Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional Chinese takeout, look no further than air fryer orange chicken. This recipe takes the classic combination of tangy orange flavor and crispy chicken and gives it a lighter twist by cooking it in an air fryer. The result is a dish that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with citrusy goodness.
One of the reasons why air fryer orange chicken is so popular is because it eliminates the need for deep frying. Instead of submerging the chicken in a vat of oil, the air fryer uses hot air to cook the chicken to perfection. This not only reduces the amount of oil used, but also results in a dish that is lower in calories and fat.
To make air fryer orange chicken, start by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a delicious blend of orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. While the chicken is marinating, preheat the air fryer to ensure that it reaches the optimal cooking temperature. Once the air fryer is preheated, simply place the marinated chicken in the basket and cook it for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is crispy, flavorful chicken that is sure to please your taste buds.
Whether you’re craving a healthier version of your favorite takeout dish or simply want to try something new, air fryer orange chicken is the perfect choice. With its crispy texture, tangy orange flavor, and healthier cooking method, it’s no wonder that this dish has become a favorite among air fryer enthusiasts. So, why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and easy it is to make air fryer orange chicken?
Why Air Fryer Orange Chicken is So Popular
The rise in popularity of air fryers has made it possible to enjoy crispy, delicious orange chicken without the guilt of deep frying. Air fryer orange chicken is the perfect combination of tangy and sweet flavors, with a crispy coating that rivals traditional deep-fried versions. This healthier alternative appeals to those looking for a tasty meal that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
One of the benefits of cooking orange chicken in an air fryer is the reduced amount of oil used. With traditional deep frying, the chicken is submerged in oil, which leads to a greasy final product. In comparison, air frying requires only a minimal amount of oil, resulting in a lighter and less greasy dish. Additionally, the air fryer’s circulating hot air cooks the chicken evenly and effectively, ensuring a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The use of fresh orange juice and zest adds a vibrant citrus flavor to the dish. The natural sweetness of the oranges complements the savory and slightly spicy sauce, creating a well-balanced taste. The air fryer’s high heat and rapid cooking time help caramelize the orange sauce, intensifying the flavors and creating a sticky glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.
Another advantage of making air fryer orange chicken is the reduced cooking time. Unlike traditional deep frying, which requires waiting for the oil to heat up and then frying the chicken in batches, the air fryer preheats quickly and can cook the entire batch of chicken at once. This makes it a convenient option for busy individuals or families looking for a quick and delicious meal.
- Healthier alternative to deep-fried orange chicken
- Minimal amount of oil used
- Crispy exterior and juicy interior
- Vibrant citrus flavor from fresh orange juice and zest
- Reduced cooking time
| Recipe Ingredients | Recipe Instructions |
|---|---|
| – Chicken breast | 1. Marinate the chicken with orange juice and zest |
| – Orange juice | 2. Coat the chicken in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices |
| – Orange zest | 3. Preheat the air fryer and place the chicken in a single layer |
| – Flour | 4. Cook the chicken in the air fryer until crispy and golden |
| – Cornstarch | 5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce |
| – Spices | 6. Toss the cooked chicken in the orange sauce until coated |
| – Orange sauce ingredients (soy sauce, orange juice, honey, ginger, garlic, cornstarch) | 7. Serve the air fryer orange chicken with steamed rice and garnish with green onions |
How to Make Air Fryer Orange Chicken
If you’re craving a delicious and healthy version of orange chicken, look no further than your air fryer. Air fryer orange chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s packed with tangy orange sauce and tender chicken. Plus, it’s much lighter and less greasy than traditional fried orange chicken.
To make air fryer orange chicken, start by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with the flavors. Meanwhile, prepare the orange sauce by combining orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook the sauce until it thickens and becomes glossy.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Take each piece of marinated chicken and dip it into a bowl of cornstarch to coat it evenly. Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that there is space between each piece for even cooking.
Cook the chicken in the air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and toss it in the prepared orange sauce until each piece is evenly coated.
Serve the air fryer orange chicken with steamed rice and garnish it with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. This homemade version of orange chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings without all the extra oil and calories. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Orange Chicken
If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to your air fryer orange chicken, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Rice:
Serve your air fryer orange chicken over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice. The slightly sticky texture of jasmine rice complements the sweet and tangy sauce of the chicken, while the nuttiness of brown rice adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Veggies:
Pair your orange chicken with a side of crispy stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. The vibrant colors and crunchy texture of the veggies will provide a refreshing contrast to the tender chicken.
Salad:
Create a light and refreshing meal by serving your air fryer orange chicken alongside a refreshing salad. A mix of fresh lettuce, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing will balance out the richness of the chicken.
Steamed Dumplings:
Add some extra Asian flair to your meal by serving steamed dumplings on the side. Whether you choose vegetable, pork, or chicken dumplings, they will complement the flavors of the orange chicken perfectly.
Summary:
When it comes to serving air fryer orange chicken, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer rice, veggies, salad, or dumplings, each combination will create a delicious and satisfying meal. Experiment with different sides to find your favorite pairing and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
10 Best Air Fryer Orange Chicken
Non Toxic Air Fryer with Glass View
Features
| Model | Fritaire-01-OR-FBA |
| Color | Orange |
| Size | 5 Quart |
Taste Nirvana Grama's Sweet Chili Sauce
Features
| Part Number | 00094923 |
| Warranty | Warranty |
| Color | No Color |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | 13 Ounce (Pack of 6) |
FAQ
How can I serve air fryer orange chicken?
Air fryer orange chicken can be served on a bed of steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or snow peas. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
What dipping sauce goes well with air fryer orange chicken?
A tangy and slightly spicy dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or Sriracha mayo pairs well with air fryer orange chicken. You can also serve it with a traditional Chinese orange sauce or a combination of soy sauce, honey, and orange juice for a more authentic flavor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, air fryer orange chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With its crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful meat, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal. To enhance the taste of this dish even more, consider pairing it with steamed rice and vegetables, such as broccoli or snow peas, for a balanced and nutritious meal. You can also experiment with different sauces or garnishes to add an extra layer of flavor. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a main course or serve it as an appetizer, air fryer orange chicken is definitely a dish worth trying. So fire up your air fryer and indulge in this tasty and guilt-free chicken recipe.
