Deliciously Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Sweet, Tangy & So Easy
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By the time I finally kicked off my shoes and dropped my bag by the door, I was two things: hungry and determined not to cave to takeout. I wanted that golden, sticky-sweet orange chicken crunch without the wait or the oil bomb. That’s when my air fryer became the weeknight hero.
The first time I tossed crispy bites in a quick orange glaze, it tasted like my favorite takeout, only faster. And cleaner. Now, air fryer orange chicken is my “why-didn’t-I-make-this-sooner” dinner. Learn more about fast chicken basics in your air fryer: air fryer chicken breasts.
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Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Faster than delivery: From freezer (or fresh) to plate in minutes.
- Crispy without deep-frying: The air fryer brings that crackly exterior with a fraction of the oil.
- Sweet-tangy glaze: Bright citrus with a balanced, garlicky kick.
- Flexible: Works with Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken, any Orange Chicken Trader Joes-style frozen bag, or homemade nuggets.
- Family-approved: It’s weeknight-friendly, meal-prep-friendly, and totally lunchbox-friendly.
Perfect for frozen or homemade
Whether you’re grabbing Trader Joe’s Mandarin Chicken from the freezer or making healthy orange chicken recipe air fryer–style from scratch, the method is nearly identical. And yes, air fry orange chicken turns out shatteringly crisp either way.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray basket with oil.
- Place chicken in a single layer. Air fry 10–12 minutes (homemade) or 12–14 minutes (frozen), flipping or shaking halfway. Cook until golden and internal temp is 165°F.
- While chicken cooks, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then whisk in cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a bowl. Pour glaze over and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately with optional garnishes like green onions or sesame seeds.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 18–22 oz frozen Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken (or similar brand), or 1½ lbs homemade chicken bites (1-inch pieces of boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, lightly tossed in cornstarch and a pinch of salt).
- Neutral oil spray (avocado or canola).
Tip: If using homemade bites, a thin cornstarch coat boosts crispiness without deep-frying.
For the Sauce (Homemade Orange Glaze)
- ¾ cup orange juice (fresh is best)
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2–3 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or ¼ tsp ground)
- 1–2 tsp rice vinegar (for tang)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (slurry)
Note: The full recipe card is at the end of this post.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1) Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly spray the basket. Preheating gives your air fryer orange chicken a head start toward a crisp, even crunch.
Pro tip: If your air fryer runs hot, start at 375°F and adjust up as needed.
2) Cook the Chicken
Add chicken in a single layer avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes if fresh/homemade, or 12–14 minutes from frozen Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken. Shake or flip halfway for even browning. Cook until the edges look deeply golden and the internal temp hits 165°F.
Optional: For extra crunch, air fry 1–2 minutes more after shaking.
3) Make the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, add orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar to a small saucepan. Simmer on medium for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry, whisking until the glaze is thick and glossy, about 30–60 seconds. Remove from heat.
Shortcut: If you’re making Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken, warm the packet sauce in a separate pan while the chicken crisps.
4) Toss & Serve
Transfer hot, crispy chicken to a bowl. Pour over just enough orange glaze to coat then toss quickly so the crust stays crisp. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcrowd: Work in batches for better airflow and more consistent crisping.
- Use a light oil mist: Too much oil softens the crust; a quick spritz is plenty.
- Shake halfway: This exposes more surface area for extra crunch.
- Heat the sauce separately: Hot sauce meets hot chicken = clingy, glossy glaze.
- Reheat like a pro: Pop leftovers back in the air fryer at 360°F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.
- Want tangier? Add lemon zest or an extra splash of rice vinegar.
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How to Serve Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Classic: Spoon over fluffy jasmine rice with steamed broccoli or snap peas.
- Low-carb: Pile into lettuce cups with shredded carrots and cucumbers.
- Bowl vibes: Add to a grain bowl with brown rice, edamame, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Kid-friendly: Pack sauced chicken separately from rice, then toss together at lunch for freshness.
Discover great ideas like easy veggie sides to round out your plate: air fryer broccoli.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Fridge: Store cooled air fryer orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Air fry at 360°F for 3–4 minutes, then re-toss with a spoon of warmed sauce if needed.
- Freeze: Freeze plain cooked chicken bites (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Re-crisp from frozen at 360°F for 6–8 minutes, then sauce.
Check out easy freezer-to-fryer ideas here: frozen foods in the air fryer.
Variations & Meal Prep Ideas
- Spicy Orange: Add chili-garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Ginger-Orange: Double the ginger, add a touch of sesame oil at the end.
- Veg-Forward: Toss in air-fried broccoli or peppers and onions during the last 2 minutes.
- Meal Prep: Keep sauce and chicken separate until serving to preserve crunch.
Looking for inspiration? Try these crispy dinner stars: best air fryer chicken recipes.
Closing
Air fryer orange chicken brings that nostalgic takeout flavor home fast, crispy, and wildly satisfying. Don’t miss our guide for another sticky-sweet favorite: air fryer bang bang chicken. Now every night can feel like takeout night only faster, crispier, and way healthier!
FAQs About Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Can I cook Trader Joe’s frozen orange chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely. Spread it in a single layer and cook at 380°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and 165°F inside. Warm the included sauce separately, then toss to coat. This method keeps the crust crisp and the glaze glossy just like takeout.
How long does it take from frozen?
Most Trader Joe’s Mandarin Orange Chicken-style bags take 12–14 minutes at 380°F in a preheated air fryer. Your exact time can vary by brand and basket style, so check at 10 minutes and continue until edges are deep golden and crunchy.
Can I use a homemade sauce instead of the packet?
Yes! A quick orange sauce orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a cornstarch slurry mimics the classic flavor but lets you control sweetness and sodium. Warm it in a pan while the chicken cooks, then toss with the crispy pieces immediately.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut the honey by 1 tablespoon and add 1–2 teaspoons of rice vinegar or a splash of lemon juice. You can also fold in red pepper flakes for heat, which naturally balances sweetness. For a lighter vibe, coat with less sauce and serve with extra citrus wedges.
What if I don’t have Trader Joe’s near me?
Use any Mandarin Orange Chicken-style frozen bag, or make quick homemade nuggets and the sauce from this post. The air fryer orange chicken technique stays the same just keep pieces similar in size and don’t crowd the basket. Check out another crowd-pleaser for weeknights: air fryer chicken bites.
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