We will share three cooking methods to make curry fried chicken today. You can make deep fried chicken legs with these seasonings, baked in the oven or below we will show you air fryer drumsticks.
You can use this seasoning for all sorts of things. Brings a deep flavor to all different meats. Marinated first the sauce will bake right on to your chicken legs, breasts or legs like we used here. One of our favorite healthy air fryer recipes for beginners we think you’ll love too. (affiliate links present)
Curry Chicken Legs
From poultry to beef and even oxtail curry, these bold flavors make every meal go from good to OMG. Curry chicken is a flavorful and popular dish in many cuisines, particularly in Indian, Thai, and Caribbean cooking. It typically involves poultry cooked in a fragrant curry sauce that is rich in spices and seasonings.
Some like to amp up the spicy but not always. If you have some who prefer mild and others enjoy heat you can adjust it. How can I make curry chicken less spicy? You can omit peppers if your recipe calls for it, increase the use of milder spices like turmeric and cumin, and/or add more coconut milk which will tone it down.
Curry Drumsticks
This is what we used to make this marinade. This is how long to bake drumsticks at 400 if you would rather use your oven instead. You would want to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or non stick foil so it doesn’t stick and pull the skin right off. We love our Ninja Foodi and Cosori though because it gets the chicken skin so crispy!
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and ginger are usually used in curry seasonings. When made into a sauce coconut milk is a favorite liquid which adds a creamy texture and flavor.
Sauté chicken, onions, garlic, and ginger in some oil over medium heat. Add your choice of spices and cook for a minute. Then cook until the meat is browned. Pour in some coconut milk or broth and simmer until the it is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
Vegan curry dishes can use alternative proteins such as tofu, chickpeas, lentils, or vegetables as the instead of chicken.
I mean this sauce could be used on any meat really. You could even make a double batch, marinate with half and in a mixing bowl add the other portion to toss when it’s cooked to coat.
Air Fryer Curry Chicken
You could in fact cook these 3 different ways. You could use the same sauce to coat and then follow our temp and timing for slow cooker chicken legs. Those won’t get crispy at all, you’d have to set into the oven to broil at the end if you wanted that crisp. Below is air frying and baking.
- Mix coconut milk, olive oil, salt and all spices in a large bowl with a whisk.
- Into the bowl add the chicken legs and mix everything thoroughly so that each leg is covered with marinade.
- If desired, you can cover the bowl with saran wrap and leave for an hour or two in a cool place.
- Set the air fryer to 400 F and preheat for 5 minutes.
- Spray basket with olive oil. Place the legs in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes.
- Turn them over to the other side and cook in the air fryer for another 12-15 minutes or until the internal temp is 165 degrees F and browned to your liking outside.
- * How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in Air Fryer depends on the size. Larger pieces will likely take more time to get to a safe internal temp.
- For a stronger curry flavor you can make 1.5x the sauce mixture. Put a bit to the side and when done, brush more on the outside before serving
In the oven – Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Follow directions to make the sauce and coat legs. Lay inside a baking dish or non stick baking sheet without overlapping. Cover with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes with foil and another 10-12 minutes without foil until they are as browned on the outside as you’d like
Fried Chicken Curry
When it comes to choosing the pieces you want to use. Chicken breasts will take longer and fewer will fit in your air fryer at a time. Chicken thighs will take about the same as legs and are wonderful with curry powder seasonings as well.
Ok so these aren’t “fried”. If you wanted to submerge them into hot oil there is a recipe link at the very top of this post for that. Not our favorite, we prefer air fryer chicken which has less fat and calories. Serve these with naan bread, maybe a salad, steamed veggies or Instant Pot cauliflower curry in a large bowl on the table. Done!
If you have leftovers they will save well in a freezer bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then you can reheat chicken in air fryer to enjoy again. This will get rid of that weird wet texture. It is best to add a bit more sauce when you do this so it doesn’t dry out.
I personally prefer to remove cooked chicken off of the bone and use one of our leftover chicken recipes though. That way it is mixed together with pasta, rice and/or sauces so it gets tender and juicy again for an entire meal.
Curry Fried Chicken
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken legs
- 1/3 c coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp corriander
- 1/3 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Mix coconut milk, olive oil, salt and all spices in a bowl with a whisk. Transfer the chicken legs to a bowl and mix everything thoroughly so that each leg is covered with marinade. If desired, you can cover the bowl with saran wrap and leave for an hour or two in a cool place.
- Air fryer – Preheat your air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes. Spray basket with olive oil. Place the legs in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15 minutes.
- Turn them over to the other side and fry for another 12-15 minutes or until the internal temp is 165 F and browned to your liking outside. * Larger pieces will likely take more time to get to a safe internal temp.
- For a stronger curry flavor you can make 1.5x the sauce mixture. Put a bit to the side and when done, brush more on the outside before serving.
- Oven – Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Follow directions to make the sauce and coat legs. Lay inside a baking dish or non stick baking sheet without overlapping. Cover with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes with foil and another 10-12 minutes without foil until they are as browned on the outside as you'd like.
- Fried – Heat about 2" of oil into a skillet until hot and 350 degrees F. Place coated chicken legs into the skillet, keeping space between each, and work in batches. Fry chicken legs on each side for about 4 minutes until internal temp = 165 F.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
