Transform your taste buds: step-by-step guide to making orange chicken air fryer with incredible flavor
An air fryer is a magical kitchen appliance that allows you to enjoy your favorite fried foods without the guilt. It circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Orange chicken is a classic Chinese dish that is perfect for an air fryer. It’s sweet, savory, and absolutely addicting.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.
2. Air fry the chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
4. Combine the chicken and sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.
5. Garnish and serve: Garnish the orange chicken with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Tips:
- For a crispier chicken, double-coat it in the cornstarch mixture.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the sauce to your liking.
- Orange chicken is a great meal prep option. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a few drops of Sriracha to the sauce.
- Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.
- Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of minced garlic to the sauce.
- Orange Chicken with Broccoli: Add a cup of broccoli florets to the air fryer basket along with the chicken.
Benefits of Cooking Orange Chicken in an Air Fryer:
- Healthier: Air fryers use little to no oil, which makes orange chicken a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
- Crispy: The hot air circulation in an air fryer results in a crispy exterior on the chicken.
- Time-saving: Air fryers cook food quickly and efficiently, making them a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, fish, vegetables, and desserts.
Recommendations:
Orange chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. Cooking it in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy this classic dish in a healthier and more convenient way. So next time you’re craving orange chicken, give this air fryer recipe a try!
Top Questions Asked
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a few drops of Sriracha to the sauce.
- Can I store leftover orange chicken?
Yes, you can store leftover orange chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- What goes well with orange chicken?
Orange chicken can be served with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
