Do you love the buttery, spicy, and creamy flavors of Indian cuisine but are intimidated by the idea of cooking it at home? Fear not, because the air fryer is here to make your life easier! With its ability to cook food with minimal oil and maximum crispiness, the air fryer is the perfect tool to make delicious and healthy versions of your favorite Indian dishes. Today, we’re going to share with you our favorite Air Fryer Butter Chicken recipe that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste or health. Get ready to embark on a flavor journey that will transport you straight to the streets of India!
Ingredients
If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy meal to make in your air fryer, this butter chicken recipe is a must-try! To make this Indian classic dish, you’ll need boneless chicken thighs, diced onion, garlic, ginger, tomato sauce, heavy cream, butter, and a blend of spices including garam masala, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. The chicken is marinated in yogurt, lemon juice, and more spices to infuse it with flavor before being cooked in the air fryer until tender and juicy. The sauce is made separately on the stovetop and the final step is to combine the cooked chicken with the fragrant and creamy sauce.
The air fryer not only allows for a healthier twist on this classic dish, but it also makes cooking the chicken easier and quicker. Try serving with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Give this air fryer butter chicken recipe a try and impress your taste buds with an explosion of flavor!
Chicken, Butter, Tomato Paste, Cream
If you’re looking to cook a delicious and creamy chicken dish, there are a few essential ingredients you’ll need. Firstly, chicken is obviously the star of the dish! Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Next up is butter – this adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Tomato paste is another key ingredient, adding tanginess and a pop of color to your sauce. Finally, cream is necessary to make the sauce creamy and delicious – use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or opt for a lighter option like half-and-half for a healthier alternative. With these four ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouth-watering chicken dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Spices: Paprika, Cumin, Coriander, Garam Masala
When it comes to adding flavor and depth to dishes, spices can make all the difference. One of the most versatile spices is paprika, which comes in a variety of types ranging from sweet to smoked and can be used in everything from soups and stews to rubs and marinades. Cumin, a staple in many Indian, Middle Eastern and Mexican dishes, has a warm, earthy flavor and pairs well with other spices like coriander.
Coriander, also known as cilantro, has a distinctly bright and citrusy taste that adds freshness to curries, salsas and salads. Garam masala, a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cuisine, adds complexity and warmth to dishes, with its mix of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and other spices. By incorporating these spices into your cooking, you can elevate basic ingredients into delicious, flavorful meals that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Jalapeno, Lemon Juice
Garlic, ginger, onion, jalapeno, and lemon juice are all essential ingredients that should be in every home cook’s pantry. Each of these ingredients adds a distinct flavor and aroma to dishes, making them staples in various cuisines around the world. Garlic, for instance, has a pungent and slightly sweet taste that can add depth to all sorts of savory dishes.
Ginger, on the other hand, has a spicy but earthy taste that can add warmth to curries or stir-fried vegetables. Onion, meanwhile, has a sweet and sharp taste that can lend a savory or tangy twist to soups, stews, and casseroles. Jalapeno can add a fiery kick to Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, while lemon juice can provide a tart and refreshing flavor to dressings, marinades, and sauces.
Together, these ingredients can transform any home-cooked dish from bland to flavorful, making them a must-have in every kitchen. Make sure to stock up on these ingredients for your next culinary adventure!
Instructions
If you’re in the mood for a tasty and easy-to-make Indian dish, look no further than this air fryer butter chicken recipe. First, mix together some yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, and other spices to create a marinade. Then, marinate your chicken for at least a couple of hours to get the most flavor.
When it’s time to cook, simply place the chicken in the air fryer and cook until done. While cooking, you can prepare the sauce by melting some butter and adding onion, tomato sauce, more spices, and some heavy cream. Once the chicken is done, toss it in the sauce and serve over rice.
The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior on the chicken without all the added oil, making this dish a healthier option without sacrificing any flavor. Give it a try and impress your taste buds!
Marinate chicken in spice mix for 1 hour
For the tastiest chicken around, it helps to marinate it in a spice mix for an hour before cooking. This step might seem superfluous, but trust us, it’s worth it. Marinating your chicken in a blend of spices not only adds flavor, but it also tenderizes the meat.
Plus, you get to enjoy the aromas of the spice mix while you wait for your meal to cook! To marinate your chicken, simply mix your favorite spices (such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper) with some olive oil and rub it all over the chicken. Then, let it sit in the fridge for at least one hour (or up to overnight if you have the time). Once the chicken has been marinated, you can grill, bake, fry, or roast it to perfection.
The result will be juicy, flavorful chicken that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds. So, next time you’re preparing chicken, don’t skip this crucial step of marinating it in a spice mix. Your taste buds will thank you!
Air fry chicken for 10 minutes at 375°F
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthier way to enjoy chicken, look no further than air frying! With an air fryer, you can get that crispy texture without all the added oil and calories from traditional frying methods. To air fry chicken, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
This will ensure that your chicken is cooked through and has that perfect crispiness that we all love. So, next time you’re craving some chicken, try out this simple and tasty air fry method! Your taste buds (and waistline) will thank you.
Saute garlic, ginger, and onion in butter
When it comes to cooking up a delicious meal, sauteing garlic, ginger, and onion in butter can be a game-changer. Not only does it add a depth of flavor to any dish, but it also fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma that will make your mouth water. To get started, grab a pan and melt a generous pat of butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add in a few cloves of minced garlic, a knob of grated ginger, and a finely chopped onion. Stir everything together, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn, and cook for a few minutes until the onion turns translucent and everything starts to smell incredible. You can use this as a base for just about anything, from stir-fry to soups to pasta dishes.
