Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken Flavorful and Easy Meal

ByJasmine
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup orange juice - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in water The heart of this crispy air fryer orange chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. For the chicken, I prefer boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and tender. You’ll need one pound, cut into small bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Next, let’s talk about the breading. I use one cup of all-purpose flour to help create that crispy coating. The egg acts like glue, so beat one large egg and set it aside. Lastly, panko breadcrumbs give a unique crunch. Grab a cup of these little golden flakes for the best texture. Now, for the flavor! I add garlic powder for depth and a touch of ginger powder for warmth. Use one teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of ginger powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. This mix will season the chicken just right. The orange sauce is where the magic happens. You want one cup of orange juice, preferably fresh. Combine it with a quarter cup of honey for sweetness. It’s balanced with one tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce and one tablespoon of rice vinegar for a touch of tang. Finally, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to thicken your sauce. These ingredients create an amazing dish that’s both crispy and bursting with flavor. Once you gather these items, you’re on your way to a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook the chicken evenly. - In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning will give the chicken great flavor. - Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mix. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. - Next, dip it into the beaten egg. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well. - Finally, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. - Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray for a golden finish. - Air fry the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be golden brown and crispy. - While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch dissolved in water. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. - Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss gently to coat all the chicken pieces well. To make your air fryer orange chicken crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and crunchy, which gives your chicken that perfect bite. Regular breadcrumbs won't deliver the same crispiness. Use cooking spray when you air fry. A light spray helps the panko brown nicely. This step is key for getting that golden color and crunch. Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce. You can also use sriracha to give it a spicy kick. If you want to switch up the taste, try different citrus juices. Lemon or lime work well. They add a fresh twist to the dish while keeping it zesty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor of the sauce significantly compared to bottled juice. Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer to achieve maximum crispiness. Adjust the Spice Level: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the sauce. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after air frying before tossing it in the sauce to maintain its crispiness. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for tofu or shrimp. Both options add unique flavors. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes, and follow the same breading steps. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. Tofu will get crispy and delicious. If using shrimp, peel and devein them first. Shrimp will cook faster, so air fry for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure they turn pink and curl up. Want some heat? Add sriracha to your orange sauce. Start with a teaspoon and taste. Add more if you like it spicy. You can also switch up the sauce. Swap the orange juice for teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Or, make a sweet and sour version by mixing in some vinegar and sugar. These changes keep your meal exciting and delicious. After making crispy air fryer orange chicken, let it cool first. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use an air fryer or oven. This keeps the chicken crispy. Heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. You want it warm but not dried out. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked chicken. For uncooked chicken, bread it first, then freeze. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a bag. This way, they won't stick together. Cooked chicken can also be frozen. Store it in an airtight container. The shelf life for both is about three months. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer for best results. Cook time for crispy air fryer orange chicken is about 10-12 minutes. Your air fryer may vary a bit, so check for doneness. I recommend shaking the basket halfway through. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Always make sure the chicken is golden brown and crispy. If your air fryer runs hot, check it at 10 minutes. If it's slower, it may take a bit longer. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will taste lighter but may be less juicy. Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and stay moist during cooking. Breasts cook faster, so watch them closely. If you choose breasts, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook well. Use the same breading method for a great texture. Absolutely! Kids usually love sweet flavors. The orange sauce adds a nice touch. To make it even better, serve with rice or noodles. You can also skip the black pepper for less heat. Add fun garnishes like sesame seeds or green onions. Kids love to see colorful food on their plates. This blog post covered key steps to make crispy air fryer orange chicken. We listed the main and flavoring ingredients, shared simple instructions, and offered tips for the best texture. You can try different proteins or sauces for a fun twist. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these easy steps, you can impress your family or friends. Making this dish is not just about taste; it's about making good memories in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal with minimal effort? My Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken is just the dish you need! This easy recipe packs a punch of flavor and uses simple ingredients. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying crunch without all the oil. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this meal is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the details!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor: This Orange Chicken is sweet, zesty, and packed with flavor, making it a delightful twist on a classic dish.
  2. Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives the chicken a perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
  3. Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
  4. Healthy Alternative: Using the air fryer reduces the need for excess oil, making this dish a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Flavoring Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Orange Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in water

The heart of this crispy air fryer orange chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. For the chicken, I prefer boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and tender. You’ll need one pound, cut into small bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Next, let’s talk about the breading. I use one cup of all-purpose flour to help create that crispy coating. The egg acts like glue, so beat one large egg and set it aside. Lastly, panko breadcrumbs give a unique crunch. Grab a cup of these little golden flakes for the best texture.

