Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken is one of those freezer gems I can’t resist tossing into my cart whenever I’m near a store. Sweet, tangy, and just a little savory, it’s already good baked in the oven — but when you make it in the air fryer, it tastes like it just came out of a restaurant wok, only crisper and fresher.
It’s the perfect “I’m too tired to cook but still want something good” dinner. The air fryer makes the chicken golden and crunchy, and the sauce clings perfectly to every piece. Add some fluffy rice and a sprinkle of scallions, and you’ve got yourself a plate that feels like takeout — without the delivery fee.
Why This Version Works So Well
- Budget-friendly – A $4.99 bag, some rice, and you’ve got dinner for less than takeout.
- Great texture – The air fryer keeps the coating crisp instead of soggy.
- Fast – Dinner is on the table in about 25 minutes.
- Crowd-pleasing – Sweet and savory flavors that both kids and adults love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken – Found in the frozen section.
- Optional toppings – Sesame seeds, sliced scallions, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cooked rice – White rice, fried rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter side.
Step-by-Step – Air Fryer Method
- Separate the sauce – Take the sauce packets out of the bag and set aside.
- Arrange the chicken – Place frozen chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook – Air fry at 390°F for about 24 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Warm the sauce – Microwave the sauce for 30 seconds until pourable.
- Coat the chicken – Once chicken reaches 165°F inside, toss it in a large bowl with the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve – Over hot rice, topped with scallions and sesame seeds.
Oven Method
If you don’t have an air fryer:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Bake chicken on a sheet pan for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- Warm the sauce, toss with chicken, and serve.
Soumyadip’s Kitchen Tips
- For extra crunch, air fry the chicken 2–3 minutes longer before adding the sauce.
- If you like a little tang, stir in a splash of rice vinegar or soy sauce into the warmed orange sauce.
- Want a spicy-sweet kick? Mix in some chili paste or sriracha before tossing.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat – Air fry for 2–3 minutes at 400°F to bring back crispiness, or microwave for 1–1½ minutes if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs About Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
Is Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken healthy?
Not exactly — it’s battered chicken with a sweet sauce, so it’s more of a treat meal. That said, it’s higher in protein and less greasy than most takeout.
Is the chicken already cooked?
Yes, it’s precooked before freezing. You’re reheating and crisping it up.
How many servings are in one bag?
The bag says about five servings, though I find it’s perfect for two people as a main dish with rice, or three if you’re serving a couple of sides.
Can I cook it from frozen?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s meant to be cooked straight from frozen — no thawing required.
Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer
Crispy, saucy, and downright irresistible—this Air Fryer version of Trader Joe’s famous Orange Chicken tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese takeout spot.
Ingredients
- 1 package Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Open the package and set aside the sauce packet to thaw at room temperature.
- Place the frozen chicken pieces in the basket of your air fryer, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking. Air fry at 390°F for 12 minutes, then flip each piece and cook for another 12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- While the chicken finishes cooking, transfer the thawed sauce to a microwave-safe bowl and warm it for about 30 seconds.
- When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warmed sauce over the top and gently toss until each piece is coated.
- Serve hot with steamed rice for a quick, better-than-takeout dinner.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped green onions over the sauced chicken before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 92Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 16mgSodium 13mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 5g
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 Thought
Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken is my go-to for nights when I want the comfort of takeout without the wait. It’s quick, affordable, and delivers that perfect sweet-savory balance every time. Just be warned — you might start buying two bags at a time once you realize how fast it disappears.