Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe

 Air fryer orange chicken is a healthier and equally delicious version of the classic Chinese takeout dish. It's crispy, tangy, and full of flavor. Here's a simple recipe for making air fryer orange chicken:



Ingredients:


For the chicken:

  • > 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • > 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • > 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • > 1 teaspoon salt
  • > 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • > 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • > 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
  • > 1 large egg
  • > 2 tablespoons water
  • > Cooking spray

For the orange sauce:

  • > 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
  • > 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • > 1/4 cup honey
  • > 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • > 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • > 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)
  • > 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For garnish (optional):

  • > Sesame seeds
  • > Sliced green onions

Instructions:

  1. 1. In a bowl, prepare the batter by combining the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and ginger powder.


  2. 2. In another bowl, whisk the egg and water together to create an egg wash.


  3. 3. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg wash, then coat them with the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. This will create a crispy coating for the chicken.


  4. 4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.


  5. 5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other.


  6. 6. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.


  7. 7. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, orange zest (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.


  8. 8. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove the sauce from heat.


  9. 9. Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and gently toss until the chicken is well coated with the flavorful sauce.


  10. 10. If desired, garnish the air fryer orange chicken with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.


Serve the air fryer orange chicken with steamed rice or noodles and your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete and delicious meal. Enjoy the homemade takeout-style dish with a burst of tangy and sweet orange flavor!

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