How to make air fryer orange chicken: a crispy, flavorful treat that will satisfy your cravings

Craving the irresistible flavors of orange chicken without the guilt of deep-frying? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This innovative kitchen appliance allows you to indulge in your favorite crispy and flavorful meal while reducing calories and unhealthy fats. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating mouthwatering orange chicken in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Coating:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Make the Orange Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the coating mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, heat the orange sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the orange chicken immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the cornstarch mixture twice before dredging it in the flour mixture.
• If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Check the chicken for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C).
• Serve the orange chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the orange sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken before serving.

Conclusion

Cooking orange chicken in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to satisfy your cravings for this classic dish. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. So next time you’re craving orange chicken, reach for your air fryer and give this recipe a try!

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

Q: What type of flour should I use?
A: You can use all-purpose flour, bread flour, or gluten-free flour.

Q: How long can I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Leftover orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I make the orange chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the orange chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Orange chicken can be served with rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a side salad.