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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup cornstarch - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - Zest of 1 orange - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish) - Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish) Gather these ingredients to make tasty air fryer orange chicken. This dish is quick and easy. You can find most of these items at your local store. Fresh orange juice makes a big difference in flavor. Always choose the best ingredients for the best results. Cornstarch helps give the chicken a crispy coating. The spices add great flavor and warmth. Using low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish healthy. Honey balances the tangy orange juice. Don't forget the sesame seeds and green onions for garnish! They add a nice touch to your meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mix gives the chicken its crunchy texture and flavor. - Next, coat the chicken pieces in this mixture. Make sure every piece is evenly covered. Shake off any extra cornstarch to avoid clumps. - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. - Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken. Toss the chicken again to spread the oil evenly. - Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook it for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This step helps the chicken brown on all sides. - While the chicken cooks, make the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and orange zest. - Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You want the sauce to thicken a bit. - Once the chicken is ready, move it to a mixing bowl. Drizzle the orange sauce over the chicken. Toss gently until every piece is coated well. - Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer basket. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes. This final step caramelizes the sauce for added flavor. - Remove the chicken from the air fryer, and garnish it with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get crispy chicken, start with cornstarch. Coat each piece well to form a nice crust. The oil helps the chicken brown nicely. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This step keeps the chicken from sticking and helps it cook evenly. Do you like heat? Add red pepper flakes to the cornstarch mix. Just a little will give your dish a nice kick. For the sauce, you can change its thickness too. If you want it thicker, let it simmer longer. If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the cooking time. Garnishes can elevate your dish. While sesame seeds are great, consider adding chopped peanuts or cilantro. For sides, serve the orange chicken with steamed rice or crispy vegetables. These pair well and balance the sweet sauce. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: For the juiciest results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they remain tender and flavorful during cooking. Coating Technique: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated in cornstarch for a perfectly crispy texture. Shake off any excess to avoid clumping. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using freshly squeezed orange juice and zest enhances the flavor of the sauce, giving it a vibrant and aromatic quality. Perfect Caramelization: Return the coated chicken to the air fryer for a couple of minutes after adding the sauce to achieve a delicious caramelized finish. {{image_2}} You can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs. Chicken breast is lean and cooks well. Cut it into bite-sized pieces just like the thighs. If you prefer a vegan option, try using tofu. Firm tofu works best. Press it to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes. Coat it with cornstarch just like the chicken. This way, you still get a crispy texture. Adding different citrus flavors can really boost the taste. Try adding lemon or lime juice to the sauce. You can also mix in some zest from these fruits. They add a fresh kick! Experimenting with spices can change the dish, too. Consider adding ginger or a bit of cayenne pepper for extra warmth. These flavors create a new twist on classic orange chicken. Think beyond plain rice or noodles. You could serve it with fried rice for a fun mix. You can also add steamed broccoli or snap peas to the plate. They add color and nutrition. For a crunchy side, try a simple cucumber salad. It’s refreshing and complements the dish nicely. Enjoy your meal in a bowl for a cozy experience! To store cooked orange chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. Use glass or plastic containers that seal well. Glass is great for reheating too. To reheat orange chicken in the air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep it crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Yes, you can freeze cooked orange chicken. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the air fryer or oven as mentioned. Cooking orange chicken in an air fryer takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) first. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. When done, the chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts are leaner and will still taste great. Just remember, they may cook a bit faster. Check for doneness around the 10-minute mark. Adjust your cooking time as needed to keep them juicy. Air fryer orange chicken pairs well with several side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Fried rice - Stir-fried veggies - Noodles - Salad Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it longer. Cook it on medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can also mix a bit of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce while it simmers. This will help it thicken nicely. This orange chicken recipe comes together using simple steps and fresh ingredients. You coat chicken pieces, fry them until crispy, and toss them in a sweet and tangy sauce. Remember to shake the basket to keep everything even. Feel free to swap ingredients or add more spices to fit your taste. Whether as a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is both fun to make and delicious. Enjoy your delicious orange chicken any way you like!

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

A delicious and easy recipe for orange chicken made in the air fryer, featuring crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 unit Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 unit Thinly sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
  • Toss the chicken pieces in the cornstarch mixture until they are evenly coated. Shake off excess cornstarch.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken and toss to ensure an even coating.
  • Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  • While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a mixing bowl and drizzle the orange sauce over it. Toss gently until the chicken is well coated.
  • Return the sauced chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the sauce slightly.
  • Remove from the air fryer, and garnish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
Keyword air fryer, chicken recipe, easy dinner, orange chicken