Quick and easy Air Fryer Cashew Chicken recipe with crispy chicken, savory sauce, and crunchy cashews—perfect for a healthier take on a classic favorite!
You’ll love this air fryer cashew chicken recipe if you love Chinese food.
Tender chicken pieces are coated in a delicious sauce and then roasted to perfection in the air fryer. This dish is so easy to make, and it’s perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. You’ll love the delicious, slightly crunchy cashews on top!
Serve over a bed of rice, or serve alongside your favorite air fryer Chinese recipes, such as Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower, Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Fingers, or Air Fryer Chinese Buffet Crab Casserole Recipe.
Why You Will Love Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
- Flavorful and Balanced: The combination of savory chicken, crunchy cashews, and a rich sauce offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Easy and Quick to Make: This dish is ideal for busy weeknights as it comes together quickly, often in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to suit your preferences.
- Healthier Alternative: When made at home, it can be a healthier option than takeout, as you can control the ingredients and use less oil.
- Family-Friendly: Its appealing flavors and non-spicy nature make it a hit for adults and children.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
- Chicken Breast: Provides a lean, high-protein base that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce and complements the crunchy cashews.
- Olive Oil: Or sesame oil in the sauce adds a subtle, nutty aroma, enhancing the dish’s depth.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce.
- Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, crisp texture.
- Green Onions: Brings a mild, oniony flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Provides the savory, umami-rich foundation to the sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: Great for adding some crunch and are great for presentation
- Cashews: These nuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty taste, elevating the texture and flavor profile of the dish.
How To Make Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
Step One: Use a paper towel to dry your chicken breast. Cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces. Add the chicken to a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and cornstarch, and mix well to coat the chicken.
Step Two: Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, and then add your chicken; set cook time for 5-8 minutes at 360 degrees F or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Step Three: While the chicken is cooking in a small skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and the sliced bell peppers, and saute until tender, about 2 to 4 minutes. Pour in the soy sauce and cornstarch when your vegetables are tender, and mix well.
Step Four: Add the chicken and cashews to coat.
Air Fryer Cashew Chicken Recipe Tips
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform-sized pieces.
- Toast the Cashews: For extra flavor, lightly toast the cashews in a dry pan before adding them to the dish.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger significantly differ in flavor compared to their powdered counterparts.
- Balance the Sauce: Taste your sauce before adding it to the chicken and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Cornstarch for Crispiness: Lightly coating the chicken in cornstarch before air-frying can help achieve a crisper texture, similar to what you would get in a traditional stir-fry.
- Rest the Chicken: After cooking, the chicken rests for a few minutes.
- Fresh Garnish: Add a fresh touch by garnishing with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
- Adjust Thickness of Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little water or chicken broth.
Air Fryer Cashew Chicken Recipe Faqs
Can I use a different type of nut instead of cashews? Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds, peanuts, or walnuts.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. To make Cashew Chicken gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Definitely! Vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas can be great additions.
How can I make this dish spicier? To add heat, include ingredients like red pepper flakes, diced chili peppers, or hot sauce in the sauce mixture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Chicken thighs can be used as they are juicier and more flavorful.
What can I serve with Cashew Chicken? Cashew Chicken goes well with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa. It can also be paired with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
Storing
Storing: Store leftover Air Fryer Cashew Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken crisp, separate the sauce and cashews before storing.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the Air Fryer Cashew Chicken by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to freeze the chicken and sauce separately to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating: Reheat Air Fryer Cashew Chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, until crispy and heated through. Alternatively, you can re
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Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, or sesame oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large green bell pepper, Sliced Into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cashews, roasted
- 2 tablespoons green onions
- 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch, For vegetables
Instructions
- Use a paper towel to dry your chicken breast. Cut your chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- Add the chicken to a small bowl, add 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and cornstarch, and mix well, to coat the chicken.
- Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, and then add your chicken, cook for 5 to 8 minutes at 360 degrees F, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- While the chicken is cooking in a small skillet, add 1 tablespoon of oil and the sliced bell peppers, and saute until tender, about 2 to 4 minutes.
- When your vegetables are tender, pour in the soy sauce, and cornstarch, and mix well.
- Add the chicken, and cashew, to coat.
- Plate with rice, green onions, and sesame seeds
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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