The Best Way To Cook Orange Chicken In An Air Fryer – Guaranteed To Impress!

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.