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If you are looking for a good fish recipe, then try this Tandoori Fish Tikka recipe – Made with very little oil, this fingerpicking good fish recipe is bursting with Tandoori flavors! You can make these gluten-free fish dish either on an air fryer or oven or on a stovetop! Enjoy these portion-controlled healthy yet yummy fish tikkas with some hot chutney or with some rice!

Tandoori Fish Tikka, Tandoori fish, fish fry
Fish marinated in a tangy yogurt tandoori and grilled with almost no oil makes an irresistible weeknight dinner.

Fish marinated in a tangy yogurt tandoori and grilled with almost no oil makes an irresistible weeknight dinner. The best part about this Tandoori Fish Tikka Recipe is, that you can make it in an oven or gas stove, air fryer, or instant pot!!!

This Gluten-free Tandoori Fish Tikka recipe is one of the self-created recipes that I have been using for months now. All I do is marinate the fresh fish fillets with store-bought Tandoori Masala, yogurt, salt, and pepper, and using no oil or very less oil., pan fry them.

And as far as serving this Tandoori Fish Tikka is concerned, you can use them whatever way you wish. They will never fail you in taste.

SO, WHAT IS TANDOORI

Tandoor(i) is one of the most important menus in Indian restaurants around the world. The word Tandoor means a cylindrical oven used for baking and cooking. Traditionally the fuel used in Tandoor is charcoal or firewood.

Tandoori spice blend or the Tandoori Masala is just not limited to making Tandoori Chicken. This spice blend can be used on fish or other seafood as well. When you try this Tandoori Fish Tikka recipe, you will see, how the flavors come out when Tandoori Masala is mixed with thick yogurt as a marinade and then the fish is grilled or pan-fried with so-little-oil. Use fresh thick-cut fish fillets (Salmon, Monk Fish, Bass or Tilapia, Snapper, etc.) but thickly coat the fillets with tandoori marinade and then carefully grill or pan fry them.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS FISH TIKKA RECIPE

The best part about this Tandoori Fish Tikka is its such a HEALTHY RECIPE!

It’s an EASY RECIPE that uses a store-bought tandoori masala.

Makes a crazy good and SMOKEY FISH APPETIZER that you will love truly.

You will need just BASIC INGREDIENTS. Everything should be easily available.

You can pan fry these gluten-free fish tikkas on STOVE TOP, AIR FRY them in an air fryer, or BAKE them in an oven

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE TANDOORI FISH

  • Fresh Fish Fillet: I have used Tilapia in this recipe. You can use any other fish. salmon will work best too. Make sure that the fish is boneless.
  • Thick Yogurt to marinate the fish with. If you don’t have Greek Yogurt, then strain the yogurt in a cheesecloth for 30 minutes to drain the whey from the yogurt.
  • Paprika or Red Chili Powder: Use paprika to get that beautiful red color and if you like it spicy, then use chili powder.
  • Turmeric
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Tandoori Masala (Readily available in all grocery stores)
  • Dried Fenugreek Leaves: This is available in Indian stores. If you cant find it, feel free to skip this ingredient
  • Lemon juice

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

There are couple ways you can make your Tandoori Fish Tikka. You can bake them in oven, Air Fry them, Grill them or pan fry them. However, the first step is to marinate the fish couple of hours prior to cooking them.

STEP 1: Prepare the marinade

In a big mixing bowl, add all the marination ingredients – thick yogurt, salt, turmeric, tandoori masala, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

STEP 2: Prepare the fish fillets

Cut the boneless fish into 2 inch chunks. Pat them dry to absorb the moisture from the fish.

STEP 3: Marinate the Fish fillets

Marinate the fish fillet with the prepared marinade and keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours (minimum 4 to 5 hours). I kept mine marinated overnight.

