Sure, here’s a step-by-step recipe for making Air Fryer Cashew Chicken:
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
– 1 cup unsalted cashews
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked rice, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the marinade:** In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. **Marinate the chicken:** Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. **Preheat the air fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. **Prepare the cashews:** While the air fryer is preheating, spread the cashews evenly on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Toast them in the air fryer at 380°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove the cashews from the air fryer and set aside.
5. **Cook the chicken:** Once the air fryer is preheated, remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
6. **Combine chicken and cashews:** Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish. Add the toasted cashews to the dish and toss them together with the chicken until well combined.
7. **Garnish and serve:** Garnish the dish with chopped green onions for added flavor and freshness. Serve the Air Fryer Cashew Chicken hot over cooked rice or your favorite grain. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and you can also add some vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Here are a few additional tips and variations you might find helpful:
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add in some vegetables to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms work well in this recipe. Simply toss them in with the chicken before cooking or cook them separately in the air fryer and combine them with the chicken and cashews afterward.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the marinade before cooking. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks and cling better to the chicken and cashews.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether depending on your spice preference. You can also add a drizzle of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
- Garnish Options: Besides green onions, you can also garnish the dish with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, or sliced red chili for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve with Noodles: Instead of rice, you can serve the Air Fryer Cashew Chicken with cooked noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Double Batch: If you have a larger air fryer or need to feed a crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until heated through before serving.
Feel free to experiment with the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Cooking with an air fryer offers versatility and convenience, so don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and flavors!