Quick and Easy Air Fryer Chicken Curry Recipe

If you thought your air fryer was just for crisping up your favorite snacks, wait till you try this air fryer curry recipe!

As an expert home cook, I've tried countless curry recipes over the years, simmered on stovetops, roasted in ovens, and even slow-cooked for hours. But this version—made easy, fast, and flavorful in an air fryer—might just be my favorite yet.

Why, you ask? The magic lies in the air fryer's high-heat circulation, which locks in spices and infuses every morsel of food with deep, aromatic flavors.

Plus, it’s hands-off and saves you from a simmering pot on the stovetop. It's a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you're entertaining and want to impress without the stress.

Unleash the full potential of your air fryer with this curry recipe and get ready to savor a curry that is at once comfortingly familiar yet surprisingly vibrant.

Jump to:

• Video Tutorial
• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
• Instructions
• Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature
• Serving Recommendations
• Recipe Variations
• Leftovers Storage and Freezing
• Pro Tips for Success
• Recipe

Video Tutorial

Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 cup water

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (mine is the Instant Vortex Plus XL)
• Metal container (that fits your air fryer)
• Separate plate
• Serving dish
• Kitchen tongs
• Silicone spatula
• Oven mitt or baking glove

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC. Place the chicken in a metal container suitable for the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, remove the chicken from the air fryer and transfer them to a separate plate.

Place finely chopped onions in the air fryer container and cook for 3 minutes.

After 3 minutes, add chopped garlic and ginger to the onions. Add curry powder and mix well.

Place the chicken on top and add half a cup of hot water. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

After 5 minutes, add heavy cream to the chicken and mix well. Cook for another 7 minutes.

The total cooking time will be 25 minutes. In a serving dish, arrange the rice.

Place the chicken on top and pour the resulting sauce over them. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or dill.

Adjusting the Cooking Time and Temperature

Understanding your air fryer is key to perfecting any recipe, especially this flavorful curry. Start by following the recommended cooking time and temperature in the recipe.

But remember, not all air fryers are made equal—some run hotter than others, while some have larger capacities that can affect cooking times.

If your curry isn’t as browned or thick as you’d like after the suggested cooking time, increase the temperature by 25°F and continue cooking in 5-minute increments.

Be sure to check frequently to avoid overcooking. Conversely, if things seem to be browning too quickly, reduce the temperature by 25°F and extend the cooking time.

This method requires a bit of vigilance initially, but once you've adjusted your air fryer's settings to your preference, you'll have a foolproof blueprint for all future air-fryer curries.

Serving Recommendations

This air fryer curry is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it piping hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice for a classic combo or with some warm naan bread for a comforting, homey meal.

Looking to add some greens? A side of sautéed spinach or a simple cucumber salad offers a fresh contrast to the curry's deep flavors.

For a unique twist, try it over some quinoa or roasted cauliflower for a low-carb option. You can also serve the curry with a dollop of cooling yogurt or raita for a more indulgent twist.

Whatever you choose, garnish with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness that complements the rich curry beautifully.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetable Curry: Add a variety of diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes to make it a hearty vegetarian dish.
• Thai-inspired Curry: Swap the curry powder for Thai red or green curry paste and incorporate coconut milk for a creamy and fragrant twist.
• Seafood Curry: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, fish, or a medley of seafood for a delightful seafood curry experience.

Leftovers Storage and Freezing

One of the best things about this curry is how well it stores. Let your leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. They can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.

If you want to freeze your curry, divide it into portion-sized containers. These can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water if needed to thin the curry.

This make-ahead convenience makes this air fryer curry a perfect candidate for weekend meal prep or those nights when you just don't feel like cooking.

Pro Tips for Success

To elevate your air fryer curry to the next level, consider these pro tips:

• Spices: Freshly ground spices make a world of difference. Invest in a spice grinder and you'll be rewarded with an incredibly aromatic and flavorful curry.
• Brown the meat: If your recipe calls for meat, brown it in a skillet before adding to the air fryer. This extra step lends a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve otherwise.
• Layer the flavors: Add the spices at different stages of the cooking process to build layers of flavor. Some spices benefit from the initial high heat, while others shine when added towards the end.
• Stir occasionally: Even though the air fryer does most of the work, giving your curry a good stir every now and then ensures even cooking and helps the flavors meld together.
• Adjust to taste: Remember, you're the chef! Feel free to adjust the spice levels and ingredients to suit your own tastes.

My air fryer curry recipe is your ticket to a flavorful, easy, and healthy meal that maximizes the magic of your air fryer. You'll wonder how you ever made curry without it!

Don't forget to explore the blog for more clever ingredient substitutes, mouth-watering recipes, and indispensable air fryer tips and tricks.

Elevate your home cooking skills and savor the thrill of creating restaurant-quality meals right in your own kitchen. Go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let your air fryer surprise you with its culinary prowess.

Your taste buds will thank you!

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Recipe