Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
A healthier and delightful take on a classic favorite, Air Fryer Cashew Chicken features tender chicken and crunchy cashews with a flavorful marinade, all prepared in an air fryer for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb boneless and skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
For the Chicken
- 1/4 cup steamed carrots, diced
- 2 tablespoons scallions
- 1/3 cup roasted cashew halves
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Put the chicken pieces in a Ziploc bag with 2/3 of the marinade and mix well. Marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate for longer if possible.
Cooking
- Line the fryer basket with a grill mat or lightly greased aluminum foil.
- Spread the marinated chicken in the fryer basket and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked.
- Meanwhile, heat a wok or frying pan with olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the remaining 1/3 of the marinade to the wok and stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked chicken, diced carrots, and cashew halves in the wok to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle scallions on top to serve.
Notes
To serve, place the chicken mixture on a plate and garnish with extra scallions if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. To store leftovers, let them cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispy texture. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.