The possibilities are endless! So the next time you’re in the kitchen, try sauteing garlic, ginger, and onion in butter – your taste buds will thank you.
Add tomato paste and jalapeno, cook for 2 minutes
Tomato paste and jalapeno are two ingredients that can give your dish a unique and flavorful taste. To incorporate these ingredients in your cooking, start by heating a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add in your tomato paste and jalapeno and stir well.
Cook for approximately two minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the tomato paste to deepen in color. The addition of jalapeno will give your dish a spicy kick, while the tomato paste will add a rich, tangy flavor. This step is perfect for adding depth and complexity to any savory dish, such as soups, stews, and chili.
The next time you’re looking to take your cooking up a notch, try adding some tomato paste and jalapeno to your recipe and enjoy the burst of flavor it brings to your dish.
Add cream and lemon juice, simmer for 5 minutes
When it comes to adding cream and lemon juice to a sauce, timing is everything. To get that perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess, you’ll want to simmer your sauce for at least 5 minutes after adding these two key ingredients. This will give the cream a chance to thicken and the lemon juice a chance to infuse the sauce with a bright, citrusy flavor.
Just be sure to keep an eye on your sauce as it simmers, as you don’t want it to boil over or reduce too quickly. With a little patience and attention, you’ll be rewarded with a luxurious, flavorful sauce that’s the perfect complement to a wide range of dishes. So why not give it a try tonight? Whether you’re serving up chicken, fish, or pasta, adding cream and lemon juice is a simple way to take your meal to the next level and delight your taste buds in the process.
Add chicken to sauce, cook until heated through
If you’re looking to add a protein to your delicious sauce, chicken is an excellent option. To do this, first, make sure your sauce is fully heated through. Once it’s bubbling hot, add your precooked chicken strips, ensuring they are coated in the sauce.
If the chicken is not precooked, add it to the sauce earlier to cook it thoroughly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. You want the chicken to be at a safe temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving it with your dish.
The best part about adding chicken to your sauce is that not only does it add an element of protein to your meal, but it also takes on the flavor of the sauce, making it even more delicious. So, whether you’re making a creamy alfredo sauce or a tangy tomato sauce, adding chicken is a great way to elevate your dish and make it more filling. Give it a try and see how it transforms your favorite sauce!
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking for a lip-smacking dish to serve for dinner tonight, then you must try this air fryer butter chicken recipe. Apart from being easy to make, it’s loaded with flavor and offers a deliciously creamy and spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or naan. To make the most of this dish, consider garnishing it with fresh cilantro and a dollop of yogurt.
You can also add some veggies to the mix, such as carrots, bell peppers, or onions, to make it more nutritious. Additionally, consider pairing this recipe with some refreshing drinks such as mango lassi or lemonade to balance the spiciness of the dish. Overall, this air fryer butter chicken recipe is a fantastic option that is bound to please your guests and your taste buds.
Serve with rice or naan bread
When it comes to serving your favorite Indian curry dish, the options are endless. But if you’re looking for the perfect pairing, nothing beats rice or naan bread. The fluffy texture of basmati rice is the ideal complement to the rich spices and bold flavors of a curry dish.
And if you’re in the mood for something more indulgent, naan bread is the ultimate choice. The soft and chewy bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor to each bite. When serving your curry dish, be sure to have plenty of rice or naan on hand.
Your guests will thank you for it! Plus, not only does it taste great, but it also adds a cultural component to your meal, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience of Indian cuisine. So, whether you’re making chicken tikka masala or vegetable korma, always remember to serve it with a side of rice or naan bread for the ultimate dining experience.
Garnish with fresh cilantro
If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful way to enhance your favorite dishes, look no further than fresh cilantro! This versatile herb is a great garnish for a variety of different meals, from zesty tacos to savory soups and stews. Not only does fresh cilantro add a pop of color and an inviting aroma to your dishes, it also boasts a range of health benefits. High in antioxidants and vitamins, cilantro can help to boost your immune system and protect against inflammation.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, consider adding fresh cilantro to your meal to give it an extra kick of flavor and nutrition. So next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and take your meal to the next level!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the air fryer butter chicken recipe is a game-changer in the world of healthy cooking. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, you’ll get the taste of traditional butter chicken without the guilt. The air fryer is the ultimate way to cook healthy meals with minimal oil and maximum flavor.
It’s time to ditch the deep fryer and embrace the air fryer! So, get your spice rack ready and give this recipe a try, your taste buds will thank you!”
FAQs
What ingredients do I need to make air fryer butter chicken?
To make air fryer butter chicken, you will need chicken breast, butter, onion, garlic, ginger, tomato paste, heavy cream, garam masala, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro for garnish.
How long do I need to cook air fryer butter chicken?
Depending on your air fryer’s make and model, it should take between 15 to 20 minutes to cook air fryer butter chicken.
Can I marinate the chicken before cooking it in the air fryer?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking it in the air fryer. This will add more flavor to your dish.
Can I make air fryer butter chicken without heavy cream?
Yes, you can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make a dairy-free version of air fryer butter chicken. Both of these alternatives will add a creamy texture to the dish.