Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This orange chicken is lighter than traditional fried versions yet still delivers that perfect crunch thanks to the air fryer. The homemade sauce is vibrant, citrusy, and delicious, and the whole recipe comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. It’s a family-friendly meal that tastes just as good as restaurant-style orange chicken.

Ingredients

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

• boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• cornstarch
• salt and pepper
• oil spray
• orange juice
• soy sauce
• brown sugar
• rice vinegar
• garlic, minced
• ginger, minced
• orange zest
• cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water)
• green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil.
4. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
6. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
7. Add the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: about 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
• Stir in steamed broccoli or snap peas for added veggies.
• Replace orange juice with mandarin juice for a sweeter twist.
• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave until warm.
Freeze sauce and chicken separately for best texture, up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Fresh chicken works best, but thawed frozen chicken is fine as long as it’s patted dry.

Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?

Shaking or flipping halfway ensures even crispiness.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Yes, but fresh orange juice gives the brightest flavor.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is a suitable substitute.

Can I make this without cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps with crisping, but you can use flour or a gluten-free alternative.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding sauce?

Add the sauce right before serving to maintain as much crispiness as possible.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, cook the chicken in batches so it stays crispy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but it won’t crisp the same; warm it in the air fryer before adding sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the sauce is sweet and mild, making it great for families.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a fast, flavorful, and lighter alternative to traditional takeout. With crispy chicken pieces coated in a bright, sticky orange glaze, this dish is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy all the delicious takeout flavors made fresh right in your kitchen.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A lighter, crispy air-fried version of classic orange chicken, coated in a sweet, tangy, homemade orange glaze.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer + Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil spray
• 1 cup orange juice
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
• Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
2. Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with oil.
4. Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
5. For the sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
7. Add cooked chicken to the sauce and toss to coat.
8. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• Chicken thighs provide extra tenderness.
• Add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Stir in broccoli or snap peas for added vegetables.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
• Add sauce just before serving to keep chicken as crispy as possible.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg