If you're looking for a quick Chicken Curry Air Fryer Recipe then this is the one for you! Made in the air fryer, this curry is full of flavor and can be on the table in just 30 minutes.
This air fryer chicken curry is super easy and quick to make and is packed full of flavor. Made with chicken breasts, this curry is perfect for a midweek meal or weekend dinner.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Tantalizing Flavor: Aromatic spices combine to create a chicken curry that's bursting with flavor.
- Effortless Preparation: Air fryer curry chicken is a simple dish and a stress-free meal.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Enjoy a protein-packed dish with this curry chicken air fryer recipe. If you love curry why not try this Pumpkin Curry Soup!
🥘 Ingredients
- Olive Oil: This not only prevents the chicken from sticking but also helps in infusing the flavors of the spices into the meat.
- Yellow Onion (Chopped): Add a sweet and slightly pungent flavor that forms the base for any good curry, contributing depth and aroma.
- Garlic Cloves: Lends a robust, earthy flavor that complements the spices, adding a layer of complexity to the curry.
- Curry Powder: Imparts a warm, exotic flavor with its blend of various spices, giving the curry its distinctive taste.
- Ginger Powder: Adds a spicy, slightly sweet flavor and aroma that pairs wonderfully with the curry powder, enhancing its warmth.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the spices, making the curry more savory.
- Chicken Breasts (Diced): Provide a lean, tender protein that absorbs the flavors of the curry beautifully.
- Corn-Starch Mixed With Water: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the curry a rich, hearty consistency that clings to the chicken pieces.
- Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture and a hint of sweetness that tempers the heat of the curry, making it more balanced and satisfying.
- Chopped Cilantro: Provides a fresh, citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the curry, adding a burst of freshness.
- Cayenne Powder (For A Spicier Option): For those who like it hot, cayenne pepper can add an extra kick, intensifying the heat of the curry and adding another layer of flavor.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: You can swap the chicken breast for boneless skinless chicken thighs. The cooking time will be the same.
- Coconut Milk: You can switch the heavy cream for coconut milk in this air fryer curry recipe.
- Curry Paste: You can use curry powder or your favorite curry paste in this air fryer chicken curry.
🔪 How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Curry
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, add the chicken, onion, and garlic.
- Step 2: Add the oil and spices and mix. Marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Place the curry into a pan that fits your air fryer basket. Use a shallow pan to spread out the chicken. Set the air fryer to 400°f and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Set the air fryer to 400°f and cook for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove cooked chicken and juices to a mixing bowl. Add cream and cornstarch slurry. Mix.
- Step 6: Place back in the pan and the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 7 more minutes. Remove and serve. Top your air fryer curry with chopped cilantro or fresh coriander and pair it with basmati rice and fresh, warm naan.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Create a Smooth Slurry: When preparing the cornstarch slurry, ensure that it is well-mixed and free of lumps. To achieve this, gradually add cold water to the cornstarch while constantly whisking. This prevents the cornstarch from clumping and ensures a smooth consistency. You can use a fork or a small whisk to mix the slurry thoroughly. Aim for a smooth, lump-free texture to avoid any undesirable lumps in your curry.
💭 FAQs
Chicken curry is a dish that originates from India and is made with a variety of different spices. The most common spices in chicken curry are cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Curry can be made with either chicken breasts or thighs and is usually served with rice or naan bread.
Cooking time for chicken curry will vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken. For this recipe, cook time is set at 15 minutes, plus another 7 minutes however you may need to adjust this time depending on the size of your chicken.
This chicken curry air fryer recipe can easily be made ahead of time. Simply prep the recipe as directed and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, cook in the air fryer as directed.
When cooking chicken curry in the air fryer you will need to use an 8x8 inch baking dish or an air fryer cake barrel that fits snugly in your air fryer. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
🧂Serving Suggestions
Pairing your air-fried chicken curry with complementary sides can enhance the overall dining experience. Here's a list of items you can serve with air fryer chicken curry:
- Basmati or Jasmine Rice: Serve your chicken curry with fragrant and fluffy basmati or jasmine rice. The mild flavor of these rice varieties complements the rich and spicy chicken curry.
- Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious curry sauce. You can also try different varieties like garlic naan or whole wheat naan.
- Roti or Chapati: A healthier alternative to naan, whole wheat roti or chapati provides a wholesome accompaniment to chicken curry.
- Cucumber Raita: Cool down the spice with a refreshing cucumber raita. This yogurt-based side dish with cucumber, mint, and spices adds a refreshing element to the meal.
- Green Bean Salad: A simple Green Bean salad with a squeeze of lemon juice can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the curry.
- Papadum: Crispy papadums or poppadoms are a popular accompaniment to Indian meals. They add a delightful crunch and can be served on the side.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Quick Chicken Curry Air Fryer Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion Chopped (1 cup)
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced (1, ½ Tbsp)
- 5 Teaspoons Curry Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Ginger Powder
- Pinch Salt
- 1, ½ Ibs Chicken Breasts diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon Corn Starch mixed with 2 teaspoon water
- ⅓ Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Cilantro Chopped for garnish
- 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Powder Optional for spicier option
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the chicken, onion, and garlic. Add the oil and spices and mix. Marinade for 30 minutes.
- Place curry into a pan that fits your air fryer basket. Use a shallow pan to spread out thechicken.
- Set the air fryer to 400°f and cook for 15 minutes.
- Remove cooked chicken and juices to a mixing bowl. Add cream and corn-starch slurry. Mix.
- Place back in the pan and air fryer basket. Cook at 400°f for 7 more minutes.
- Remove and serve topped with chopped cilantro and paired with basmati rice and fresh warm naan.
Notes
Nutrition
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you love this air fryer recipe for chicken curry, you'll want to check our the following air fryer recipes:
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- Air Fryer Corn On The Cob
- Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
- Air Fryer Broccolini
- Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
- Air Fryer Korean Beef
This chicken curry is a weeknight lifesaver! Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it's the perfect dish when you're craving something warm and comforting without the fuss