If you’re looking for a fun dinner idea, this Air Fryer Orange Chicken is just the ticket! It’s that yummy combo of sweet and tangy that makes your taste buds do a little happy dance. Plus, you won’t have to deal with a ton of oil like with traditional frying.
Saves time on busy weeknights, reduces greasy takeout reliance, and delivers a crispy coating with a tangy orange glaze in minutes.
You know how sometimes, you crave something crispy and delicious but don’t want the hassle of cleaning up a big mess? That’s exactly why I started experimenting with this recipe. It really cuts down on the cleanup while still giving you all the crispy goodness you want.
This recipe is super quick, too! With just 20 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can serve up this tasty dish in under 35 minutes. Plus, since it’s made in the air fryer, you get that crunchy texture without frying, which is a win in my book.
If you want to add a sweet twist to your meal, this orange chicken pairs really well with rice. If you like baking, try my Ham Bean Soup for a cozy combo!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture : You’ll love how the air fryer gives the chicken that satisfying crunch without all the oil from frying. It’s a great way to enjoy crispy chicken guilt-free.
- Flavor Punch : The combination of sweet honey, tangy orange juice, and a kick of spice makes every bite burst with flavor. It’s a delicious mix that’s hard to resist.
- Quick Prep Time : You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it easy to fit a tasty meal into your busy day. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Storage Convenience : Although it’s best fresh, you can keep leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days. Just know the crispiness will fade a bit upon reheating.
Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: air frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: gluten free
Description
A delicious air fryer orange chicken recipe, perfect for a gluten-free meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons (21g) plain gluten free breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 21/2 teaspoons (10g) fresh grated ginger or 1/21/2 teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) oil
- 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
- 1 tablespoon (6g) orange zest
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (60ml) low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
- 2–31/2 teaspoons (10-15ml) sriracha or to taste
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) water
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are fairly uniform for even cooking. The pieces should feel tender and soft to the touch, avoiding slicing them too small to prevent drying out.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces in a mix of cornstarch and seasonings until they are nicely coated. Ensure every piece gets a good layer without clumps for extra crunch.
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Mix the breadcrumbs with a little bit of cornstarch to help them stick to the chicken better. When you can smell the breadcrumbs, they are ready to be used.
- Coat the Chicken: Dunk the chicken pieces into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered with a firm yet light coating.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Aim for a golden and crisp look, and keep an eye on them to avoid dry chicken.
- Make the Sauce: Combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until simmering, allowing the flavors to meld without letting it boil too long.
- Coat the Chicken with Sauce: Once the chicken is done, drizzle the warm sauce over it in a bowl, ensuring each piece is covered with a gentle toss to maintain the coating.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve your orange chicken warm, ideally over some steamed rice for the best crunch. Enjoy immediately to maintain the crispy texture.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove; note that the crispiness will be lost.
- Expert Tips: Reduce cook time by 2 minutes if chicken turns out dry. To balance out a sauce that tastes too acidic, add an extra tablespoon of honey. For better breadcrumb adhesion, mix them with cornstarch before coating the chicken. Stick to adding an extra tablespoon of honey instead of brown sugar if you desire a sweeter option. For the crispiest results, serve your air fryer orange chicken right after cooking.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm, keeping in mind that the crispiness will diminish.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with jasmine rice for a hearty meal. Pair with steamed broccoli for added nutrition. Enjoy over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Recipe Variations: Use arrowroot or tapioca instead of cornstarch for a paleo option. Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version. Add orange marmalade for additional sweetness.
- Ingredient Notes: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts to ensure tenderness. For a gluten-free option, ensure all sauces are labeled as gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 297
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: null
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: null
- Trans Fat: null
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: null
Recipe Tips
- If chicken turns out dry, consider lowering your cook time by 2 minutes. This usually helps keep it juicy.
- When your sauce tastes too acidic, try adding an extra tablespoon of honey to balance out the flavors.
- For better breadcrumb adhesion, mix them with cornstarch before coating the chicken, ensuring they stick well.
- If you want it a bit sweeter, stick to adding an extra tablespoon of honey instead of brown sugar for a healthier option.
- For the crispiest results, serve your air fryer orange chicken right after cooking; it holds the crunch best this way.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this air fryer orange chicken with jasmine rice for a hearty meal. Steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color to the plate.
This chicken makes a delicious topping for salads or grain bowls. Use it as a filling for wraps or lettuce cups.
Consider serving this chicken with a tangy sweet chili sauce for an extra kick. A drizzle of fresh lime juice enhances its flavor further.
Recipe variations
- You can use 1 pound of boneless, skinless turkey breast cut into 1 inch cubes instead of chicken for a leaner dish.
- Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to spice up the flavor profile of the dish.
- Either choose brown sugar for a deeper caramel taste or agave syrup for a lighter sweetness instead of honey.
- If making a larger batch, increase the ingredients proportionately, using 2 pounds of chicken and adjusting the sauce ingredients accordingly.
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How to Store?
To keep your air fryer orange chicken fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove for serving.
Freezing: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating: Warm in an air fryer or skillet to restore some crispiness after storage. Avoid microwave reheating.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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