Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines the perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Plus, the crispy chicken thighs drenched in that zesty orange sauce feel like a takeout treat without ever having to leave my kitchen!

I enjoy creating eye-catching dishes, but my Air Fryer Orange Chicken is much more than just a pretty face. It’s packed with the sort of flavor and nutrition that’s bound to please just about anyone.

Take 1 pound of juicy chicken thighs, zest the heck out of 1 orange, and then get down to business with 1/4 cup of orange juice and the same amount of soy sauce for a sweet-and-salty punch that’s to die for. Add a tablespoon of sesame seeds as a garnish, and you end up with a dish that looks, smells, and tastes so good that I would bet my last dollar it beats any takeout Orange Chicken you’ve ever had.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs:
Replete with protein, presenting a moist, delicate foundation.

Cornstarch:
Assists in attaining a crunchy consistency in the air fryer.

Orange Juice:
Imparts natural sweetness and a tangy flavor to the dish.

Soy Sauce:
Imparts umami and deepens the flavor profile.

Orange Zest:
Boosts the citrus fragrance and taste.

Garlic:
Imbues the dish with a sharp, fragrant depth.

Ginger:
Provides a nice, warming touch of spice to go with the sauce.

Sugar:
A balance of flavors is achieved by adding sweetness to the sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Set the air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and let it warm up for approximately 5 minutes.

2. In a bowl, mix the chicken portions with 1/2 cup of cornstarch until they are evenly covered.

3. In the air fryer basket, place the chicken in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

4. While the hen cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

5. Minced garlic and grated ginger are added to the saucepan and sautéed for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

6. Blend soy sauce, orange juice, sugar, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Bring the blend to a boil.

7. Lower the heat to low and add the cornstarch slurry, stirring all the time until the sauce thickens.

8. Once the chicken is cooked, move it to a big bowl and pour the orange sauce over the chicken, tossing to cover it completely.

9. Serve the garnished orange chicken with sliced green onions and, if you’d like, a sprinkling of sesame seeds.

10. Savor your air fryer orange chicken as a delicious meal with rice or noodles.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Saucepan
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Grater (for ginger and orange zest)
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Tongs
11. Serving bowl or large bowl
12. Whisk or fork (for mixing cornstarch slurry)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?A: Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. However, be aware that chicken breast cooks faster, so you should adjust the cooking time down to avoid drying out the meat.
• Q: Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?B: Yes, you can use a normal oven and bake the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning it over halfway through the cooking time, until you are certain it’s done.
• Q: Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?A: This recipe can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of rice vinegar.
• Q: How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy?A: For maximum crispiness, coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch, and be sure to lay it out in a single layer in the air fryer basket so the chicken can circulate properly.
• Q: Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?Yes, the sauce can be made well in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently and add the slurry right before serving to do the thickening.
• Q: Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?A: For a gluten-free version of this recipe, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Q: Can the sugar be reduced or substituted?You are allowed to use less sugar or substitute it for honey or an alternative sweetener; just adjust to your taste.

Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute for the chicken thighs by using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces.
Alternate substances for use in the coating of cornstarch are potato starch or arrowroot powder.
To replace vegetable oil, use canola oil or peanut oil.
Tamari and coconut aminos are both excellent substitutes for soy sauce and can be used in a gluten-free diet.
When it comes to sugar, you can substitute honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness profile and texture.

Pro Tips

1. Even Coating on Chicken To ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with cornstarch, try placing them in a resealable plastic bag with the cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake well until all pieces are thoroughly coated. This method also helps reduce mess.

2. Preheat for Crispiness Always preheat your air fryer to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy texture. If possible, use a temperature probe to measure the internal air temperature to ensure it’s accurate.

3. Do Not Overcrowd the Basket Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece and results in a crispier coating.

4. Sauce Consistency Adjust the thickness of the orange sauce to your liking by varying the amount of cornstarch slurry. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more slurry; for a lighter sauce, use less.

5. Maximize Flavor with Marinade For even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating the chicken pieces in a little soy sauce, orange juice, and ginger for about 30 minutes before coating them in cornstarch. This can enhance the overall depth of flavor.