Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe
Crispy air fryer orange chicken with sticky orange sauce, juicy chicken bites, and quick takeout-style flavor without deep frying.
Quick Facts
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
½ cup orange juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for serving
Cooked white rice, optional for serving
Directions
1. Toss chicken pieces with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until lightly coated.
2. Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil and cook at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and cooked through.
3. In a small pan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and orange zest.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy and slightly thick.
5. Add the crispy chicken to the warm orange sauce and toss quickly until coated.
6. Serve over rice and top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Notes / Tips
Do not overcrowd the basket, or the chicken will steam instead of crisp.
Toss the chicken with sauce right before serving to keep the edges crispy.
Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture and best takeout-style flavor.
Variations
Use chicken breast for a lighter version.
Add red pepper flakes for a sweet-spicy orange chicken.
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a milder flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 460
Protein: 29 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 980 mg
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