Reheating chicken curry in an air fryer takes just 3-5 minutes at 160°C (320°F), giving you crispy edges while keeping the centre moist. This method beats microwaving hands down, as it prevents that dreaded soggy texture while evenly warming through your leftovers. Whether you’re dealing with takeaway curry or homemade batches, your air fryer can revive it beautifully – just follow these simple steps for the best results every time.
Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, which means your chicken curry reheats evenly without drying out. Unlike microwaves that can leave some parts scalding hot while others stay cold, the air fryer’s convection system ensures consistent warmth throughout. The slight crispiness it adds to the edges of chicken pieces mimics that fresh-cooked texture we all love. Plus, it’s quicker than using an oven – perfect for those midweek meal prep moments when time’s tight.
At airfryerrecipe.co.uk, we’ve tested countless reheating methods, and the air fryer consistently delivers superior results for saucy dishes like chicken curry. The key is balancing temperature and timing to prevent the sauce from reducing too much. If you’re reheating multiple portions from frozen, you might want to check out our air fryer conversion chart for adjusted cooking times.
Start by taking your chicken curry out of the fridge about 15 minutes before reheating to take the chill off. If the sauce has thickened overnight, add a teaspoon of water or stock and mix gently. For best results, separate larger chicken pieces to ensure even heating. Place the curry in an air fryer-safe dish or basket liner – our air fryer cleaner guide shows how to choose materials that won’t warp at high temperatures.
Set your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 3-5 minutes if reheating from chilled. Check halfway through and stir gently to distribute heat. For frozen chicken curry, extend the time to 8-10 minutes at the same temperature, breaking up any ice crystals first. The exact time depends on your air fryer model and portion size – smaller batches will reheat faster. Never overcrowd the basket, as this leads to uneven results.
For extra crispy chicken pieces, pat them dry with kitchen paper before reheating. If your curry contains delicate ingredients like paneer or vegetables, reduce the temperature to 150°C and extend the time slightly. To prevent splattering, cover the basket with foil (poke a few holes for steam to escape) or use an official air fryer lid if your model has one. Discover more clever tricks in our air fryer recipes collection, including make-ahead curry ideas perfect for reheating.
Experiment with different reheating times based on your preferred texture – some love their chicken curry with slightly caramelised edges, while others prefer it saucy. If you’re meal prepping multiple curries, our chicken recipe category has brilliant batch-cooking inspiration. Remember that coconut milk-based curries reheat differently to tomato-based ones, so adjust times accordingly.
If your reheated chicken curry seems dry, sprinkle a little water or coconut milk over it before the final minute of cooking. For curries that have separated overnight, a quick stir during reheating will help emulsify the sauce again. Always check the internal temperature of chicken pieces reaches 75°C using a food thermometer to ensure safety. Leftover rice? Reheat it separately in the air fryer at 180°C for 2-3 minutes for perfect texture.
Curry too spicy after reheating? The concentrated flavours can intensify – stir in a dollop of yogurt or cream during the last minute. For those who love kitchen gadgets, pairing your air fryer with a vegetable side dish makes for a complete reheated meal. Just remember that air fryers vary, so note what works best with your specific model for future reference.
