Description
This Air Fryer Orange Chicken recipe delivers all the flavor of your favorite takeout dish with a healthier twist! Crispy chicken coated in a tangy orange sauce, ready in under 30 minutes using your air fryer. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Mix cornstarch with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in one bowl. Beat eggs in another bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces in egg, then coat with cornstarch mixture. Shake off excess.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray basket with oil.
- Arrange chicken in single layer in basket. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy (internal temp 165°F).
- While chicken cooks, make sauce: Combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, zest, garlic, ginger, and pepper flakes in saucepan. Simmer.
- Add cornstarch slurry to sauce, stirring until thickened (1-2 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Toss cooked chicken with sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, spray coated pieces lightly with cooking spray before air frying
- Use fresh orange juice for best flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey to taste
- Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer to maintain crispiness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: air fryer orange chicken, healthy orange chicken, easy orange chicken recipe, air fryer recipes, Chinese takeout at home, crispy orange chicken, weeknight dinner ideas