Air Fryer Orange Chicken

5 from 2 votes

Sweet, sticky orange chicken cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer for way better than takeout results in just 20 minutes. So easy and delicious!

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Resting Time5

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: air fryer

Servings:

Calories: 284kcal

Author: Kita Roberts

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

For the chicken:

1 lb chicken breast cut into cubes
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp grated ginger
2 tbsp corn starch
4 tbsp panko bread crumbs or pork panko

For the sauce:

3 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/4 soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp cold water
Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken cubes in a large glass bowl and add the soy sauce and grated ginger.
Stir to combine and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
Once marinated, add the cornstarch and toss to coat.
Then add the breadcrumbs and toss to fully coat.
Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 6 minutes at 380 degrees F then toss the chicken and air fry for another 6-8 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked. (You might have to do two batches)

Make the Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, place a saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil to preheat.
Add the garlic and cook for one minute.
Add the ginger, orange juice, zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sriracha.
Whisk to combine.
Bring mixture to a simmer while stirring.
Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add to the saucepan.
Whisk over low heat while adding the cornstarch mixture.
Simmer for a few minutes then remove from the heat.

Toss and Serve

Once the chicken has cooked, transfer it to a bowl and add the sauce.
Toss to combine.
Garnish with sesame seeds and orange slices.
Serve with rice and broccoli, if desired.

Notes

Cutting Chicken: Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This helps achieve that golden-brown perfection in every bite.
Coating Chicken: When coating the chicken with the cornstarch mixture, ensure each piece is fully coated. This step is key to getting that crispy exterior we all love.
Avoid Overcrowding: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the chicken pieces some space to cook evenly and reach that ideal golden-brown goodness.
Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the chicken. The internal temperature should reach a safe level, and the pieces should be crispy and golden.
Sauce Consistency: Simmer the orange sauce until it slightly thickens. This helps it adhere perfectly to the crispy chicken, giving you that sticky and flavorful coating.
Fresh Orange Flavor: For the best orange flavor, use fresh oranges. The zest and juice combined create a tangy and vibrant citrusy taste.
Extra Crispiness: Want extra crispiness? Coat the chicken pieces generously in the cornstarch mixture and make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. To maintain the crispiness, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes – it's like enjoying it fresh.
Experiment: Feel free to experiment with the recipe. Adjust the spice level, try different side dishes, and make it your own for a personalized dinner.

Remember, cooking times and results can vary based on your specific air fryer model, so it's a good idea to monitor the cooking process and make adjustments as needed. Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Orange Chicken!

Nutrition