Now, for the flavor! I add garlic powder for depth and a touch of ginger powder for warmth. Use one teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of ginger powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. This mix will season the chicken just right.

The orange sauce is where the magic happens. You want one cup of orange juice, preferably fresh. Combine it with a quarter cup of honey for sweetness. It’s balanced with one tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce and one tablespoon of rice vinegar for a touch of tang. Finally, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to thicken your sauce.

These ingredients create an amazing dish that’s both crispy and bursting with flavor. Once you gather these items, you’re on your way to a delightful meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Chicken

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook the chicken evenly.
  • In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning will give the chicken great flavor.

Breading Process

  • Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mix. Make sure to shake off any extra flour.
  • Next, dip it into the beaten egg. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well.
  • Finally, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.
  • Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray for a golden finish.

Cooking Instructions

  • Air fry the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be golden brown and crispy.
  • While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch dissolved in water. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss gently to coat all the chicken pieces well.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispy Texture

To make your air fryer orange chicken crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and crunchy, which gives your chicken that perfect bite. Regular breadcrumbs won’t deliver the same crispiness.

Use cooking spray when you air fry. A light spray helps the panko brown nicely. This step is key for getting that golden color and crunch.

Adjusting the Flavor

Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce. You can also use sriracha to give it a spicy kick.

If you want to switch up the taste, try different citrus juices. Lemon or lime work well. They add a fresh twist to the dish while keeping it zesty.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor of the sauce significantly compared to bottled juice.
  2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer to achieve maximum crispiness.
  3. Adjust the Spice Level: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the sauce.
  4. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after air frying before tossing it in the sauce to maintain its crispiness.

Variations

Alternative Proteins

You can switch chicken for tofu or shrimp. Both options add unique flavors. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes, and follow the same breading steps. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. Tofu will get crispy and delicious. If using shrimp, peel and devein them first. Shrimp will cook faster, so air fry for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure they turn pink and curl up.

Sauce Modifications

Want some heat? Add sriracha to your orange sauce. Start with a teaspoon and taste. Add more if you like it spicy. You can also switch up the sauce. Swap the orange juice for teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Or, make a sweet and sour version by mixing in some vinegar and sugar. These changes keep your meal exciting and delicious.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

After making crispy air fryer orange chicken, let it cool first. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use an air fryer or oven. This keeps the chicken crispy. Heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. You want it warm but not dried out.

Freezing Options

You can freeze both uncooked and cooked chicken. For uncooked chicken, bread it first, then freeze. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Cooked chicken can also be frozen. Store it in an airtight container. The shelf life for both is about three months. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

FAQs

How Long to Cook Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken?

Cook time for crispy air fryer orange chicken is about 10-12 minutes. Your air fryer may vary a bit, so check for doneness. I recommend shaking the basket halfway through. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Always make sure the chicken is golden brown and crispy. If your air fryer runs hot, check it at 10 minutes. If it’s slower, it may take a bit longer.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will taste lighter but may be less juicy. Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and stay moist during cooking. Breasts cook faster, so watch them closely. If you choose breasts, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook well. Use the same breading method for a great texture.

Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely! Kids usually love sweet flavors. The orange sauce adds a nice touch. To make it even better, serve with rice or noodles. You can also skip the black pepper for less heat. Add fun garnishes like sesame seeds or green onions. Kids love to see colorful food on their plates.

