In a fast-paced world, preparing a healthy, tasty dinner for the family can feel overwhelming—especially when time is tight, and takeout seems like the easiest option.
But imagine a quick recipe that delivers all the flavor of your favorite cashew chicken, without the extra oil or calories, right in the comfort of your kitchen.
This Air Fryer Cashew Chicken recipe combines crispy, tender chicken with fresh veggies and a savory homemade sauce—all ready in 20 minutes thanks to the magic of air frying.
With this recipe, you can skip the takeout and enjoy a satisfying, healthier meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, giving you more time to relax and enjoy dinner with your family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Using an air fryer for cashew chicken is a fantastic way to get the crispy texture without all the extra oil.
Not only is this dish better for you, but it’s also ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Plus, this recipe uses fresh ingredients, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Cooking raw chicken in an air fryer is both safe and effective, thanks to the air fryer’s rapid cooking process and ability to produce a juicy, well-cooked dish.
With smaller cuts like chicken thighs or breast pieces, the air fryer quickly cooks the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), making it safe to eat while also giving it a golden, crispy exterior.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 2 people, so feel free to double it for a larger crowd. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 egg, scrambled
- 1/4 cup corn starch
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/3 cup hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
For the Vegetables
- 1/4 cup broccoli, cut into small crowns
- 1/2 bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 green onions, diced
- Sesame seeds (optional), for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat them in scrambled egg followed by corn starch. This helps give the chicken a crispy coating in the air fryer.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cooking raw chicken in an air fryer is perfectly safe, as long as the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It’s also best to flip the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it crisps up evenly on all sides.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to get a consistent, golden-brown coating. This simple flip technique helps achieve that ideal crispy texture while maintaining a tender, juicy interior.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce and Vegetables
- While the chicken is cooking, prep your veggies: cut the broccoli into small crowns and the red bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine broccoli, bell pepper, water, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cashews, and brown sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the veggies start to soften.
- Add in garlic and corn starch mixed with water, stirring until the sauce thickens, around 5 more minutes.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Once the chicken is done, toss it into the saucepan with the sauce and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Serve over white rice or noodles and garnish with diced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Tips for the Best Cashew Chicken
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a lighter option; both work well in the air fryer.
- For an extra-crispy coating, try potato starch instead of corn starch.
- Customize the veggies to your family’s taste; zucchini, snap peas, or carrots are great additions.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Family Dinners
This air fryer cashew chicken is perfect for families because it’s a balanced, filling meal that delivers all the flavors of a classic takeout dish with healthier ingredients.
Plus, the quick cooking time means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal together!
With this Air Fryer Cashew Chicken recipe, you can see just how versatile and convenient an air fryer can be!
Not only does it make cooking healthier by reducing oil, but it also helps you whip up meals in half the time—perfect for busy days and family dinners alike.
Right now, Amazon is offering a limited-time discount on some of the best air fryer models, so you can get one without breaking the bank.
Don’t miss out—click to check out this deal before the prices go back up! Get your air fryer now and enjoy delicious, quick, and healthy meals every night.