Air Fryer Orange Chicken
The Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a dish that transports me back to my childhood, where the warm aroma of citrus and savory spices would fill the kitchen on any given weeknight. I remember my mom whipping up this dish with a smile, and I couldn’t wait to sit down and dig in. This crispy and tender chicken, coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, has become a family favorite that’s not only delicious but also healthy thanks to the air fryer! The best part is that you can enjoy this dish any time of the year, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. With its vibrant color and incredible flavor, the Air Fryer Orange Chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table while keeping the cooking process simple and fun.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
10 mins
15 mins
Medium
410 kcal
36 g
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan
15 g
Air Fryer, Saucepan, Frying Pan, Skillet, Mixing Bowl
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Orange Chicken
It’s Quick and Easy
The beauty of the Air Fryer Orange Chicken lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time. The air fryer ensures the chicken cooks quickly while achieving that perfect crispy texture, which is often hard to replicate in a traditional oven. This means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family.
Healthier Alternative
By using an air fryer, you can reduce the amount of oil needed to achieve that crispy exterior, making this dish a healthier choice compared to traditional fried chicken. You still get all the flavor but with fewer calories and less fat. It’s a win-win for those who want to indulge without the guilt!
Vibrant and Flavorful
The combination of sweet orange juice, soy sauce, and a hint of garlic elevates the flavor profile of the Air Fryer Orange Chicken. Every bite bursts with a balance of sweetness and savory notes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The sauce clings perfectly to the chicken, ensuring that every piece is just as flavorful as the last.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who likes to meal prep, this recipe is ideal. The Air Fryer Orange Chicken can be made in bulk and stored for later. Just reheat it when you’re ready to eat, and it’ll taste just as delicious as when it was first cooked. Pair it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal ready to go!
Kid-Friendly
This dish is a hit with kids, who love the sweet and tangy flavors of the orange sauce. It’s a great way to introduce them to new flavors while still keeping it familiar. I often serve it with a side of fresh vegetables to round out the meal, making it a balanced option for my little ones.
Great for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, the Air Fryer Orange Chicken is versatile enough to fit any occasion. It’s easy to double the recipe for larger groups, and its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Air Fryer Orange Chicken Shopping List
When preparing the Air Fryer Orange Chicken, it’s important to gather the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that delicious flavor and crispy texture. The key players include chicken, which is the star of the dish, and orange juice, which brings in the sweet and tangy notes. Other ingredients like cornstarch and flour help create a crispy coating, while soy sauce, honey, and ginger enhance the overall taste. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Cooking spray
Recipe Steps for Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Get ready to enjoy a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish! The steps to make Air Fryer Orange Chicken are straightforward and fun. Let’s dive into the preparation and cooking process to bring this dish to life.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the beaten egg. Make sure every piece is coated well, as this helps the flour mixture stick later on.
- In another bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. This combination creates a crispy coating that will add texture to the chicken.
- Dip the egg-coated chicken pieces into the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step is crucial for that delightful crunch!
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). It’s important to have it ready to go for even cooking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray to promote browning during cooking.
- Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden-brown color to indicate it’s perfectly cooked.
- While the chicken cooks, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want a nice, rich texture.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the orange sauce until well coated. Make sure every piece is enveloped in that delicious sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your home-cooked Air Fryer Orange Chicken!
Things Worth Knowing
- Ensure even cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the chicken enough space for hot air to circulate, which promotes even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. It makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to add more spices or citrus zest to the sauce for a unique twist. It’s a great way to customize the flavor profile.
- Let it rest: After tossing the chicken in the sauce, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for Success
Making the Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a breeze, but here are some additional tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
- Storage: Leftover Air Fryer Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Pairing: Serve your Air Fryer Orange Chicken with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also great in wraps or salads!
- Ingredient variations: Feel free to add more vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to enhance the dish even further.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Steamed rice: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious orange sauce, making for a comforting meal.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Bright, colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots complement the dish beautifully.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the sweetness of the Air Fryer Orange Chicken.
- Wraps: Use the Air Fryer Orange Chicken in a wrap with lettuce and vegetables for a tasty lunch option.
- Occasions: This dish is perfect for casual family dinners or even as a special treat during holidays or gatherings.
- Leftover tips: To keep leftovers fresh, store them in airtight containers and consume within a few days for the best quality.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce, making it a favorite in many households. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting friends and family. I encourage you to try making this recipe and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures it brings to your table. Once you do, I’m sure it will become a go-to meal in your kitchen!
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the beaten egg. Make sure every piece is coated well, as this helps the flour mixture stick later on.
- In another bowl, mix together the cornstarch and flour. This combination creates a crispy coating that will add texture to the chicken.
- Dip the egg-coated chicken pieces into the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step is crucial for that delightful crunch!
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). It’s important to have it ready to go for even cooking.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation.
- Spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray to promote browning during cooking.
- Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden-brown color to indicate it's perfectly cooked.
- While the chicken cooks, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want a nice, rich texture.
- Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the orange sauce until well coated. Make sure every piece is enveloped in that delicious sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your home-cooked Air Fryer Orange Chicken!
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover Air Fryer Orange Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Tip 3: Serve your Air Fryer Orange Chicken with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal. It's also great in wraps or salads!
- Tip 4: Feel free to add more vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers or broccoli, to enhance the dish even further.
- Tip 5: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
