Air Fryer Cashew Chicken – The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Guide
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
If you’re craving your favorite takeout but want something faster, healthier, and made with everyday pantry staples—Air Fryer Cashew Chicken is about to become your go-to recipe. This quick and flavorful dish features tender chunks of chicken, crisp-tender bell peppers, and crunchy roasted cashews, all tossed in a rich, savory sauce. And best of all? It’s made in the air fryer with minimal oil, less mess, and ready in just 20 minutes.
This recipe captures the bold, umami-packed flavor of traditional cashew chicken with a lighter twist. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests without the stress.
What is Cashew Chicken?
Cashew chicken is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its savory garlic-soy sauce, roasted cashews, and sautéed chicken, often served over rice. Traditionally stir-fried, this air fryer version gives you that same balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors—without needing a wok or stovetop.
Using the air fryer brings out an extra depth of flavor by slightly crisping the chicken and veggies while locking in moisture and richness.
Why the Air Fryer Works So Well
- Quick & Even Cooking: Hot air circulation crisps the chicken and vegetables in under 15 minutes.
- Less Oil: Air frying uses minimal oil for a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
- One-Basket Meal: Chicken, veggies, and cashews all cook together, reducing cleanup.
- Caramelized Flavor: Slightly charred edges mimic stir-fry textures without a hot pan.
It’s the ideal shortcut for anyone wanting a homemade takeout-style meal without standing over a skillet.
Ingredients That Make It Shine
The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs – bite-sized and air-fried to juicy perfection.
- Bell peppers – add color, crunch, and sweetness.
- Cashews – roasted and tossed in at the end for a perfect nutty bite.
- Soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey – the base of a glossy, addictive sauce.
- Cornstarch – gives the chicken a light coating and helps thicken the sauce.
This recipe keeps the ingredients wholesome and pantry-friendly, making it easy to whip up anytime.
Tips for Best Results
- Cut chicken into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- Toss chicken in cornstarch before air frying—it gives a slight crisp and helps sauce stick.
- Add cashews at the end so they stay crunchy and don’t burn.
- Make extra sauce if you like it saucier—it’s great over rice or noodles.
- Preheat your air fryer for even cooking and better texture.
Sauce Variations
The classic garlic-soy-honey sauce is flavorful on its own, but here are some easy twists:
- Spicy Cashew Chicken: Add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Thai-Style: Mix in a little fish sauce and lime juice.
- Peanut Twist: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a creamy variation.
- Hoisin Boost: Add hoisin sauce for deeper umami and sweetness.
This recipe is flexible—feel free to adjust to your taste preferences!
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Cashew Chicken is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white or jasmine rice
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Rice noodles or soba noodles
- Lettuce cups for a fun, crunchy presentation
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra greens
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a lime wedge for a fresh finish.
Meal Prep & Storage
This dish is perfect for making ahead:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or microwave until hot.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—store chicken and sauce separately for best texture.
Tips & Tricks
- Use parchment liners to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Toast the cashews first if you’re using raw ones—5 minutes in the air fryer at 300°F works well.
- Double the sauce if serving over rice—it soaks in and enhances the dish.
- Try different veggies like zucchini, snow peas, or mushrooms for variety.
- Marinate the chicken for 15–30 minutes ahead for extra flavor depth.
Quick Recipe Summary
Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
Description:
A quick, healthy, and delicious spin on classic cashew chicken—tender chicken bites, vibrant bell peppers, and crunchy cashews tossed in a savory-sweet garlic soy sauce, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
Duration
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
Sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss chicken with cornstarch and oil.
- Add chicken and bell peppers to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until chicken is cooked through.
- While cooking, whisk sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
- In a skillet or saucepan, heat sauce until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Once chicken is done, toss with sauce and cashews. Garnish with green onions if desired.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.