A healthy, cost effective way to enjoy your favourite takeout, this air fryer chicken curry will be a real treat for the whole family. Inspired by a desire to indulge in delicious takeaway foods without compromising on health. So this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavour, convenience, and nutrition. The air-fryer has revolutionized how we make traditional curry. Turning it into a hassle-free experience that retains all the mouth-watering flavours of the spices we love. No longer do you need to spend hours stirring and simmering over a hot stove. So with the air fryer, you can make curry in half the time without losing any of the depth of flavour.
The beauty of using the air-fryer is how it saves time and cuts down on mess, yet still ensures that your curry is perfectly cooked. The chicken remains juicy, tender, and infused with the spices that make every bite so satisfying. Whether you’re using rich, aromatic curry powders, fresh ginger, or garlic, the air fryer guarantees a fragrant and vibrant dish every time. It’s an easy and quick way to bring the comfort of a traditional curry into your home without the usual fuss.
So I had the pleasure of cooking this air fryer chicken curry recipe with Alexis Conran on the Channel 5 TV show Air Fryers: An Easy Way to Lose Weight, which first aired on 28th February 2024. This healthier alternative to takeaway is perfect for satisfying your curry cravings without feeling guilty. It’s a delicious, simple, and family-friendly meal that’s easy to make, bursting with all the flavours you love, and perfect for keeping you on track with your health and wellness goals.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 20 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl.
Ingredients for air fryer chicken curry
2 Chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 large onion, peeled and sliced
1 tin of chopped tomatoes
100ml of chicken stock
For the curry paste:
1 teaspoon of garlic paste
1 teaspoon of ginger powder
A teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek powder
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
A teaspoon of turmeric
A dash of ground nut oil
1 tablespoon of water
A handful of spinach
1 red chilli pepper, thinly sliced
A handful of fresh coriander leaves
Method
If you’re looking for a quick and flavour-packed meal that’s perfect for weeknights, this air fryer chicken curry is a game-changer. It’s simple, satisfying, and made entirely in the air fryer – no need for extra pots or pans!
Start by thinly slicing your chicken breast or thigh meat along with one medium onion. Set both aside while you prepare your spice mix. In a small bowl, combine your favourite curry spices – think garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of chilli powder. Add a splash of water to turn your dry spices into a thick paste.
Then transfer your sliced chicken and onions into a large mixing bowl and add the spice paste. Give everything a good stir to ensure the meat and onions are well coated. Then, pour in a can of chopped tomatoes and your chosen stock (chicken or vegetable works well). Mix again so everything is combined.
So if your air fryer has a crisper tray or insert, be sure to remove it before cooking – this gives you more space and ensures the chicken cooks directly in the rich, spiced tomato sauce.
Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook the curry for 20–25 minutes, stirring a few times during the cook to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Always double-check that your chicken is fully cooked before serving.
For a final touch, add a handful of spring greens or spinach during the last 3 minutes of cooking. This adds freshness, colour, and a boost of nutrients.
Serve your delicious air fryer chicken curry hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander and thinly sliced red chilli for an extra kick. Enjoy with fluffy rice, naan bread, or even over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Curry
Yes you can make a delicious chicken curry using your air fryer! While it’s slightly different from traditional stovetop methods, the result is flavour-packed, fuss-free, and ideal for quick meals. Here’s how to get the best out of it:
1. Use boneless chicken thighs
Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender during air frying. Cut them into bite-sized chunks for quicker, even cooking.
2. Marinate for flavour
Toss the chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and curry spices (like garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and paprika) and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you can. This boosts tenderness and depth of flavour.
3. Preheat your air fryer
Set the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 2–3 minutes before cooking to help the chicken start browning right away.
4. Use a lined dish or foil tray
To capture the curry sauce and prevent it from dripping, use an oven-safe dish or foil tray that fits inside your air fryer basket.
5. Cook the chicken first
Air fry the marinated chicken for 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. This gives it a golden edge and locks in juices.
6. Add sauce midway
Pour your curry sauce (such as a tomato-onion base or a creamy coconut mixture) over the chicken in the final 5–7 minutes. This allows it to warm through and coat the meat without over-reducing.
7. Don’t overcrowd
Keep everything in a single layer to avoid steaming. Cook in batches if needed.
8. Serve hot with rice or naan
Air fryer chicken curry is best served right away, paired with fluffy rice, naan bread, or a simple cucumber raita.
Similar recipes
So if you love this easy air fryer chicken curry you might also like my air fryer onion bhaji or the air fryer tandoori chicken recipe.
Or if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.
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