Name: Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 eggs, beaten; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch (or arrowroot powder); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray or oil; 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought); 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or minced; 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening sauce); Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is fast, flavorful, and air fryer-friendly. It skips the oil-heavy frying while still giving you that satisfying crunch, thanks to a light coating and the power of hot air circulation. The orange sauce is zesty and addictive, coating the chicken in a glossy glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Great for busy weeknights or healthier comfort food cravings, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
All-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Eggs
Cooking spray or oil
Orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
Orange zest
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Brown sugar or honey
Garlic (minced)
Ginger (minced or grated)
Red chili flakes (optional)
Cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Dip chicken pieces in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken pieces in a single layer, not touching.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with a bit more oil to help crisp up. Cook until golden and crispy.
While the chicken cooks, make the orange sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes.
Bring to a simmer. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Once the chicken is done, toss it in the orange sauce until well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Orange Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
No Egg Dredge: Use buttermilk or a dairy-free milk and cornstarch slurry for coating instead of eggs.
Baked Version: Bake the coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
Orange Tofu: Swap the chicken for tofu cubes for a vegetarian alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes until hot and crispy again. You can also reheat in the microwave, though it won’t be as crisp.
Freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat and toss in freshly warmed sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and just as delicious. Adjust cook time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Is this recipe very sweet?

The orange sauce is sweet and tangy, but not overly sugary. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or honey to taste.

What’s the best way to get the chicken extra crispy in the air fryer?

Don’t overcrowd the basket, and spray the chicken lightly with oil. Flip halfway for even crispiness.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and reheat before tossing with the chicken.

How do I zest an orange properly?

Use a microplane or fine grater to remove only the outer orange layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook the chicken in batches to keep it crisp. Toss everything together with the sauce at the end.

Does it taste like restaurant-style orange chicken?

Yes, but with a fresher, less greasy taste thanks to the air fryer and real orange flavor in the sauce.

Is it necessary to coat the chicken with both flour and cornstarch?

Yes, the combo helps create a light, crisp crust that holds up to the sauce without becoming soggy.

Can I make this dish without an air fryer?

Absolutely. You can bake or pan-fry the chicken pieces instead, though the air fryer gives the crispiest results with the least oil.

What should I serve with orange chicken?

Steamed white rice, fried rice, stir-fried vegetables, or even noodles pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Air fryer orange chicken is a vibrant, satisfying meal that delivers all the crave-worthy flavors of your favorite takeout, made right in your kitchen with healthier ingredients and no deep frying. With its crispy texture and zesty orange sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive homemade alternative to fast food. Once you try it, you may never go back to the takeout version.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

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Air fryer orange chicken is a healthier, homemade version of the popular takeout dish. Crispy, golden chicken bites are tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce for a quick and flavorful dinner without deep frying.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil and place the chicken in a single layer, not touching.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with additional oil, until golden and crispy.
While the chicken cooks, make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry. Add to the sauce and stir until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Once chicken is done, toss it in the orange sauce until evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness.
Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite and slightly richer flavor.
For gluten-free, use tamari and gluten-free flour blend.
The sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Adjust sweetness and spice by adding more or less sugar and chili flakes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 410
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 155mg