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Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Enjoy a healthier version of a classic takeout with this Air Fryer Orange Chicken, featuring a sticky-sweet sauce and crispy texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts Cut into 1" pieces
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Optional for milder preferences
  • 2 large eggs Binds the breading
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Can swap with gluten-free flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch Essential for crunchy coating
  • 1 can olive oil cooking spray For crispy finish
For the Sticky-Sweet Sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice Fresh is best
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar Sweetens sauce
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari Delivers umami flavor
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar Brightens sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced for best flavor
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger Minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional spicy kick
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil Enhances flavor
For Garnishing
  • 2 tablespoons sliced scallions Optional but recommended
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds Optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by cutting the skinless boneless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, ensuring they're uniform for even cooking. Season the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing to coat thoroughly. Place the seasoned chicken in a bowl while you prepare the breading mixture.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the large eggs until smooth. Dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring each piece is fully coated, then transfer the chicken to a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Coat the chicken pieces evenly, shaking off any excess flour for a crispy finish when cooked in the air fryer.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it’s heating up, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Air fry the chicken for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pieces are golden brown and crispy.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce by combining the orange juice, packed light brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened and achieves a sticky consistency.
  5. Once the chicken is crispy and fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm sticky-sweet sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to thoroughly coat each piece.
  6. To serve, spoon the coated chicken over steamed rice or quinoa for a well-rounded meal. For an extra touch, garnish with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure chicken is cut into 1-inch pieces to promote even cooking; shake off excess flour and cornstarch; use fresh ingredients for best flavor.

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