Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of a favorite takeout meal right into your home. Using an air fryer, you get crispy chicken pieces without all the oil traditionally used in frying. Plus, the sauce made with fresh orange juice, honey, and soy sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that everyone will enjoy. This dish is not only delicious but also healthier, making it a great choice for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal.
How to Make Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove chicken from the marinade and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying lightly with vegetable oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot, drizzled with the reserved marinade, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
How to Serve Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Serve Air Fryer Orange Chicken hot, straight from the air fryer. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables. You can also serve it over a bed of greens for a lighter option. Drizzling some of the reserved marinade on top adds extra flavor, and the green onions and sesame seeds give it a nice finish.
How to Store Air Fryer Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave it until heated through.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Orange Chicken
- Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to really get that flavor in.
- Coat the chicken well with cornstarch for the best crispy texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the chicken in batches if needed.
- For added heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli into the air fryer alongside the chicken. For a different flavor, try substituting lemon juice for orange juice for a zesty twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer, but chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While it is not strictly necessary, marinating the chicken enhances the flavor greatly, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.
3. Can I freeze Air Fryer Orange Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Just ensure it’s well cooled, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be reheated directly from frozen.
Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Toss the chicken pieces in the sauce and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove chicken from the marinade and toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying lightly with vegetable oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot, drizzled with the reserved marinade, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.