Deliciously Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Sweet, Tangy & So Easy
You know those days when you crave something sweet, tangy, and absolutely mouthwatering, but the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen feels like a cruel joke? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe. It’s everything you love about classic orange chicken the crispy coating, the zesty orange glaze, that perfect balance of sweet and tangy but without the deep frying, the mess, or the guilt.
I still remember my mom’s version of orange chicken. She would stand by the stovetop, carefully frying each piece of chicken, while the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of her sweet orange glaze. I’d hover nearby, waiting to sneak a piece the crispy exterior giving way to tender, juicy chicken. But life’s busier now, and I’ve found a way to capture that same joy, minus the chaos, thanks to the air fryer.
“If you love sweet and tangy chicken, you’ll also love our Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Wings.”
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re juggling a million things.
- Healthier Alternative: Say goodbye to deep-frying and excess oil. With the air fryer, you get all the crispiness of traditional orange chicken without the added calories and grease.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet, tangy orange sauce, balanced with a hint of ginger and garlic, is a flavor experience that keeps you coming back for more.
- Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this dish. My kids love it, and it always reminds me of the family gatherings we used to have.
- Customizable: Want it spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes. Prefer it extra saucy? Double the orange sauce ingredients. This recipe is your canvas.
“This sweet orange chicken pairs perfectly with our Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables.”
How to Use an Air Fryer for This Recipe
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set the temperature to 380°F for a crisp, golden finish.
- Arrange Chicken Properly: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Lightly Spray with Oil: Use a light mist of cooking spray on the chicken for a perfectly crispy texture.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process for even browning.
- Clean Your Air Fryer: After cooking, clean the basket and tray for best results next time.
Ingredients to make Air Fryer Orange Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions for Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until evenly coated.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer, spray with more cooking spray, and cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crispy.
- Make the Orange Sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, toss it in the orange sauce until fully coated.
- Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a little extra flair.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches to ensure each piece is crispy. Crowding leads to steaming instead of frying.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: For ultra-crispy chicken, give each piece a second coating of cornstarch before air frying.
- Control Sweetness: Adjust the honey based on your taste. Want it less sweet? Use just 2 tablespoons.
- Fresh Orange Juice is Key: For the best flavor, use fresh-squeezed orange juice. It makes a world of difference.
- Spice It Up: Love heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: If you prefer more tender, flavorful chicken, opt for thighs instead of breasts.
“Want a spicy twist? Try our Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken.”
FAQs about Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh is best for that zesty flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
A Quick Note
This Air Fryer Orange Chicken has become a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s a little taste of nostalgia, my mom’s sweet, tangy sauce, but in a fraction of the time. And the best part? No standing over a hot pan of oil.
“Hungry for more crispy chicken? Check out our Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipes.”
Go ahead, give this a try, and watch it become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet orange chicken without the fuss!
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Orange Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in the mixture.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Lightly spray basket with oil.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and orange zest. Simmer gently.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the orange sauce until fully coated.
