Air fryer orange chicken is a tasty main with crunchy chicken coated in a delicious orange sauce.
My family relishes it. It is done in under 30 minutes.
The takeout chicken used in orange chicken is coated with cornstarch and deep fried.
We replicate the same in the air fryer with minimal difference and cutting out the use of excess oil.
Making orange chicken in air fryer at home is more economical and healthier.
Pair it with boiled rice for a tasty and satisfying meal.
It is also a super easy recipe. So that definitely is a win.
Ingredients used in Orange Chicken
1. Chicken: I have used 1 lb. of boneless chicken breast cubes.
2. Orange juice and zest: This is essential for the signature orange taste.
I use no sugar added juice.
You can also use orange zest to reinforce the orange flavour.
3. Sauces: Rice vinegar gives it a tangy twist.
Soy sauce for an umami and salty flavour.
4. Brown sugar: This is to add sweetness and balance out the tartness.
Use it as per taste.
5. Crushed ginger and garlic: These aromatics really enhance the flavour of the sauce.
6. Sesame seeds and scallions: These are used for garnishing the chicken.
7. Cornstarch to coat the chicken and also to make the slurry to make the sauce.
8. Chili paste: For extra heat. Skip if you don’t like it.
Variations and Substitutions
1. Substitute chicken with cauliflower: You can make cauliflower orange chicken using the same recipe.
Substitute chicken with cauliflower florets and follow the rest of the recipe.
2. Substitute egg: If you don’t eat egg, use plant-based yogurt or Greek yogurt in its place.
3. Substitute brown sugar: You can use maple syrup or honey in its place.
You can also use Stevia or low-calorie sweeteners.
Instructions
Take 1 inch cubes of chicken breast, add 1 beaten egg, salt and pepper to it and mix well.
Add cornflour all over and mix well so that the cornflour coats the chicken well.
Spray with oil. Preheat air fryer at 360F or 180C for 5 minutes.
Place the coated chicken on top of perforated parchment paper in air fryer basket in a single layer.
You can use a silicone bowl or parchment paper bowl too.
Air fry at 360F or 180C for about 10-12 minutes till chicken is cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of chicken which must reach 165F.
Flip chicken midway during cooking for even cooking.
Take out and keep aside. The chicken pieces are crispy outside and very succulent inside.
Meanwhile, assemble all the ingredients of the Orange sauce.
Mix them together and heat in a pan to assimilate.
You can do this while the chicken is air frying.
Once the sauce begins to thicken, add cornstarch slurry and cook some more till the sauce gets nice and thick.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Toss cooked air fryer chicken pieces in the sauce. The sauce will be thick and should coat the chicken pieces nicely.
Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds and serve hot.
You can have it as it is or serve with boiled rice. You will lick your fingers. It is so delicious.