This blog post covered key steps to make crispy air fryer orange chicken. We listed the main and flavoring ingredients, shared simple instructions, and offered tips for the best texture. You can try different proteins or sauces for a fun twist. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these easy steps, you can impress your family or friends. Making this dish is not just about taste; it’s about making good memories in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventur

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup orange juice - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in water The heart of this crispy air fryer orange chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. For the chicken, I prefer boneless, skinless thighs. They stay juicy and tender. You’ll need one pound, cut into small bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Next, let’s talk about the breading. I use one cup of all-purpose flour to help create that crispy coating. The egg acts like glue, so beat one large egg and set it aside. Lastly, panko breadcrumbs give a unique crunch. Grab a cup of these little golden flakes for the best texture. Now, for the flavor! I add garlic powder for depth and a touch of ginger powder for warmth. Use one teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of ginger powder, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. This mix will season the chicken just right. The orange sauce is where the magic happens. You want one cup of orange juice, preferably fresh. Combine it with a quarter cup of honey for sweetness. It’s balanced with one tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce and one tablespoon of rice vinegar for a touch of tang. Finally, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water to thicken your sauce. These ingredients create an amazing dish that’s both crispy and bursting with flavor. Once you gather these items, you’re on your way to a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook the chicken evenly. - In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning will give the chicken great flavor. - Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mix. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. - Next, dip it into the beaten egg. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well. - Finally, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. - Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray for a golden finish. - Air fry the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want the chicken to be golden brown and crispy. - While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch dissolved in water. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes. - Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the orange sauce over it. Toss gently to coat all the chicken pieces well. To make your air fryer orange chicken crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and crunchy, which gives your chicken that perfect bite. Regular breadcrumbs won't deliver the same crispiness. Use cooking spray when you air fry. A light spray helps the panko brown nicely. This step is key for getting that golden color and crunch. Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the orange sauce. You can also use sriracha to give it a spicy kick. If you want to switch up the taste, try different citrus juices. Lemon or lime work well. They add a fresh twist to the dish while keeping it zesty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the flavor of the sauce significantly compared to bottled juice. Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer to achieve maximum crispiness. Adjust the Spice Level: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture or the sauce. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after air frying before tossing it in the sauce to maintain its crispiness. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for tofu or shrimp. Both options add unique flavors. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Cut it into cubes, and follow the same breading steps. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. Tofu will get crispy and delicious. If using shrimp, peel and devein them first. Shrimp will cook faster, so air fry for about 6-8 minutes. Make sure they turn pink and curl up. Want some heat? Add sriracha to your orange sauce. Start with a teaspoon and taste. Add more if you like it spicy. You can also switch up the sauce. Swap the orange juice for teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Or, make a sweet and sour version by mixing in some vinegar and sugar. These changes keep your meal exciting and delicious. After making crispy air fryer orange chicken, let it cool first. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use an air fryer or oven. This keeps the chicken crispy. Heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. You want it warm but not dried out. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked chicken. For uncooked chicken, bread it first, then freeze. Place it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a bag. This way, they won't stick together. Cooked chicken can also be frozen. Store it in an airtight container. The shelf life for both is about three months. When ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer for best results. Cook time for crispy air fryer orange chicken is about 10-12 minutes. Your air fryer may vary a bit, so check for doneness. I recommend shaking the basket halfway through. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Always make sure the chicken is golden brown and crispy. If your air fryer runs hot, check it at 10 minutes. If it's slower, it may take a bit longer. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will taste lighter but may be less juicy. Chicken thighs have a richer flavor and stay moist during cooking. Breasts cook faster, so watch them closely. If you choose breasts, cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook well. Use the same breading method for a great texture. Absolutely! Kids usually love sweet flavors. The orange sauce adds a nice touch. To make it even better, serve with rice or noodles. You can also skip the black pepper for less heat. Add fun garnishes like sesame seeds or green onions. Kids love to see colorful food on their plates. This blog post covered key steps to make crispy air fryer orange chicken. We listed the main and flavoring ingredients, shared simple instructions, and offered tips for the best texture. You can try different proteins or sauces for a fun twist. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these easy steps, you can impress your family or friends. Making this dish is not just about taste; it's about making good memories in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken

A delicious and crispy orange chicken made in the air fryer, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, if possible)
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper.
  • Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs.
  • Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
  • Air fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
  • While the chicken cooks, prepare the orange sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and dissolved cornstarch. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and pour the orange sauce over the crispy pieces. Toss gently to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
  • Serve the chicken hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, use freshly squeezed orange juice.
Keyword air fryer, crispy chicken, orange chicken

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Related Posts