STEP 4: Make Tandoori Fish Tikka

Making fish tikka on Stove Top

  • Heat a flat griddle. If you wish you can brush it with oil.
  • Once the griddle or pan is piping hot, add the marinated fish fillets one by one and very carefully.
  • Fry the fish on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes each on medium to high heat.

Making fish tikka in Oven

  • Pre-heat over to 375 degrees F
  • Brush an ovenproof pan with little oil and arrange the fish pieces on it. Make sure they don’t touch each other
  • Let the fish bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. No need to turn the fish.

Making Tandoori Fish tikka in Air Fryer

  • Line the drip pan with aluminum foil. Place the fry basket in the drip pan.
  • Arrange the marinated fish in a single layer. Spray a spoonful of oil.
  • Set the Temp to 350 degrees F and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes.

TIPS – Don’t overcrowd the frying basket or else, the fish won’t crisp up.

TIPS & TRICKS TO MAKE THE BEST TANDOORI FISH

  • Use good quality fresh fish. The star in this recipe is fish and if your fish isn’t fresh then that will ruin the whole dish.
  • Make sure to pat dry your fish fillet before marinating them. If the fish is dry, then the tandoori masala gets coated well resulting in a crispier texture.
  • If you are using frozen fish, then defrost the fish well before marinating.
  • Feel free to use some onion and bell peppers to grill along with the fish. This will ensure that you have a complete meal.
  • If you don’t have thick yogurt, then drain the yogurt using a cheesecloth. Thicker the yogurt, the better the quality of the marinade.
  • While serving, the tandoori fish tikka, sprinkle some chaat masala , and squeeze some lemon juice!
Tandoori Fish Tikka, Tandoori fish, fish fry

HOW TO SERVE TANDOORI FISH TIKKA

  • You can enjoy these delicious and healthy fish tikka just like that with some spicy chutney or a Spicy Dip
  • You can use these fish tikkas as the filling for tacos or fish roll
  • You can serve these fish tikkas on a bed of basmati rice
This zesty and healthy tandoori fish tikkas can be made on the stovetop or in an oven or an air fryer. Enjoy them with some spicy chutney!

Tandoori Fish Tikka (Air-Fryer, Stove-Top & Oven)

MyYellowApron
If you are looking for a good fish recipe, then try this Tandoori Fish Tikka recipe – Made with very little oil, this fingerpicking good fish recipe is bursting with Tandoori flavors! You can make these gluten-free fish dish either on an air fryer or oven or on a stovetop! Enjoy these portion-controlled healthy yet yummy fish tikkas with some hot chutney or with some rice!
5 from 44 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tropical, International, Indian
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Air Fryer or Oven or Griddle

Ingredients
  

Fish

  • 1 pound Fresh Fish cut into 2 inch chunks

Tandoori Marinade

  • 1/2 Cup Thick yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp. Paprika or Chili powder (if you want it spicy, use some hot pepper flakes).
  • 1 Tsp. Turmeric powder
  • 1 Tbsp. Ground black pepper
  • 4 Tbsp. Tandoori Masala
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. Dried fenugreek leaves

Instructions
 

PREPARE THE FISH

  • Cut the boneless fish into 2-inch chunks. Pat them dry to absorb the moisture from the fish.

PREPARE THE MARINADE

  • In a big mixing bowl, add all the marination ingredients – thick yogurt, salt, turmeric, tandoori masala, lemon juice, salt, dried fenugreek leaves and pepper
  • Marinate the fish fillet with the prepared marinade and keep it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours (minimum 4 to 5 hours). I kept mine marinated overnight.

MAKE FISH TIKKA APPETIZER IN OVEN

  • Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Brush an ovenproof pan with little oil and arrange the fish pieces on it. Make sure they don't touch each other.
  • Bake the tikkas in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. No need to turn the fish.

MAKE FISH TIKKA APPETIZER IN AIR FRYER

  • Line the drip pan with aluminum foil.
  • Place the fry basket in the drip pan. Arrange the marinated fish in a single layer. Spray a spoonful of oil.
  • Set the Temp to 350 degrees F and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes.

