Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
3
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Calories
248 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe
Description
This recipe begins by coating bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs evenly with cornstarch, salt, and pepper, which promotes a crispy exterior when air fried at 350°F. The chicken is air fried in two stages: an initial 5-minute cooking, then flipped for even cooking and to finish crisping the surface. Adding a little olive oil or cooking spray enhances the crisp texture.
While the chicken cooks, a bright orange sauce is prepared by simmering orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. A cornstarch slurry is added to thicken the sauce, which is then removed from heat. Once the chicken is done, it's combined with the sauce to create a tangy, slightly sweet coating that clings well to the crispy chicken pieces.
The dish is optionally garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh herbal note and mild crunch. Timing the sauce preparation with the air frying can help maintain workflow in the kitchen, though making the sauce fully beforehand is a good alternative.
Check the internal temperature of thick pieces to ensure thorough cooking and adjust air frying time if needed. Using the air fryer helps reduce oil usage while still delivering a satisfying crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces, or chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Orange Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water cold
Optional Garnish
- green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Set the air fryer to preheat at 350 °F for 5 minutes.
- Put the meat in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (do not include the cornstarch the in sauce ingredients), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the pieces thoroughly. If you want the chicken to be extra crispy, add ½ tablespoon of olive oil or spray it with cooking spray.
- Put the meat in the air fryer and cook at 350 °F for 5 minutes.
- While it cooks, make the sauce. Combine the orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper in a saucepan.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just starts to boil. Reduce the heat to low.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the remaining cornstarch with water. Add this cornstarch slurry to the saucepan. Keep stirring, so it doesn't get lumpy. Cook for about 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- After the initial 5 minutes of air frying time is done, flip the chicken pieces over and cook for another 3-5 minutes until it is cooked through and golden brown. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the meat has reached 165 °F.
- Once the chicken is done, add it to the pan with the orange sauce and stir so that the sauce evenly coats the pieces.
- Serve with rice and green onions.
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer for better crispiness of the chicken.
- If managing cooking and sauce preparation simultaneously is difficult, prepare the sauce before starting the air fryer.
- Always check the internal temperature of the largest chicken pieces to ensure they are fully cooked.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 248 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 248kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 899mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 663mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 130IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 24% |
| Calcium | 16mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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