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Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

A pile of crispy, glazed Air Fryer Orange Chicken pieces served on a white plate.
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Make crispy, takeout-style orange chicken using your air fryer. This recipe delivers a sweet and tangy sauce without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 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 squeezed preferred
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1/4 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)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • Cooked white rice, for serving
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the egg, then toss them in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  2. 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.
  3. Air fry the chicken at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the pieces, spray lightly again, and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Set the cooked chicken aside.
  4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for 3 minutes.
  6. Whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest.
  7. Place the crispy chicken back into the air fryer basket or a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  8. Serve immediately over cooked white rice, garnished with sliced green onions.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, you can lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with oil before the first air fry cycle.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use slightly less water in the cornstarch slurry.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat.

Nutrition

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