MAKE FISH TIKKA APPETIZER ON STOVE TOP

  • Line the drip pan with aluminum foil. Place the fry basket in the drip pan.Arrange the marinated fish in a single layer. Spray a spoonful of oil.Set the Temp to 350 degree F and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Brush the griddle with some oil.
  • Once the griddle or pan is piping hot, add the marinated fish fillets one by one and very carefully. Fry the fish on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes each on medium to high heat.

SERVE TANDOORI FISH TIKKA

  • While serving, the tandoori fish tikka, sprinkle some chaat masala, and squeeze some lemon juice!
  • You can enjoy these delicious and healthy fish tikka just like that with some spicy chutney
  • You can use these fish tikkas as the filling for tacos or fish roll
  • you can serve these fish tikkas on a bed of basmati rice
Keyword Air Fryer, Fish, Indian Fish Dish, Oven, Stove Top, Tandoori, Tikka
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Tandoori_Fish_Tikka

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I’m scrappy, weird and goofy. I’m a snob when it comes to a LOT of things.., Mainly – coffee, wine and chocolates. I laugh loud and yell louder. I run fast, but walk slow. I love walking long walks with a hot mug of coffee held tight between my hands. I have lonely eyes and a kind heart. I forgive but rarely forget. I remember the silliest of things and forget important matters. I love to run, read, cook and entertain. I draw inspirations from anything and everything aesthetic. There are numerous people who have and still continue to enrich my life in many good ways. I will remain indebted to them – Always. My dad is my biggest fan when it comes to cooking. I could see his eyes light up every time I serve something. My mom’s agility and affectionate nature that reflects on her food is something I’m still trying to master.

Travel fascinates me amongst other things. Leave me in Venice and I would get lost in its timeless beauty – The canals. The piazzas. The art. The espresso. Leave me in NYC and I would tirelessly walk the length and breadth of the city (after all, There is always something open 24 hours a day).

Through this blog, I am hoping to bring in my passion and love for a few things – Cooking, Travel, Kids, Coffee, Clothes and in the interim learn more myself. Hope I am able to do justice to my PASSION.

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Recipe Rating




131 Comments

  3. robin masshole mommy says:

    Sounds absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to try this meal.

  4. Oh my gosh this looks soooo good! Making my mouth water!!

    <3 Al + Lex

  5. I’ve been trying to exercise more and eat healthy. One thing I’d like to do this year is eat more fish, this recipe is perfect for that. Beautiful photography, as always.

  6. My kids would like this. I’ve never been a fan of fish, but they love it!

  7. Looks amazingly delicious! Wished I were a talented cook, unfortunately I am not. Hahaha, I burn more meals than I don’t.

  8. This fish looks SUPERB!!!!!! I am not a fan of tilapia, but I have a feeling if I had this – I would be SOOOOOO thrilled and actually like it – ha! Nicely done 🙂

  10. I made an olive oil bundt cake a few years ago and it was simply divine! I love pretty much all Indian food – this would be amazing for my next get-together!! Your photos are mouth-watering!

  11. I already pinned this recipe to my fishy friday board. Will give it a go soon because it looks delicious.

  13. I love fish especially if it’s in a fillet form, the freshness and health benefits of fish make me wanna eat it every day but the fish bones annoy me lot. That Tandoori Fish Tikka seems like a very tasty dish.

  14. This fish looks so delicious! It looks so flavorful, I need to try out this recipe, yum.

  15. Yum! I love fish. Definitely giving this a try. Your photos are clear and inviting

  16. Elizabeth O. says:

    Doesn’t this look good! I no longer eat meat and that’s why I lean towards fish and chicken and it’s really nice to learn new recipes such as this! YUM!

