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Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Close-up of crispy, glazed pieces of Air Fryer Orange Chicken piled high on a white plate.
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Make crispy, takeout-style orange chicken quickly using your air fryer. This recipe features a sweet and tangy orange sauce without deep frying.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • Orange zest from 1 orange
  • Optional: Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then toss them thoroughly in the flour mixture until coated.
  2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  3. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken pieces, spray lightly again, and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  4. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and sesame oil. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  6. Place the cooked, crispy chicken pieces into a large bowl. Pour the orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
  7. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, you can lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with oil before the first air fry cycle.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use slightly more cornstarch in the slurry.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in the sauce.

Nutrition

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