Air Fryer Chicken Cashew Curry (Creamy & Easy Recipe)

Creamy Air Fryer Chicken Cashew Curry

I’ve always loved a curry night at home, but this air fryer chicken cashew curry feels a little bit special. I knew cashew nuts would create a rich, creamy sauce, but using the air fryer to toast them first really brings out their flavour and adds extra depth. The result is a smooth, fragrant chicken curry that tastes far more indulgent than the calorie count would suggest.

At just 375 calories per serving, this creamy cashew chicken curry packs in 44g of protein and has a mild heat that makes it a good option for the whole family. The cashews are toasted in the air fryer before being blended with water and chopped tomatoes to create the sauce – a simple step that makes a big difference.

Everything is cooked in the air fryer from start to finish, which keeps things simple and cuts down on washing up – ideal for busy evenings. If you enjoy a homemade fakeaway, this is one to keep on repeat.

IN THIS POST

• What is cashew chicken curry?
• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Variations and substitutions
• Serving suggestions
• Storing and reheating
• How does this work on Slimming World?
• If you’re taking Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro
• What other curry recipes could I make?
• FAQs
• Recipe

What is cashew chicken curry?

Chicken cashew curry is a mild, creamy curry where blended cashew nuts form the base of the sauce, rather than cream or coconut milk. Similar nut-based sauces are used in Indian cooking to create richness without relying on dairy.

This version is made in the air fryer, where the cashews are toasted first, then blended with tomatoes and water before being combined with spiced chicken and a little fat-free yoghurt to finish. The result is a thick, creamy curry with plenty of flavour and a gentle warmth rather than strong heat.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• It’s just 375 calories per serving. A big, satisfying bowlful of creamy curry for under 400 calories – serve it with fluffy basmati rice for a proper fakeaway night in.
• The whole thing is made in the air fryer. From toasting the cashews to finishing the sauce, there’s no hob involved, which means minimal washing-up and maximum ease.
• It’s packed with protein. With 44g of protein per portion, this is a genuinely filling meal that keeps hunger at bay for hours.
• Mild enough for the whole family. The spice level is gentle and warming, without any real heat – though of course you can add a pinch more cayenne if you like it spicier.
• The cashew sauce is something special. Blending the toasted nuts with tomatoes creates a sauce that tastes rich and complex, but uses simple, everyday ingredients.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the chicken breast for thighs. Chicken thigh fillets work beautifully here — they stay juicy and have a slightly deeper flavour. Just make sure all visible fat is trimmed away.
• Make it vegetarian. Replace the chicken with a drained tin of chickpeas or some diced paneer. The sauce works brilliantly with both, and the cooking time in step 4 can be reduced to 8 minutes. My vegan mushroom, chickpea and green lentil curry is another great option if you’re cooking for non-meat-eaters.
• Use a blender jug instead of a food processor. If you have a high-powered blender, the cashew sauce will come out even smoother – worth it if you have one to hand.
• Adjust the spice level. This is a mild curry. If you’d like more heat, add an extra quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix, or add a finely chopped green chilli along with the garlic and ginger.
• Add extra vegetables. A large handful of baby spinach stirred in at the very end of cooking is a lovely addition – it wilts into the sauce beautifully and adds colour without changing the flavour.

Serving Suggestions

• Fluffy basmati rice is the classic pairing – I usually cook mine on the hob while the curry finishes in the air fryer, so it all comes together at the same time.
• Warm naan bread or a flatbread on the side is brilliant for scooping up the sauce.
• A simple cucumber and mint raita makes a lovely cooling accompaniment – just mix together fat-free Greek yogurt with finely grated cucumber, chopped mint and a pinch of cumin.
• A scattering of fresh coriander over the top before serving makes it look gorgeous and adds a lovely fresh note.
• Looking for more inspiration for what to put on the table alongside your curry? My family recipes page has loads of ideas.

Storing and Reheating

• Fridge: This keeps really well for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge – the flavours actually deepen overnight, which makes it brilliant for batch cooking.
• Freezer: This curry is freezer-friendly! Allow it to cool completely, then portion into freezer bags or containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat in a saucepan over a medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring regularly, until piping hot throughout. Alternatively, microwave in a covered container, stirring halfway through.

How does creamy cashew chicken curry work on Slimming World?

If you’re following Slimming World, the swip count in this recipe will mainly come from the cashew nuts. Cashews are not a Free Food and are usually counted as swips based on their weight. In this recipe, the 75g of cashews works out at roughly 21–24 swips for the whole dish (around 5–6 swips per portion when divided between 4).

With the 2026 updates, nuts can sometimes be used as part of your Healthy Extra ‘healthy fats’ allowance, but only in measured amounts. As this recipe uses a larger quantity, most people would still count the cashews as swips.

The chicken, chopped tomatoes, fat-free yoghurt, garlic, ginger and spices are all Free Foods. As always, it’s a good idea to check the values in your Slimming World app to make sure everything fits with your plan. If you’re looking for more slimming-friendly recipe ideas, there are plenty more recipes on the site to explore.

If you’re taking Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro

If you’re taking a GLP-1 medication such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro, you may find your appetite is smaller than usual, which can make deciding what to cook a bit tricky.

This creamy cashew chicken curry is easy to portion, so it can be adapted depending on how hungry you feel – a smaller serving still has plenty of flavour, and the saucy consistency means even a modest bowlful can feel satisfying. It also contains a good amount of protein from the chicken (44g per full serving), which is often included as part of balanced meals. The cashew nuts also contribute a small amount of protein and fibre. Some people find that softer, saucier meals can feel easier to eat than very dry or heavy dishes, and this kind of curry has that texture.

This is general nutrition information rather than medical advice. If you have any questions about your diet while taking GLP-1 medications, it’s best to speak with your GP, pharmacist or a registered dietitian.

What other curry recipes could I make?

If you’ve enjoyed this cashew curry recipe, here are some more fakeaway favourites from the blog that I think you’ll love:

• Chicken Katsu Curry – crispy cornflake-coated chicken with a rich, smooth curry sauce; an absolute classic
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala – the most popular curry on the blog, and one of my all-time favourites
• Easy Chicken Jalfrezi – a vibrant, pepper-packed tomato-based curry that’s on the table in 30 minutes
• Slow-Cooker Brazilian-Style Coconut Chicken Curry – tender chicken with sweet potato and pinto beans in a creamy coconut sauce
• Hoisin Chicken Recipe – The Easiest Fakeaway Wraps You’ll Ever Make – all the flavour of crispy duck pancakes with a fraction of the effort

You can find the full collection of all my recipes on the site, organised by category.