Unlock the secret: effortless orange chicken in your air fryer

Craving the sweet and savory flavors of orange chicken without the guilt? An air fryer is your secret weapon for achieving crispy, flavorful orange chicken that’s both healthy and delicious. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from marinating the chicken to creating the perfect orange sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
• Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Orange Sauce:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the orange sauce. Set aside.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

4. Cook the Chicken:

• Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

5. Create the Orange Glaze:

• Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a bowl.
• Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss to coat.

6. Air Fry Again:

• Return the glazed chicken to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is evenly coated.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the orange chicken immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice or broccoli.

Tips for Success:

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the chicken with the flour mixture.
• If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
• To ensure even cooking, shake the air fryer basket frequently.

Variations:

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
• Honey Garlic Orange Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 clove of minced garlic to the orange sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds over the chicken before air frying.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will take longer to cook. Add an additional 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What can I serve with orange chicken?
A: Popular sides include rice, broccoli, carrots, or a side salad.

Q: How do I store leftover orange chicken?
A: Store leftover orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven before serving.

The Bottom Line:

Mastering the art of orange chicken in an air fryer is a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing. With its crispy exterior and tangy orange sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with variations and serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the crispy, tangy goodness of homemade orange chicken, made healthier and easier with the magic of an air fryer!