  17. I really don’t mind preparing this! I love food that is simple but is packed with flavor. This looks so good!

  18. Wow this look delicious and very light. I would love to try to make an entree for us.

  19. I love experimenting with Indian flavours. This sounds amazing. Love the crispy fish…perfect weeknight dinner.

  21. Nice recipe! I love most fish- using cod in this recipe! Can’t wait to taste all of these beautiful flavors!

  22. This looks delicious! I’ll have to try it for dinner one night!

    | diaryofasouthernmillennial.com

  23. It seems so tasty! Thank you for the recipe 😊

  46. OMG looks delicious! And its already dinner time here. Me likey 🙂

    -blairvillanueva

  47. This fish looks so nice and crispy. Love the sounds of the spices. I would even use this in tacos!!

  48. I often do chicken tikka masala but never tried with fish! Clearly have to try it out! Love your recipes!

  50. geekswhoeat says:

    This sounds incredible! I am always looking for new seafood recipes.

  51. I dont typically like fish but this looks delish!

  52. I love brown rice, quinoa and cows cous. It took me a little time, but they are such healthier options to white rice.

  54. I love fish and use tandoori spices a lot so this recipe is a must try for me. Would like to try it with Dory fish though, never tried Tilapia.

  55. your fish tika looks delicious and very nice cooked i cant wait to try it on

  56. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  57. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  58. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  59. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  60. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  61. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  62. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  63. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  64. Thank you so much. Yes, it was delicious. Thanks for stopping by!

  65. Lynn | The Road to Honey says:

    Probably one of the biggest changes that I’ve made as of late is I started tracking my calories as a way to control portion size. It’s made me realize how small some food needs to be portioned and how big other portions actually are. It’s made a huge difference and I am feeling healthier & looking leaner just with this small change. As for baking with almond flour. . .I absolutely love it and the nuttiness that it brings to a recipe (of course I am all about the almonds & eat a ton of almond based ingredients on the regular).

    As for this fish tikka. . .it looks so fantastic. I eat a lot of chicken tikka (I started eating this when I was living in Kenya). . .but I’ve never had fish tikka. I’m definitely going to need to give this a try, especially since the hubby has started to eat more fish.

  66. bitesofflavor says:

    My husband and I just LOVE Indian food… especially when I can make it at home. I love that you use already made tandori masala sauce, that makes for a nice quick weeknight meal. I’ve never tried fish with tandori so I definitely am going to make this soon!

  67. Michelle Waller says:

    Just the name sounds amazing!! I would love to give this a try one day this week.

  68. This makes me wonder why I’ve never seen fish on the menu at the Indian restaurants I go to. Mostly chicken and lamb. This looks really good!

  69. This looks amazing! I am always looking for new ways to spice up my dinners. Sending to my husband to add to the menu!

  70. Love the zero oil prep. 👍👍

  72. Thank you so much. It was delicious. Thanks for stopping by.

  73. Thank you so much. It was delicious and yes, they should add more fish items. Thanks for stopping by.

  74. Thank you so much. It was delicious. Thanks for stopping by.

  75. Thank you so much. It was delicious. Thanks for stopping by.

  76. Thank you so much. It was delicious. Thanks for stopping by.

  79. Joy Mukherjee says:

    Don’t know when I will cook but very soon…… the pictures u have posted is inviting me to dive into the screen

  80. Thank you so much for stopping by Joy da!!When you make this dish, please share a pic.

  81. Robin rue says:

    That sounds really good. I am sure my whole family would love to eat this.

  82. This looks amazing, and I love that it’s so simple! With the prep done the night before, it’s a quick and easy school-night dinner!

  86. This looks so good! I don’t even like fish, but this looks tasty enough to try!

  87. I still have a fear of quinoa, but I may try to be brave and embrace the grain as you have. The dish looks amazing. I actually need new quick dinner dish ideas.

  88. Elizabeth O. says:

    That looks so good! It’s packed with flavor and what I love is that it’s not cooked with anything fatty! It’s a win for me.

