Air Fryer Panda Express Almond Chicken (Copycat Recipe)

This Air Fryer Panda Express Almond Chicken gives you golden, almond-crusted chicken bites with a savory, glossy gravy, and dinner is on the table in about 25 minutes. The air fryer makes the coating crunchy without deep frying, and the sauce simmers on the stove while the chicken cooks.

If you love takeout-style dinners at home, this recipe fits right in with my Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat) and Panda Express Green Bean Chicken. It’s lighter than the fried version, and you have full control over the salt and oil.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Chicken

It’s easy to make gluten-free. Skip the panko and use tamari in place of the soy sauce (see the FAQ below).

A real crunch with less oil. The almond flour and panko coating crisps up in the air fryer with just a light mist of oil.

The gravy makes it taste like takeout. Soy sauce, oyster sauce and chicken broth give you the savory sauce you’d expect from a Chinese-American almond chicken.

It’s fast. The chicken cooks in 12 minutes, and the sauce is ready in about the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken:

• Chicken breast or thighs. Cut into 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly.
• Almond flour. This is the base of the nutty, crisp coating.
• Panko breadcrumbs. They add extra crunch, but they’re optional.
• Sliced almonds. Press them into the coating so they stay on while the chicken cooks.
• Eggs. These help the coating stick to the chicken.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. These season the coating itself, so the chicken tastes good even without the sauce.
• Cooking spray or an oil mister. This is what makes the coating turn golden.

For the almond chicken gravy:

• Low-sodium chicken broth. This is the base of the sauce.
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce. They give the gravy its savory, umami depth.
• Sugar. A small amount balances out the salt.
• Toasted sesame oil. A few drops add a nutty aroma.
• Cornstarch and water. This slurry thickens the sauce until it’s glossy.
• Green onions. Use them as a fresh garnish.

How to Make Air Fryer Panda Express Almond Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Make the coating. In a shallow bowl, mix the almond flour, panko (if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Put the beaten eggs in a second bowl.

Step 3: Coat the chicken. Dip each piece in the egg, then roll it in the coating mixture. Press a few sliced almonds onto each piece and press again firmly so they stick.

Step 4: Air fry. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and mist it with oil. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.

Step 5: Make the gravy while the chicken cooks. In a small saucepan, bring the broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce and sugar to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy. Take it off the heat and stir in the sesame oil.

Step 6: Serve. Spoon the gravy over the chicken right before serving, or serve it on the side so the coating stays crisp. Top with green onions and a few extra toasted almonds.

Tips for the Crispiest Almond Chicken

• Press, don’t sprinkle. Almonds sprinkled on top blow around in the air fryer, but almonds pressed into the wet coating stay put.
• Don’t crowd the basket. Hot air needs room to circulate, so cook in batches if you need to.
• Sauce at the last minute. Gravy softens the crust quickly, so serve it on the side for leftovers or picky eaters.
• Use thighs for extra juiciness. Thighs are more forgiving if you overcook them by a minute or two. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Toast your garnish almonds. Two or three minutes in the air fryer at 350°F deepens their flavor.

What to Serve with Almond Chicken

For a complete takeout-style meal, spoon the chicken and gravy over Instant Pot cilantro lime rice, or turn it into a combo plate with air fryer chicken fried rice. For a green side, air fryer tenderstem broccoli cooks quickly while the chicken rests, and air fryer roasted vegetables work well for a bigger batch.

Starting with appetizers? Air fryer Panda Express chicken egg rolls and copycat Panda Express cream cheese rangoon turn dinner into a full takeout night.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

Reheating: Air fry the chicken at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes until crisp, and warm the gravy on the stove. My guide to reheating Panda Express leftovers in the air fryer has more tips for keeping takeout-style dishes crispy.

Storing: Keep the chicken and gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze the cooled chicken in a single layer, then move it to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. The gravy freezes well too.

Almond Chicken FAQs

Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be. Leave out the panko or use a gluten-free panko, swap tamari in for the soy sauce, and use a gluten-free oyster sauce. Almond flour is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicier. They may need an extra minute or two, so check for 165°F.

Can I make the chicken without the gravy? Yes. The seasoned coating is flavorful on its own, and the chicken works well with a dipping sauce or tossed on a salad.

Why did my almonds fall off? The almonds weren’t pressed into the wet coating firmly enough. Press them in after dredging, and mist them lightly with oil before you air fry.

Can I prep this ahead of time? You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and keep it on a rack in the fridge. The gravy can be made a day ahead and reheated.

More Air Fryer Panda Express Copycat Recipes

• Air Fryer Panda Express Sweet Fire Chicken
• Air Fryer Panda Express Black Pepper Beef
• Air Fryer Beef and Broccoli
• Air Fryer Copycat Panda Express Potstickers

You can find more restaurant favorites in the copycat recipes collection, or browse all air fryer recipes.