's a versatile ingredient that can easily absorb various flavours, making it a favorite in curries, tacos, and, of course, skewers!

Conclusion

This tandoori jackfruit skewer recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a vegetarian spin on a well-loved Indian classic. With the convenience of an air fryer and the vibrant, aromatic spices of tandoori masala, this dish will surely become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you're a long-time jackfruit fan or a newcomer to this exciting ingredient, these skewers will impress with their flavour and simplicity.