Description
This orange chicken air fryer recipe gives you crispy chicken bites tossed in a glossy sweet and savory orange sauce. It delivers takeout-style flavor with less oil, simple ingredients, and a quick air fryer method that works perfectly for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Oil spray, as needed
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Optional garnish: sliced green onions
Optional garnish: sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season them with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat it evenly with cornstarch.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 3 minutes.
4. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces. Spray the chicken lightly with oil.
5. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken turns golden and reaches 165°F internally.
6. While the chicken cooks, add orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger to a skillet over medium heat.
7. Stir the sauce and simmer it for 3 to 4 minutes.
8. Add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce, then stir until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
9. Transfer the hot air-fried chicken to a large bowl, pour the orange sauce over it, and toss until every piece gets coated.
10. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired, then serve immediately over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
For the crispiest orange chicken air fryer texture, cook the chicken in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket.
Use chicken thighs for juicier bites or chicken breast for a leaner option.
Sauce the chicken right before serving so the coating stays crisp.
If you like spicy orange chicken, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon sriracha to the sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 145mg