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Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Close-up of crispy, glazed pieces of Air Fryer Orange Chicken piled high on a white plate.
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Make crispy, takeout-style orange chicken using your air fryer. This recipe provides a sweet and tangy glaze for tender chicken pieces.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh or bottled
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Optional: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg. In a separate shallow dish, mix the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
  2. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken.
  3. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary. Do not overcrowd the basket.
  4. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces and spray lightly with cooking spray. Continue to air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and orange zest.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  7. Whisk the cornstarch slurry one more time and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
  8. Place the cooked, crispy chicken pieces in a large bowl. Pour the prepared orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before air frying.
  • You can make the sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the chicken.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in the sauce.

Nutrition

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