Learn How To Make Restaurant-quality Orange Chicken At Home In Just 30 Minutes Using Your Air Fryer! You Won’t Believe How Easy And Delicious It Is!

Craving the tantalizing flavors of orange chicken without the greasy aftermath? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This innovative kitchen appliance allows you to indulge in your favorite Asian delicacy with a healthier twist. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the art of air fryer orange chicken, empowering you to create crispy, succulent, and lip-smacking treats right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Batter:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk

Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Orange Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.

2. Coat the Chicken

Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture. Ensure they are evenly coated.

3. Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.

4. Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, orange zest, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked chicken pieces to the saucepan. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions (optional). Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice or noodles.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Orange Chicken

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results.
• Cut the chicken into even pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking.
• Make sure the orange sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken. If it’s too thin, cook it down for a few more minutes.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Variations on Air Fryer Orange Chicken

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a fiery kick.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the orange chicken before serving for an extra nutty flavor.

Wrap-Up: The Ultimate Air Fryer Treat

With its crispy exterior, tender interior, and tangy orange flavor, air fryer orange chicken is a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will empower you to create this delectable dish with ease. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, be sure to thaw it completely before coating and air frying.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?

A: Orange chicken pairs well with rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Q: How long can I store leftover orange chicken?

A: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before adding the cooked chicken.

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?

A: You can make orange chicken in a skillet or deep fryer. However, the air fryer method is healthier and results in a crispier chicken.