Air Fryer Orange Chicken

In the world of culinary delights, few dishes capture the hearts of food lovers quite like orange chicken. This vibrant dish, with its sweet and tangy sauce coating crispy pieces of chicken, has become a staple in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese-American restaurants. As more people seek healthier cooking methods that do not compromise on flavor, the air fryer has emerged as a game-changer in home kitchens. This innovative appliance uses hot air circulation to cook food, achieving a delightful crispness that rivals traditional deep frying but with significantly less oil.

Discover the joy of home cooking with this Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe, a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that brings a healthier twist to a beloved classic. Using less oil than traditional frying, this air-fried version delivers the same satisfying crispiness while retaining moisture. Perfect for busy weeknights, it pairs beautifully with rice or stir-fried vegetables, making dinner both delicious and nutritious. Try this easy recipe for a guilt-free indulgence your family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

1 cup cornstarch

2 large eggs (beaten)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup honey

1 tsp grated ginger

Zest of 1 orange

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.

Coat Chicken: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with cornstarch, one with beaten eggs, and one with flour. First, coat each chicken piece in cornstarch, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat in flour. Set aside on a plate.

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Air Fry Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops lightly with oil. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Prepare Orange Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, in a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, orange zest, and rice vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is done, carefully transfer it into a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the crispy chicken and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly.

Serve: Serve the air fryer orange chicken hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Pair it with steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings