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Air Fryer Orange Chicken

A mound of crispy, glazed Air Fryer Orange Chicken pieces garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions on a white plate.
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Make crispy, sweet, and tangy orange chicken in your air fryer. This recipe delivers takeout flavor without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh or bottled
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Cooking spray
  • Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss the cut chicken pieces in the egg, then dredge them thoroughly in the dry mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  3. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
  4. Air fry for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces, spray again, and air fry for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Set the cooked chicken aside.
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and orange zest.
  6. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  7. 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, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  8. Place all the crispy chicken back into the now-empty air fryer basket or a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and toss gently until every piece is coated.
  9. Serve immediately garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before the first air fry cycle.
  • You can make the orange sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the cooked chicken.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, use 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch in the slurry.

Nutrition

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