Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic Chinese takeout favorite, combining crispy, tender chicken pieces with a zesty orange sauce that is both sweet and tangy. This dish captures the essence of comfort food while also being healthier, thanks to the air fryer method, which reduces the amount of oil needed for frying. Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also bursts with flavor, making it a sure hit at your dinner table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this air fryer orange chicken for its incredible flavor profile and the ease of preparation. The air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection, giving it a crispy texture without the excess oil of traditional frying. The vibrant orange sauce, made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger, brings a deliciously refreshing twist that elevates the dish. It’s an excellent fit for those looking for a healthier alternative to takeout, as it’s lower in calories and fat yet still satisfies those cravings for something crispy and savory.
Tips and Tricks
- Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate your chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure even cooking, arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches if you’re making a large amount.
- Adjust the Sauce to Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess of the orange sauce by adding more honey or vinegar according to your preference.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest will provide a brighter flavor compared to bottled juice.
Make Ahead Tips
To save time, you can prepare the chicken and marinade a day in advance. Simply store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. You can also prepare the orange sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before using, as it may thicken when chilled.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower. Prepare them in the same way you would the chicken.
- Different Sauces: Try using a sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce instead of the orange sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
How to Serve
Serve your air fryer orange chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. You can also add a wedge of fresh orange on the side for a pop of color and extra zest.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair your air fryer orange chicken with a refreshing drink like iced green tea or a light Chardonnay. For side dishes, consider serving stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors. For dessert, a light fruit sorbet or green tea ice cream would make a perfect finish.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply throw it back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through, ensuring it retains its crispy texture.
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer: This is the essential piece of equipment for this recipe.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating the chicken and mixing the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
- Whisk: To combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Dietary Adaptations
- Vegan: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based honey substitute or agave syrup in the sauce.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free. Just ensure that any optional sides or garnishes are also dairy-free.
- Nut-Free: Check your soy sauce for any nut traces and ensure no nuts are included in side dishes.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a burst of flavor. In the winter, you can incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or carrots into the dish for added nutrition and texture.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breast can be used but may result in a drier texture. Thighs are recommended for juiciness.
- How long do I cook the chicken? The chicken typically takes about 12-15 minutes in the air fryer at 375°F, but this can vary based on the size of the pieces.
- Can I use bottled orange juice? While fresh is best, bottled orange juice can be used in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% juice without added sugars.
How To Make air fryer orange chicken
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a delightful twist on the classic Chinese takeout favorite, combining crispy, tender chicken pieces with a zesty orange sauce that is both sweet and tangy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, orange juice, orange zest, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and sprinkle with cornstarch, tossing to ensure an even coating. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with vegetable oil. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the leftover marinade with a splash of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in the saucepan with the sauce until evenly coated. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 397Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 145mgSodium 1951mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 2gSugar 13gProtein 31g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer orange chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the delightful taste of takeout home with a healthier twist. With its vibrant flavors and crispy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it to guests, it’s a recipe that is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking!