The Best Way To Cook Orange Chicken In An Air Fryer – Guaranteed To Impress!
What To Know
- In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to cook orange chicken in your air fryer, ensuring a perfectly cooked meal that satisfies your taste buds.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- For a crispier chicken, use a wire rack in the air fryer basket to allow air to circulate around the chicken pieces.
Craving the tangy and crispy goodness of orange chicken without the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further than your air fryer! This innovative kitchen appliance makes it effortless to enjoy this beloved dish with a healthier twist. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to cook orange chicken in your air fryer, ensuring a perfectly cooked meal that satisfies your taste buds.
Gathering Ingredients
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Seasoning the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Air Frying the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Making the Orange Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Serving
Transfer the orange chicken to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Success
- For a crispier chicken, use a wire rack in the air fryer basket to allow air to circulate around the chicken pieces.
- If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can substitute it with pineapple juice or apple juice.
- Adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar to your desired sweetness level.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little water or orange juice to thin it out.
- Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the orange sauce for an extra kick.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the orange chicken before serving.
- Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the orange sauce for a more savory flavor.
Wrapping Up
Cooking orange chicken in your air fryer is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. By following these simple steps, you can create a crispy, flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you crave orange chicken, reach for your air fryer and whip up a batch of this irresistible dish!
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Simply thaw them completely before cutting and seasoning them.
Q: How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
A: The chicken is cooked through when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Q: Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it over medium heat before tossing it with the chicken.