Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe gives you all the bold, sweet-savory flavor of traditional orange chicken with less oil and less mess. Using the air fryer makes it quick and crispy without deep frying, and the homemade orange sauce is fresh, zesty, and better than bottled. Serve it over rice or with steamed veggies for a delicious, well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

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

For the chicken:
boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
cornstarch
all-purpose flour
eggs
salt
pepper
cooking spray or oil (for air fryer)

For the orange sauce:
orange juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
soy sauce
rice vinegar
brown sugar
garlic (minced)
ginger (minced)
orange zest
cornstarch (for thickening)
water
red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Spray the basket with oil.
4. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
6. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium heat.
7. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
8. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce until well coated.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Orange Chicken: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• No-Breaded Option: Skip the coating and air fry plain seasoned chicken pieces for a lighter version.
• Orange-Teriyaki: Mix in a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce for a fusion twist.
• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or cauliflower florets.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and tamari in place of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but thaw it fully and pat dry before coating to help the breading stick.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

No, the flavor comes from the sauce. Marinating isn’t necessary for this recipe.

What kind of orange juice should I use?

Fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works too. Avoid juices with added sugar for better control of sweetness.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

How do I keep the breading crispy?

Don’t toss the chicken in sauce until just before serving, and make sure to spray the coating lightly with oil for better crisping.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Is the sauce very sweet?

It’s sweet with a tangy citrus balance. Adjust the sugar to your taste.

What can I serve with orange chicken?

Rice, steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or noodles all pair beautifully.

Can I freeze orange chicken?

You can freeze the cooked chicken separately from the sauce. Reheat in the air fryer, then toss with freshly made sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before tossing with the chicken.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a fast, crispy, and flavorful dish that brings the best of takeout to your kitchen—without the grease or hassle. With its bright, sticky orange glaze and tender chicken bites, this recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s easy, adaptable, and perfect for any night of the week.

Air Fryer Orange Chicken

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Air Fryer Orange Chicken is a crispy, healthier twist on a takeout favorite. Juicy, breaded chicken bites are air-fried to golden perfection and tossed in a sticky, sweet, and tangy homemade orange sauce.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil.
2. Whisk eggs in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip chicken pieces into egg, then coat in flour mixture.
4. Place coated chicken in the air fryer in a single layer. Spray tops lightly with oil. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
5. While chicken cooks, make the sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine orange juice, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, orange zest, and red pepper flakes.
6. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch-water slurry. Cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
7. Toss cooked chicken with the warm orange sauce until fully coated.
8. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or vegetables.

Notes

• For extra crispy chicken, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
• Adjust sweetness and spice level in the sauce to taste.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 140mg