Air Fryer Orange Chicken
If you’ve ever craved the crispy, tangy goodness of orange chicken but wanted to skip the greasy takeout, you’re in for a treat! This Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe brings the vibrant flavors of your favorite dish right into your kitchen, with a healthier twist that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s simple to prepare, quick to cook, and will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, the air fryer gives it a delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets this Air Fryer Orange Chicken apart from others is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated in a savory-sweet sauce that infuses every bite with a pop of citrus. Using the air fryer not only reduces the oil needed for frying but also creates a crispy coating that rivals traditional methods. The combination of orange juice and marmalade provides a luscious glaze, while the garlic and ginger bring warmth and depth to the dish. It’s a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress!
Ingredient Checklist
- 1 pound chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
- 1 large orange, juiced and zested
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Gear Up: What to Grab
- Air Fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy texture without deep frying.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need these for marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfecting your dish.
- Whisk: Helpful for combining the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula or Tongs: Great for tossing the chicken in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken, Made Easy
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the chopped chicken breast in a mixing bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (or panko bread crumbs) and cornstarch. This mixture will help create a crispy layer on the chicken once it’s cooked.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step will give your Air Fryer Orange Chicken that delightful crunch.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining 1/3 cup of soy sauce, orange marmalade, orange juice, orange zest, hot sauce, white vinegar, and minced garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce over medium heat and continue to simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the orange sauce until well-coated. Serve your Air Fryer Orange Chicken over steamed rice or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.
- Vegan: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based soy sauce.
- Nut Allergy: Ensure any cooking oil or additional sauces do not contain nuts.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this prevents the chicken from achieving a crispy texture.
- Avoid skipping the marination step—it’s essential for flavor.
- Don’t cook the chicken at too low a temperature; it needs to be hot to crisp up properly.
- Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
Leftover Air Fryer Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the chicken back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, until heated through and crispy again.
Quick Q&A
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add even more moisture and flavor to your Air Fryer Orange Chicken.
Can I use a different fruit for the sauce?
Yes! While orange is traditional, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a different twist.
Is this dish spicy?
The hot sauce adds a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
What do I serve with Air Fryer Orange Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fried rice, or a fresh vegetable stir-fry. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls for a complete meal.
Similar Recipes
- Air Fryer General Tso’s Chicken
- Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Teriyaki
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken
Let’s Eat
With its vibrant flavors and satisfying crunch, this Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough to serve to guests. So fire up your air fryer and enjoy a taste of your favorite takeout, right at home! Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the chopped chicken breast in a mixing bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (or panko bread crumbs) and cornstarch.
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour-cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining 1/3 cup of soy sauce, orange marmalade, orange juice, orange zest, hot sauce, white vinegar, and minced garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
- In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce over medium heat and continue to simmer until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the orange sauce until well-coated. Serve over steamed rice or with a side of vegetables.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and flour.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegan option.
