Air Fryer Orange Chicken

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We all know how good it is to get a local takeout like orange chicken after a busy day. But did you know you can recreate this in your air fryer? Goodbye, grease, and hello, crispy coated juicy chicken.

Crispy Air Fried Chicken

My children seem to love anything with sauce. Gravy, salad dressing, you name it, everything needs not just sauce, but lots of it. So when I made this orange chicken, the kids were thrilled as I didn’t skimp on the sauce. But do double it if you like your food swimming in sauce. We don’t judge here!

And if you love takeout classic here are a few more options to cover those cravings. We love this honey sesame chicken, but check out our list of easy dinner ideas when we are stretched for time or undecided but want something good!

Ingredient Notes

For the chicken:

• Chicken – I’ve used chicken breasts, but thighs would work too.
• Flour – To create a nice crispy outer coating.
• Egg – To bind the flour to the chicken.
• Snap Peas – I love to serve this with snap peas, but feel free to use your favorite veggie.

For the orange sauce:

• Orange juice – Use freshly squeezed it’s much better, but you can use bottled.
• Granulated sugar – This adds some sweetness to the sauce.
• Soy sauce – Adds a bit of umami.
• Rice wine vinegar – This is for sweetness and acidity.
• Cornstarch – This thickens the sauce up so it coats the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic – Garlic is always a must for flavor.
• Ginger – For a bit of a zing to the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – If you’re an adult who likes a bit of spice, add some flakes.

How To Make This Easy Orange Chicken Recipe

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below. 

1. Place the chicken in the beaten egg and then into the flour. Then put the chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden brown and fully cooked.
2. While the chicken is cooking, mix the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
3. Once the chicken is done, add it to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds, and serve with steamed snap peas and white rice.

Note: Check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C before consuming. 

Bintu’s Tips

• Use orange juice that’s freshly squeezed. You’ll thank me later! Bottled juice works too if you’re in a pinch.
• Make sure all chicken pieces are about the same size for even cooking.
• Use a paper towel to dry the chicken pieces before coating them with egg and flour to help the coating stick better.
• The air fryer must be fully preheated before placing the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. You want them to cook evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C so you know it is cooked.
• A trick is to let the sauce sit for a few minutes after cooking. It helps it to thicken slightly.

Delicious Variations 

• Spicy Orange Chicken – For the adults we like to add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to spice it up.
• Different Veggies – Swap snap peas for green beans, broccoli, or carrots.
• Gluten-Free – Use cornstarch instead of flour and tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Prepare the sauce and cut the chicken ahead of time to save time on busy nights.
• Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days
• Freeze – I don’t recommend freezing as the sauce may separate when reheated.

FAQs

Similar Recipes

• Instant Pot Orange Chicken
• Easy chicken broccoli casserole
• Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

Serve With:

• Crispy egg rolls always go down well with this chicken.
• Serve with this tasty fried rice which is also super tasty.
• Air Fryer wontons make a great additional side.

Recommended Tools

• A trusty saucepan for that tasty sauce.
• A handy meat thermometer to check the chicken is cooked.
• This set of measuring cups and spoons so you have the right amounts.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my Air fryer orange chicken recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.

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