Print

Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Close-up of crispy, glazed pieces of Air Fryer Orange Chicken piled on a white plate near a window.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make crispy, takeout-style orange chicken using your air fryer. This recipe delivers a sweet and tangy sauce without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large egg, lightly 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 brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
  • 1 orange, zested and sliced for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the beaten egg.
  2. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Dredge the egg-coated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  4. Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Set the cooked chicken aside.
  6. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  7. Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  8. Whisk the cornstarch slurry and pour it into the simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1 minute. Remove from heat.
  9. Place all the crispy chicken back into the empty air fryer basket or a large bowl. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
  10. Serve immediately over rice, garnished with fresh orange zest, orange slices, and sesame seeds.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, you can lightly spray the coated pieces again just before placing them in the air fryer.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, use 1.5 tablespoons of cornstarch in the slurry.
  • Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor in the sauce.

Nutrition

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