Get ready to satisfy your cravings with the ultimate air fryer orange chicken recipe. This dish perfectly combines crispy, crunchy goodness and tangy sweetness that will leave you wanting more. Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to healthier homemade meals that are just as delicious. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready for a flavour explosion in every bite.
If you love Chinese food, then you’ll love this air fryer orange chicken recipe. This dish is full of flavour and has a crispy, crunchy texture that is simply irresistible. Also, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to make it again and again.
To start, simply combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Then, add the chicken and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours if you have the time).
When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat your air fryer and cook the chicken according to the instructions below. You’ll end up with delicious, crunchy chicken coated in a sweet, sticky glaze. Serve it over rice or noodles and enjoy.
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Orange Chicken
This dish is super simple to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Preparing the Sauce
Assuming you have all the ingredients for the sauce prepared, begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant; about 30 seconds.
Next, add the chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, orange juice concentrate, and honey to the pan. Stir until combined then bring to a simmer.
Let cook for 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and whisk until no clumps remain. Cook for 1 minute or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Serve cooked air-fried chicken breasts and enjoy.
Air Frying the Chicken
Air frying the chicken is simple and quick, and it yields perfectly crispy chicken that’s coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. To air fry the chicken, simply add the chicken pieces to the basket of your air fryer and cook at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Be sure to keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of cooking, as it can go from perfectly cooked to overcooked quickly. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer and toss in the sauce. Serve immediately with rice and steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to orange chicken, there are endless possibilities for serving it up. Whether you’re looking for something simple or something a little more creative, we’ve got you covered.
One of the simplest ways to enjoy this dish is to serve it over a bed of rice. This is a classic pairing that never gets old. Try serving the chicken over quinoa or couscous for something a little different.
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, pair the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes all go great with orange chicken.
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken inside of a wrap or burrito. The sweetness of the sauce pairs perfectly with the savoury flavours of the wrap itself.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using orange chicken as a topping on your favourite pizza. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours is truly irresistible.
Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Orange Chicken Every Time
1. Make sure your chicken is cut into even pieces so that it cooks evenly.
2. Coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and flour before air frying to get a crispy exterior.
3. Add the sauce ingredients to a ziplock bag and shake well before adding it to the air fryer so that it coats the chicken evenly.
4. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary so that it doesn’t overcrowd the air fryer and cook evenly.
Variations of the Recipe
There are endless possibilities when it comes to modifying this recipe to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand. If you’re not a fan of orange chicken, try substituting another type of protein, such as shrimp, beef, or pork.
You can also change up the vegetables used in the recipe. Swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or add in some bell peppers for a little extra crunch. The sky’s the limit.
Conclusion
Air fryer orange chicken is a delicious and easy dish to make for any occasion. With its sweet, tangy flavour and perfectly crunchy texture, this recipe will have your family begging for more. Not only does it require minimal preparation time, but the result is oh-so-tasty that you will be sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Give this air fryer orange chicken recipe a try today you won’t regret it.
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