1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Mix well to combine.
- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until dissolved to create a slurry.
- Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the chicken at 370°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Add roasted cashews to the chicken and sauce mixture. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve the air fryer cashew chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Evenness: Ensure the chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cornstarch slurry as needed.
- Variation: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
Why This Recipe is Special:
Air fryer cashew chicken offers a healthier alternative to traditional stir-frying methods while maintaining the delicious flavors and textures of this classic dish. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection with a crispy exterior, while the sauce coats each piece beautifully. Adding crunchy cashews enhances the dish with a delightful texture and nutty flavor, making it a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Enjoy this air fryer cashew chicken as a flavorful and wholesome meal for lunch or dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and delight in the deliciousness of air fryer-cooked cashew chicken!