Air Fryer Orange Chicken: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

Air Fryer Orange Chicken: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe not only captures the essence of traditional orange chicken but also offers a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. The crispy texture combined with the sweet and tangy orange sauce makes it a favorite among families and food enthusiasts alike.

Historically, orange chicken has roots in Chinese-American cuisine, where it has become a staple in many households and restaurants. The dish is beloved for its balance of flavors and satisfying crunch, making it a go-to option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With the advent of air fryers, we can now enjoy this classic dish with significantly less oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

People love Air Fryer Orange Chicken not just for its incredible taste but also for its convenience. The air fryer allows for quick cooking times while ensuring that each piece of chicken is perfectly cooked and crispy. Whether you’re serving it over rice or enjoying it on its own, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

1. Start by preparing the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are well mixed. This will be used to coat the chicken pieces.
3. Take the chicken pieces and dip them first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat them in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated for a crispy texture.
4. Once all the chicken pieces are coated, set them aside on a plate while you prepare the air fryer.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
2. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Once preheated, place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
4. Air fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Preparing the Orange Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Next, add the cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more orange juice to reach your desired consistency.
5. Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat and set it aside.

Assembling the Dish

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken pieces with the orange sauce. Gently toss the chicken until it is well coated in the sauce.
2. If you prefer a little extra crunch, you can return the coated chicken to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to crisp up the sauce slightly.
3. Once the chicken is well coated and heated through, transfer it to a serving platter.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve your air fryer orange chicken over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
2. Pair it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad to add some greens to your plate

   

   Conclusion:

   If you’re looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to takeout, this Air Fryer Orange Chicken is an absolute must-try! The combination of tender chicken pieces coated in a zesty orange sauce creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but using an air fryer means you can enjoy that crispy texture without the excess oil. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

   For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Air Fryer Orange Chicken with a side of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up that delightful sauce. You can also add a colorful stir-fry of vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it over a bed of crispy lettuce for a refreshing salad twist or even in a wrap for a fun lunch option.

   Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations! You can spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick or incorporating some sesame seeds for added crunch. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to adjust the honey or orange juice to your liking. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, allowing you to customize it to suit your palate.

   I encourage you to give this Air Fryer Orange Chicken a try and experience the joy of making a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your creation. Your feedback not only inspires me but also helps others discover the joy of cooking this delightful dish. So roll up your sleeves, fire up that air fryer, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!

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   Air Fryer Orange Chicken: A Quick and Delicious Recipe

   This Air Fryer Orange Chicken features crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, making it a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner option. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, it's perfect served over rice or with a side of veggies.

   Prep Time20 minutes

   Cook Time15 minutes

   Total Time35 minutes

   Category: Quick Dinner

   Yield: 4 servings

   Save This Recipe

   Ingredients

   • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
   • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 cup cornstarch
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon onion powder
   • 2 large eggs, beaten
   • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
   • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
   • 1/4 cup soy sauce
   • 1/4 cup honey
   • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
   • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
   • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
   • Sesame seeds for garnish
   • Chopped green onions for garnish

   Instructions

   1. In einer großen Schüssel das Mehl, die Speisestärke, das Salz, den schwarzen Pfeffer, das Knoblauchpulver und das Zwiebelpulver vermengen. Gut mischen, um sicherzustellen, dass alle trockenen Zutaten gleichmäßig verteilt sind.
   2. In einer anderen Schüssel die Eier gut verquirlen. Dies wird verwendet, um die Hähnchenstücke zu beschichten.
   3. Die Hähnchenstücke zuerst in die Eimischung tauchen, überschüssiges abtropfen lassen und dann in der Mehlmischung wälzen. Sicherstellen, dass jedes Stück gut beschichtet ist, um eine knusprige Textur zu erhalten.
   4. Nachdem alle Hähnchenstücke beschichtet sind, auf einem Teller beiseitelegen, während die Heißluftfritteuse vorbereitet wird.
   5. Die Heißluftfritteuse auf 400°F (200°C) vorheizen, etwa 5 Minuten lang. Dieser Schritt ist entscheidend, um die perfekte knusprige Textur zu erreichen.
   6. Während die Heißluftfritteuse vorheizt, den Korb leicht mit Kochspray besprühen, um ein Ankleben zu verhindern.
   7. Nach dem Vorheizen die beschichteten Hähnchenstücke in einer einzigen Schicht im Korb der Heißluftfritteuse platzieren. Darauf achten, den Korb nicht zu überfüllen; je nach Größe der Heißluftfritteuse müssen möglicherweise mehrere Chargen gekocht werden.
   8. Die Hähnchenstücke 10-12 Minuten lang frittieren, dabei den Korb zur Hälfte durchschütteln, um ein gleichmäßiges Garen zu gewährleisten. Das Hähnchen sollte goldbraun und durchgegart sein, mit einer Innentemperatur von 165°F (75°C).
   9. Nach dem Garen das Hähnchen aus der Heißluftfritteuse nehmen und auf einem mit Papiertüchern ausgelegten Teller beiseitelegen, um überschüssiges Öl aufzusaugen.
   10. In einem mittelgroßen Topf den Orangensaft, die Sojasauce, den Honig, den Reisessig und den geriebenen Ingwer vermengen. Gut umrühren, um alle Zutaten zu kombinieren.
   11. Die Mischung bei mittlerer Hitze zum sanften Kochen bringen, dabei gelegentlich umrühren, um ein Ankleben zu verhindern.
   12. Wenn die Mischung kocht, die Hitze reduzieren und etwa 5 Minuten köcheln lassen, damit sich die Aromen verbinden.
   13. Als nächstes die mit Wasser vermischte Speisestärke zur Sauce hinzufügen. Kontinuierlich rühren, bis die Sauce eindickt, was etwa 1-2 Minuten dauern sollte. Wenn die Sauce zu dick ist, kann etwas mehr Orangensaft hinzugefügt werden, um die gewünschte Konsistenz zu erreichen.
   14. Nach dem Eindicken die Sauce vom Herd nehmen und beiseitelegen.
   15. In einer großen Schüssel die gekochten Hähnchenstücke mit der Orangensauce vermengen. Das Hähnchen vorsichtig wenden, bis es gut mit der Sauce bedeckt ist.
   16. Wenn Sie eine zusätzliche Knusprigkeit bevorzugen, können Sie das beschichtete Hähnchen für weitere 2-3 Minuten bei 400°F (200°C) in die Heißluftfritteuse zurückgeben, um die Sauce leicht knusprig zu machen.
   17. Sobald das Hähnchen gut beschichtet und durchgewärmt ist, auf eine Servierplatte übertragen.
   18. Mit Sesam und gehackten Frühlingszwiebeln garnieren, um Farbe und zusätzlichen Geschmack zu verleihen.
   19. Servieren Sie Ihr Heißluftfritteusen-Orangenhähnchen auf einem Bett aus gedämpftem Reis oder Quinoa für eine vollständige Mahlzeit.
   20. Es passt gut zu gedämpftem Brokkoli oder einem frischen Salat, um etwas Grün auf den Teller zu bringen.

   Notes

   • For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the orange sauce.
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.