Air-Fried Chicken Curry: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken curry is a popular dish that can be made in an air fryer with a few simple steps. This cooking method is a fun and tasty way to prepare chicken curry, yielding a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The air fryer's high-heat circulation locks in spices and infuses deep, aromatic flavours into the dish. The recipe typically includes ingredients such as chicken, vegetables, and a variety of spices, and can be served with rice or naan.

Choosing the right air fryer and equipment

There are a few things to consider when choosing an air fryer. First, there are two primary types of air fryers on the market: those with baskets (or drawers) and those with mesh trays or racks. Basket air fryers are the most common and feature a tub that slides out for filling and emptying. They are available in digital and manual forms, with the former being more expensive and offering more advanced features. Mesh tray air fryers, on the other hand, cook food on a flat or shallow receptacle and often have clear glass doors. Some models even come with multiple racks, allowing you to cook a full meal at once.

When selecting an air fryer, it's important to consider your budget, the capacity you need, and the features that are important to you. Air fryers range in price from $30 to $400, with most falling around the $100 mark. If you're cooking for a crowd, look for a larger capacity, keeping in mind that you may need to cook in batches. Advanced features like dehydration, baking, and rotisserie functions can also be handy, but they will increase the price. Additionally, consider the warranty, as some air fryers offer longer coverage than others.

Another option is to choose a toaster oven with an air-fry setting. These appliances tend to be pricier, but they offer more space and can be more familiar and predictable for cooks used to traditional ovens. However, they may not achieve the same level of crispiness as dedicated air fryers due to their larger interior capacities and air escape.

In terms of specific brands, there are several reputable options to choose from, including Ninja, Instant, Cosori, and Philips. The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven, for example, offers a large basket and square shape, making it ideal for arranging food neatly. The Cosori Lite 2.1-Quart Air Fryer is another excellent, affordable option for serving one or two people. If you're looking for an oven-style air fryer, the Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro is a great choice, though it comes with a higher price tag.

Finally, don't forget to purchase any necessary accessories, such as a cake barrel insert, which is essential for making saucy recipes like chicken curry in your air fryer.

Preparing the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need boneless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. You can use skinless chicken to reduce the fat content, but skin-on chicken will also work. The amount of chicken you use can vary, but a typical range is between half a pound to a pound of meat.

Next, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin cutlets. For chicken breasts, you can slice them in half lengthwise to create cutlets. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer.

Now, it's time to season the chicken. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavour. Some common options include salt, black pepper, curry powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix your chosen spices and herbs together and sprinkle them generously over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and onions to enhance the flavour.

Once the chicken is seasoned, it's time to prepare for cooking. If you're using an air fryer basket, spray it with cooking spray or lightly brush it with oil to prevent sticking. You can also spray or brush the chicken pieces themselves with oil for extra crispness.

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is small and doesn't accommodate all the chicken in one batch, you can cook in batches or use multiple air fryers if you have more than one.

Now, set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. The temperature and time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your chicken pieces, but a typical temperature range is between 375-380°F/190°C, and the cooking time is around 25-30 minutes.

During the cooking process, it's a good idea to flip the chicken pieces halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. You can use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C to be safe to eat.

Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. If you're making a sauce, you can add the chicken back into the sauce to combine the flavours.

Your chicken is now ready to be served! You can serve it with rice, naan, or your choice of sides for a delicious and easy weeknight meal. Enjoy!

Making the sauce

To make the sauce for your chicken curry in an air fryer, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. Here's a detailed guide to help you create a delicious and creamy curry sauce:

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes and Onions

Start by halving two tomatoes and slicing or dicing half a medium onion. Place them in a small pan or an air fryer cake barrel, ensuring the tomatoes are cut side up. This step provides a base for your sauce and adds a rich flavour to the curry.

Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes and Onions

Place the pan or cake barrel in the air fryer and roast the tomatoes and onions at 320°F/160°C for around 25 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly charred. This step is crucial for developing the depth of flavour in your sauce.

Step 3: Add Spices and Butter

Once the tomatoes and onions are cooked, it's time to build the spice profile of your sauce. Add in the spices, including garlic, ginger, curry powder, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and chilli powder. Don't hold back on the spices as they are what give your curry its characteristic heat and aroma. Also, add a teaspoon of salted butter to enhance the creaminess of the sauce. Cook this mixture for an additional 5 minutes in the air fryer, allowing the spices to release their flavours.

Step 4: Puree the Mixture

After cooking, remove the mixture from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Then, puree everything together with heavy cream. You can use an immersion blender directly in the dish, or transfer the contents to a food processor and then back into the dish. This step gives your sauce a smooth and creamy texture.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Thickness

Finally, adjust the seasoning of your sauce by adding salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a cornflour slurry by mixing cornflour with cold water, and stir it into the sauce. Place the sauce back in the air fryer for a few minutes to warm it up before serving.

Your curry sauce is now ready to be combined with the cooked chicken. Serve this delicious dish with rice or naan bread, and garnish with fresh coriander for an authentic and mouthwatering experience. Enjoy your homemade chicken curry, made right in your air fryer!

Cooking the chicken

Firstly, prepare your ingredients. You will need chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. You will also require some oil or ghee, salt, pepper, and any other spices or seasonings you wish to add. The specific measurements will depend on the recipe you are following and the number of servings you are preparing. Gather all the necessary ingredients before you begin cooking.

Next, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks or cubes. The size and shape of the pieces will impact how quickly the chicken cooks and how easy it is to eat. Aim for uniformity in size so that the chicken cooks evenly.

Once the chicken is cut, it's time to season it. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and drizzle them with oil or ghee. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken and toss the pieces to ensure an even coating. You can also add other spices or seasonings at this stage, such as curry powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper, depending on your taste preferences. Massage the chicken pieces with your hands or a spoon to ensure the seasonings are well distributed.

Now it's time to cook the chicken in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 375-380°F/190°C. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the cooking time and crispiness of the chicken.

Cook the chicken for around 15 minutes, then flip the pieces over and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on it. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Once the chicken is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and set it aside. If you are cooking in batches, keep the cooked chicken warm in a low oven until ready to serve. It's important not to cover the chicken with foil, as this will make the breading soggy.

Your chicken is now ready to be added to your curry sauce. Follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe to complete your chicken curry dish.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve chicken curry cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Rice

A classic option is to serve the curry with a bed of fluffy basmati rice. You can also try pilau rice, onion-fried rice, plain rice, or cauliflower rice.

Bread

Naan bread or chapati are great options to soak up the curry sauce. You can heat shop-bought bread in your air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 200°C/400°F. Some suggestions for types of naan include garlic naan and peshwari naan.

Salad

A simple tomato and onion salad or a cucumber salad can provide a fresh contrast to the curry's deep flavors.

Low-carb options

For a low-carb option, try serving the curry with quinoa or roasted cauliflower instead of rice.

Dairy

A dollop of cooling yogurt or raita can add a more indulgent twist to the dish.

Greens

You can add some greens to your plate with a side of sautéed spinach.

Spices and seasonings

Fresh herbs such as cilantro or dill can be used as a garnish, and a squeeze of lemon juice can add a touch of brightness to the dish. You can also sprinkle the curry with black or white sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Frequently asked questions