Quick & Easy Air Fried Butter Chicken – Perfect for Budget-Friendly Family Dinners!
There’s something magical about butter chicken. Creamy, cozy, and just the right amount of spice it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. But traditionally, it takes time, multiple pans, and let’s be honest… a bit more energy than we usually have on a Wednesday night.
That’s where this quick and easy air fried butter chicken swoops in to save dinner. Same rich flavor, way less mess, and your budget won’t flinch.
This recipe was born on a particularly chaotic evening laundry piles everywhere, one kid refusing to eat anything “saucy,” and me with exactly 40 minutes to pull something together before meltdown hour. I had chicken thighs, a can of tomato sauce, and my trusty air fryer. The result? A butter chicken shortcut that’s now on our weekly dinner rotation.
And the best part? It’s all done in the air fryer. No stove babysitting. No fancy ingredients. Just that same comforting flavor… faster.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Air Fried Butter Chicken
- Budget-friendly: No hard-to-find ingredients here just pantry staples and affordable chicken thighs or breasts.
- Quick & easy: From start to plate in about 30 minutes.
- Family-approved: Creamy, mildly spiced, and perfect for little taste buds.
- Air fryer = easy cleanup and no greasy splatters!
Looking for a flavorful meal without breaking the bank or your brain after a long day? This one’s it.
Quick & Easy Air Fried Butter Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Blender or Stick Blender
- Saucepan or Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade & Pieces
- 500 g boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut bite‑sized
- 1 tsp ginger‑garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder (or Kashmiri chili powder)
- ¼ tsp turmeric powder
- to taste salt
Gravy Base
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 Tbsp cashews for creaminess
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 pinch kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- ¼ cup fresh cream or substitute milk
- 2 Tbsp butter or oil (divided)
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate chicken with ginger‑garlic paste, chili powder, turmeric, and salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C). Arrange chicken in a single layer, spray or brush with butter/oil, air‑fry 5 min, flip, then extra 3 min (≈ 8 min total) until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a pan sauté onion in butter/oil until soft, add garlic/ ginger if desired, then add tomatoes, cashews, chili powder and garam masala—cook 4–5 min.
- Blend mixture (add ~½ cup water) into a smooth paste, return to pan, stir in kasuri methi and simmer 2–3 min.
- Add air‑fried chicken into the gravy, stir, then stir in cream; simmer another 2–3 min until rich and saucy.
- Garnish with a small knob of butter and chopped cilantro if available; serve with rice or flatbread.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
For the quick butter sauce:
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
How to Make Air Fried Butter Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and olive oil. Toss the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
Short on time? Even 10 minutes makes a difference don’t skip this part!
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden with crispy edges.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken’s cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5–6 minutes. Stir in cream and season with salt, pepper, and a little sugar if needed.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Add your crispy air-fried chicken to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat and warm through for a few minutes.
Serve over rice, with warm naan, or straight from the spoon we don’t judge.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Swap alert! Don’t have heavy cream? Use half-and-half or even full-fat milk in a pinch.
- Spice it up: Add chili powder or red pepper flakes if your crew likes a little heat.
- Serving idea: Pair it with Air Fryer Cauliflower for a balanced meal.
- Save for later: This reheats beautifully. Leftovers make a killer wrap the next day with a little shredded lettuce and rice.
Why This Recipe Feels Like Home
Growing up, butter chicken was one of those dishes my mom made for special occasions. It took hours marinating, simmering, adjusting spices until it was just right. I used to hover near the stove, impatient but mesmerized.
These days, I don’t have that kind of time most nights. But I still crave that same warmth and comfort. This air fryer version keeps the spirit alive rich flavors, cozy vibes just in a modern, realistic way.
My kids ask for this one by name (and even eat the rice miracle!), and it’s officially earned its spot in the “no complaints, full bellies” rotation.
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut yogurt for the marinade and coconut milk instead of cream in the sauce. It’s just as dreamy.
What if I don’t have garam masala?
Try mixing equal parts cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a dash of clove or nutmeg.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
When dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, this quick air fried butter chicken truly delivers. It’s rich, satisfying, and full of the same heartwarming goodness I grew up with just with a modern (and budget-friendly) twist.
Craving more cozy air fryer dinners? Try my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs or Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas for easy sides and snacks.
Because feeding your family well shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. ❤️