  89. That’s really lovely. It’s not that difficult to make. I’ve been looking for recipes like this ever since I started my whole 30 diet and I am definitely keeping this one!

  90. Tandoori Tikka is one of my faves and this fish looks wholesome and fresh. My friend is a big fan of fish so this would be perfect to make when he comes over x

  91. Oh my, i think i regret clicking your link because… Ang feeling hungry wiht your post! Haha love it dear 🙂

  92. Oh my, i think i regret clicking your link because… And feeling hungry wiht your post! Haha love it dear 🙂
    Diet postponed!

  93. I’m drooling as I type this. Hope you don’t mind. This looks so delicious! I can’t wait to try the recipe.

  94. As soon as I laid eyes on your first pic, my eyes got big and I got hungry! It looks so good!! I’ll have to pin this for a later date!

  96. Oh my gosh this looks so good! I love that you created such an easy recipe for week night meals.

  97. This dish looks amazing, I love you photography it really makes me feel like the plate is right in front of me. I too am scared about eating quinoa tried it before and didn’t really like it not really used it again

  98. Thank you for stopping by. Yes, it was very delicious. Do try and let me know.

  99. This looks amazing. It is so important to use high quality fish. I love the spices you used, too. Must make this!

  100. That looks so good. I could use some seafood in my life right now. This looks like it would be so tasty.

  101. This sure looks delicious! I think now you need to try an air fryer! I love mine and it does an incredible job!

  102. Wow! This meal looks amazing. I would totally try this for me and my hubby.

  103. This looks mouth watering!!! And your photography is just beyond amazing! Totally going to try this on the weekend, it looks delicious! x

  104. annalisanuttall says:

    This look delicious, What a nice meal to make. I should do this for my husband. xx

  105. fortheloveofjars says:

    These look lovely! My family don’t eat fish but you could easily replace it for chicken. I will check out your other recipes always great to get some new ideas!

  106. I’ve been incorporating more tumeric into my cooking the last few months so this recipe is perfect for me. I’ve never really tried making Indian food at home so I’m looking forward to giving it a try.

  107. Wow! It’s always nice to cook with chicken because it’s versatile and easy to absorb flavors. I would love to try this for dinner one of these days.

  108. Haha oh goodness! Can I ask why there was a fear of quinoa? I find it so tasty and incredibly fast/easy to cook 🙂

  109. This looks so good. My husband loves fish tacos but I can never find a good recipe. I’m going to have to give this a try. I love how well seasoned the fish looks.

  110. Tandoori is one of our favorites! We use tandoori paste on tofu, tempeh and seitan. It’s amazing. Adds so much flavor!

  111. I plan on sharing this with my dad; he has been on a Paleo-type diet for a bit now. I think he would really appreciate this dish.

  112. Quinoa really isn’t as evil as people may think. It does take a bit to get used to if you aren’t used to it. My husband expected it to be just like rice, but it’s a little different. This recipe looks amazing by the way!!

  113. adawnpaxton says:

    This looks amazing!! I love trying new fish recipes!

  114. I don’t eat seafood, but I’ll to share the link to your recipe with some of my friends and family members that enjoy it. Especially my mom!

  115. everydaythoughtsbybrittany says:

    I love fish and Indian food but I’ve never made any combination of the two. I pinned this for later because this sounds like something I would really enjoy.

  116. This looks so delicious and easy to make. It’s not something I would normally test out, but you’ve convinced me!

  117. Thanks you so much and yes do try. They are very easy, yet, delicious.

  118. Mukimbwa Tom says:

    interesting,i did not know that you can pan fry it.thanks

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  126. Hey, can I use Garam Masala in replace of Tandoori Masala?

    Also, would baking the fish in foil be better than not covering it up? I’m concern abt it turning out dry.

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  131. Looks so tasty and delicious. Will definitely try this at home. Thank u for sharing it with us.