Craving that restaurant-quality orange chicken but don't want the grease or the hassle? This air fryer orange chicken recipe delivers crispy, succulent chicken with a vibrant, tangy sauce—all without deep frying! Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this easy and delicious recipe.
What Makes Air Fryer Orange Chicken Better?
Air frying offers several advantages over traditional deep frying. Firstly, it requires significantly less oil, making it a healthier option. Secondly, cleanup is a breeze; you won't have a vat of hot oil to deal with. Thirdly, the air fryer's circulating hot air ensures even cooking, resulting in crispy chicken every time. Finally, it's incredibly convenient and faster than deep frying.
How to Make the Best Air Fryer Orange Chicken
This recipe breaks down into three simple steps: prepping the chicken, air frying to perfection, and creating the irresistible orange sauce.
1. Preparing the Chicken:
- Cut the Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (approximately 1-inch cubes). This ensures even cooking in the air fryer.
- Marinate (Optional but Recommended): Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken moist. A simple marinade of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of ginger and garlic works wonders.
- Coat in Cornstarch: Once marinated, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch. This creates a crispy exterior when air fried.
2. Air Frying the Chicken:
- Air Fryer Settings: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the Chicken: Arrange the cornstarch-coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Cooking Time: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
3. Making the Orange Sauce:
- Sauce Ingredients: Combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
- Simmering the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
- Glazing the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately over rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken for air fryer orange chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. Add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What if my chicken isn't crispy enough?
If your chicken isn't crispy enough, try increasing the air frying temperature slightly (to 425°F/220°C) or extending the cooking time by a few minutes. Ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it's best to air fry the chicken and toss it with the sauce just before serving to maintain optimal crispiness.
What kind of orange juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed orange juice provides the best flavor, but you can also use good quality bottled orange juice.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you prefer a sugar-free option, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey.
This air fryer orange chicken recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Enjoy!
