Are you a fan of Chinese takeout, but tired of the same old dishes? Look no further because we have the ultimate orange chicken recipe for your air fryer that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this dish is bursting with sweet and tangy flavors that will make you forget all about ordering out.
Plus, it’s healthier than traditional deep-fried orange chicken and can be made in just 30 minutes! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and easy-to-make meal.
Chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients in any kitchen, and orange chicken is a delicious way to change up your usual chicken routine. This recipe for orange chicken in your air fryer is easy to follow and packed with flavor.
The key to this dish is to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken using fresh oranges, ginger, and garlic. Once the chicken has been cooked in the air fryer, it is then tossed in a sticky orange sauce that is both sweet and savory. Serve this dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer to Cook Orange Chicken
When it comes to cooking up a delicious orange chicken dinner, there are few kitchen appliances that can do the job quite like an air fryer. Air fryers use circulated hot air to cook food, resulting in crispy, evenly cooked dishes without all the excess oil and fat of deep frying. Plus, they’re pretty darn simple to use just load up the basket with your ingredients and set the timer.
So why should you use an air fryer to make your next batch of orange chicken?
Here are a few reasons:
1. It’s healthier. We all know that fried foods aren’t exactly the healthiest option out there. But by using an air fryer, you can enjoy all the flavors of fried chicken without all the unhealthy fats and oils.
2. It’s easier. Let’s be honest – deep frying can be a bit of a pain. You have to heat up a vat of oil, keep a close eye on the temperature, and then hope that your chicken doesn’t end up overcooked or burnt. With an air fryer, there’s no need for all that hassle – just set it and forget it!
3. It’s faster. No one likes to wait around for their food to cook, and with an air fryer, you won’t have to. Air fryers cook food quickly.
What Ingredients You Need for the Recipe
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and healthy orange chicken recipe that can be made in your air fryer, look no further. This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer
1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F.
2. Cut your chicken into small pieces and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
3. In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of orange juice concentrate and 1/4 cup of cornstarch.
4. Dip the chicken pieces in the orange juice mixture until coated and then place them in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by whisking together 1/2 cup of orange juice concentrate, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and toss with the prepared sauce. Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Cooked Orange Chicken Every Time
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut your chicken into small pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and cornstarch.
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it is well coated.
5. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.
6. Cook for 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Serve immediately with rice and steamed vegetables.
Variations on this Recipe
If you’re looking for a slightly different take on this dish, try one of these variations:
- Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the marinade for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Swap out the chicken for pork or shrimp.
- Try using different citrus fruits in the marinade, such as lemon or lime.
- For a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade.
Conclusion
Orange chicken is a classic dish that can now be easily made in an air fryer thanks to this recipe. The combination of orange, garlic, and ginger makes for a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor every step of the way.
With just a few simple steps and a minimal ingredient list, you can make crispy orange chicken quickly and conveniently right at home. Give it a try today and see how easy it is to have restaurant-style orange chicken right from your own kitchen.
