What To Know
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce by combining the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
- Serve the chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, for a healthier option.
- With crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory orange sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout without the added guilt.
Craving a delectable orange chicken meal without the hassle of deep-frying? Look no further! This blog post presents an exceptional air fryer orange chicken recipe that delivers a crispy, flavorful dish with minimal oil and effort. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this healthier version of a classic Chinese takeout favorite.
Ingredients:
1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces
2. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
6. 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
7. 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
8. 1/4 cup orange juice
9. 1/4 cup soy sauce
10. 1/4 cup honey
11. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12. 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
13. 1 teaspoon sesame oil
14. 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
15. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to evenly coat the chicken pieces.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
4. Cook in Batches (if necessary):
- If your air fryer is small, cook the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding.
5. Air Fry for 10-12 Minutes:
- Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
6. Make the Orange Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce by combining the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
7. Bring to a Simmer:
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
- To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
9. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
10. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the pieces in the flour mixture before air frying.
- Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
- If desired, add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the orange sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve the orange chicken immediately to enjoy the crispy texture.
Healthier Alternative:
This air fryer orange chicken recipe is a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. By using an air fryer, you can reduce the amount of oil used in the cooking process, making it a healthier and guilt-free option.
Nutritional Information:
One serving of this air fryer orange chicken (approximately 4 ounces) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 milligrams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Sugar: 20 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
Serving Suggestions:
- Accompany the orange chicken with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Serve the chicken with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, for a healthier option.
- Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor.
Leftovers and Storage:
- Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the chicken in the air fryer or oven until warmed through before serving.
In a nutshell:
This air fryer orange chicken recipe offers a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. With crispy chicken coated in a sweet and savory orange sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for Chinese takeout without the added guilt. Enjoy this air fryer orange chicken with your favorite sides and indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors.
What People Want to Know
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
2. How do I make the orange sauce spicier?
- To make the orange sauce spicier, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
3. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
- Yes, you can make this recipe without an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
