Can I make Kung Pao Chicken Gluten Free?

Absolutely! You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce with low-sodium Tamari or Coconut Aminos. Just reduce Tamari's quantity if it has more sodium than low-sodium soy sauce.

What makes this Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken healthier?

It’s air-fried with minimal oil and sweetened naturally, making it lighter and lower in fat while still full of bold, satisfying flavor. Unlike traditional Kung Pao Chicken, which is quickly deep-fried, this version keeps the same crave-worthy taste with a fresher, feel-good twist.

Is this recipe really better than takeout?

Absolutely! You get all the bold, spicy-sweet flavors of classic Kung Pao Chicken, but made fresher and with less oil. The best part? You can make it exactly how you like — mild or extra spicy, sweeter with a touch of honey, sugar-free with BE Sweet, or more savory by skipping the sweetener. You can even swap cashews for traditional peanuts. It’s your takeout favorite, made healthier and totally customizable!

Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken {Ninja Crispi Recipe}

Name: Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken {Ninja Crispi Recipe}
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-494159H57M3S
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs; 1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (use Tamari Lite for a gluten free option); 1 Tablespoon sesame oil; 2 Tablespoons filtered water; 2 teaspoons corn starch; 3 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey or (BE Sweet for sugar free version); 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1'' ginger root, finely grated; 3-4 dried chili de arbol for mild heat (you can use 6 Sichuan Peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, adjust to your heat level preference); 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt; 1 zucchini cut into 1/2'' triangles; 1 red bell pepper cut into 1'' thick cubes; 1/3 cup raw cashews or peanuts; 1 spring onion, chopped

Description

This easy Ninja Crispi Kung Pao Chicken is spicy, savory, and perfectly saucy! Learn the secret to juicy, tender chicken every time with my tested air fryer method. Packed with colorful veggies, crunchy cashews, and a bold garlic-ginger sauce, it’s better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
1 Tablespoon low sodium soy sauce (use Tamari Lite for a gluten free option)
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
2 Tablespoons filtered water
2 teaspoons corn starch

Base Marinade & Ingredients

3 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or (BE Sweet for sugar free version)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
1'' ginger root, finely grated
3-4 dried chili de arbol for mild heat (you can use 6 Sichuan Peppers or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, adjust to your heat level preference)
1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 zucchini cut into 1/2'' triangles
1 red bell pepper cut into 1'' thick cubes
1/3 cup raw cashews or peanuts
1 spring onion, chopped

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a glass container, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth. Dice chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes and add them to the marinade. Stir well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Pro tip: The longer you marinate, the juicier and more tender your chicken will be — this process is called velveting, and it’s the secret to perfect Ninja Crispi Kung Pao Chicken!
Make the Sauce:
In the Ninja Crispi glass base, add soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or sweetener, grated ginger, minced garlic, chilis, and salt.
Add Vegetables:
Cut zucchini lengthwise into quarters, then into ½-inch triangles. Deseed the bell pepper and cut into 1-inch pieces. Toss vegetables into the sauce and air fry on the Air Fry setting for 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. (See note below for converting to other air fryers 👉 temperature is 400°-425°F / 204°-218°C)
Cook the Chicken:
Once the veggies are tender, add the marinated chicken and toss in the sauce. Air fry for another 15 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes for even cooking.
Finish and Serve:
Check a few large chicken pieces with a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add cashews and chopped green onions, then toss to coat. Serve warm with steamed white rice.

Notes

Nutritional data is shown using BE Sweet zero glycemic sweetener
The Ninja Crispi “Air Fry" temperature is 400°-425°F / 204°-218°C
Time may need to be adjusted for different types of air fryers.

Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Chinese