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Air Fryer Orange Chicken

A pile of crispy, glazed Air Fryer Orange Chicken pieces garnished with sesame seeds and green onions on a white plate.
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Make crispy, takeout-style orange chicken using your air fryer. This recipe features a sweet and tangy orange sauce coating tender chicken pieces.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed preferred
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • For Garnish:
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper for the coating.
  2. Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  3. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the flour/cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  5. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  6. Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces, spray lightly with cooking spray, and air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Combine orange juice, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
  8. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  9. Whisk the cornstarch slurry and pour it slowly into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  10. Place the cooked, crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray before the first air frying session.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch slurry amount slightly.
  • You can prepare the sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the chicken.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://eatableempress.com/air-fryer-orange-chicken-recipe/