Air Fryer Cashew Chicken

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🍗 Air Fryer Cashew Chicken

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 4

🔥 Method: Air fryer + stovetop (or just air fryer!)

🧺 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch (for crispiness)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado or canola)

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)

  • ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)

Veggies & Add-ins:

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • 1 cup broccoli florets (lightly steamed or microwaved)

  • ½ cup unsalted roasted cashews

  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

  • Sesame seeds (optional)

🔪 Instructions

✅ Step 1: Marinate & Coat the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, oil, cornstarch, salt & pepper.

  2. Toss until chicken is evenly coated. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

🌀 Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

  1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.

  2. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the basket (use parchment or lightly spray for easy cleanup).

  3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

    Optional: Air fry for an extra 2 minutes for crispier edges.

🍲 Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In a small pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, hoisin, vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.

  2. Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

  3. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).

    Want to skip the pan? Heat the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and stir every 30 seconds.

🍛 Step 4: Combine Everything

  1. In a large bowl or skillet, toss together:

    • Air-fried chicken

    • Cooked sauce

    • Steamed veggies

    • Cashews

  2. Stir to coat everything evenly.

  3. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

🍚 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles

  • Add a side of stir-fried green beans or dumplings

  • For extra spice, drizzle with chili crisp or sriracha

🧊 Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

  • Reheat in microwave or air fryer (350°F for 3–4 minutes)

❓ Q&A – Substitutions, Variations, and Fixes

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Yes — just thaw fully first, then pat dry before coating. Extra moisture prevents crispiness.

Q2: What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

A: You can substitute with:

  • 1 tbsp BBQ sauce + ½ tsp soy sauce

  • Or just use extra soy sauce and a bit of honey

Q3: Can I make it spicier?

A: Absolutely! Add:

  • 1 tsp sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce

  • A few dashes of red pepper flakes

  • A spoonful of chili crisp when serving

Q4: Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?

A: Yes! Replace chicken with:

  • Extra-firm tofu (pressed, cubed, and air-fried)

  • Soy curls or plant-based chicken strips

  • Use maple syrup instead of honey

Q5: How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

A: Try these tips:

  • Use thighs (juicier and crisper in air fryer)

  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket

  • Toss chicken in a bit of oil spray before cooking

  • Cook for an extra 2–3 minutes

Q6: Can I use different vegetables?

A: Definitely! Try:

  • Snow peas

  • Carrots (thinly sliced)

  • Zucchini

  • Mushrooms
    Just keep veggie cook times in mind — sauté or steam tougher ones first.

Q7: Can I meal prep this?

A: Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep:

  • Store sauce separately for best texture, or mix it all together for convenience.

  • Portion into containers with rice and reheat as needed.

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