Air Fryer Curry: A Quick, Easy, Tasty Treat?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, known for making cooking quicker and easier. They are often used as an alternative to deep and shallow frying, but can also be used to make curries. In fact, air fryers can be used to make a range of Indian dishes, including chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, and chicken rezala.

To make a curry in an air fryer, a small metal pan that fits into the cooking basket is required. Metal cake tins are a popular choice for this. Air fryer curries are said to be less messy than those cooked in a pan, with no splattering or spitting.

What type of pan do you need to make a curry in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make a curry in an air fryer!

To make a curry in an air fryer, you will need a small metal pan that fits into your air fryer's cooking basket. Metal cake tins are a popular choice and work perfectly. You can also use a cake barrel insert, which is suitable for saucier recipes.

The size of the pan or cake barrel you use will depend on the size of your air fryer. For example, an 8-inch cake barrel is suitable for a Ninja Air Fryer Max. A deep 7-inch pan is another option.

Using a cake barrel means you can only fit a limited amount of liquid inside before it overflows. An 8-inch tin is usually enough to make a medium-sized curry that serves four people.

Can you upscale an air fryer curry recipe?

Yes, you can upscale an air fryer curry recipe, but it is not recommended. Air fryer curry recipes are typically designed to serve 1-4 people, as the capacity of most air fryers is limited. Upscaling the recipe may result in a pan that is too full, causing longer heating times and potential splattering issues. However, if you have an air fryer with two cooking chambers, you can cook two curries simultaneously or keep one portion warm while cooking another.

To successfully upscale an air fryer curry recipe, it is crucial to use a suitable pan. A metal pan that fits into the cooking basket of your air fryer is essential. Small cake tins, particularly those with a diameter of 7-8 inches, are popular accessories for air frying casseroles and stews. These tins can be placed directly into the air fryer basket, allowing you to cook the curry effectively.

It is worth noting that air fryers were not designed to cook liquids, so thick curry sauces are more suitable. Additionally, the use of a cake barrel with a handle suitable for your air fryer can be beneficial for making saucy recipes. The size of the cake barrel should be chosen based on the measurements of your air fryer basket to ensure a proper fit.

When upscaling an air fryer curry recipe, it is important to consider the increased cooking time required. The larger volume of ingredients will take longer to cook, so adjust your cooking times accordingly.

In summary, while it is possible to upscale an air fryer curry recipe, it may present some challenges due to the limited capacity of most air fryers. Using the appropriate pan, such as a metal cake tin, and adjusting cooking times are crucial steps to ensure a successful outcome.

Can you freeze an air fryer curry?

Yes, you can freeze an air fryer curry. It is a convenient way to prepare a meal ahead of time and have it ready for a quick dinner or a last-minute get-together. The process is straightforward: make the curry according to your preferred recipe, let it cool down, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, label, seal, and freeze.

When you are ready to eat your frozen curry, it is important to defrost it properly. Take the container out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Then, you can reheat the curry in a pan over medium heat or in the air fryer using a cake barrel at 190°C/375°F for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is piping hot.

Some recipes suggest that you can freeze curry for up to three months. However, it is always a good idea to label the container with the date it was frozen so you can keep track of how long it has been in the freezer. This way, you can ensure that you are consuming it within a reasonable timeframe and that it will taste as fresh as possible.

Additionally, when preparing curry to be frozen, it is worth considering making a larger batch so you can portion it out into multiple containers. That way, you can take out only what you need for a particular meal, rather than defrosting and reheating the entire batch each time.

What ingredients do you need to make an air fryer chicken curry?

Yes, you can make a curry in an air fryer! Here are the ingredients you'll need to make an air fryer chicken curry:

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Curry:

• Chicken: Skinless and boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use pre-cooked air fryer chicken tikka for added flavour.
• Oil: Olive oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or ghee. You can also use oil spray for a lighter option.
• Vegetables: Onions, garlic, ginger, and red bell peppers.
• Spices and Seasonings: Curry powder or paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add sugar, ground almonds, and dried fenugreek leaves (kasoori methi).
• Liquid: Coconut milk or coconut milk powder, passata or tomato puree, and chicken stock.
• Dairy: Double cream, butter, and/or yoghurt.
• Fresh Herbs: Coriander and chillies.

Optional Ingredients:

• Red food colouring
• Garam masala
• Nigella seeds

Equipment:

In addition to an air fryer, you will also need a metal pan or cake barrel insert that fits into the air fryer basket. This is necessary for containing the sauce and preventing splatter.

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment, you're ready to start cooking! The general process involves preparing the sauce, adding the chicken, and air frying until everything is cooked through. You can find more detailed instructions and specific recipes online. Enjoy your air fryer chicken curry!

How long does it take to make an air fryer curry?

Air fryer curries are a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal with minimal cleanup. The cooking time will depend on the type of curry you are making and the ingredients used, but most recipes take between 25 and 40 minutes.

For example, an air fryer chicken curry recipe with chicken, peppers, and onions cooked in a creamy coconut curry sauce can be made in under 30 minutes. The prep time is around 5 minutes, and the cook time is 25 minutes.

Another chicken curry recipe suggests a cook time of 40 minutes. This includes 25 minutes of cooking the chicken and sauce, and an additional 5 minutes to warm up the sauce and combine it with the chicken.

If you are short on time, a simple air fryer chicken curry can be made in just 30 minutes, including prep time.

• Place the chicken in a metal container suitable for the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.
• Remove the chicken and add onions to the container. Cook for 3 minutes.
• Add garlic, ginger, and curry powder to the onions. Mix well and place the chicken on top. Add half a cup of hot water and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add heavy cream to the chicken and mix well. Cook for another 7 minutes.

The total cooking time for this recipe is 25 minutes, and it can be served with rice or naan bread.

It's important to note that not all air fryers are the same, and cooking times may vary. Some air fryers may run hotter or have larger capacities, which can affect the cooking time. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on your curry while it's cooking and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Frequently asked questions