Craving delicious orange chicken without the deep-fryer mess? This air fryer orange chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a fraction of the oil! Using your air fryer creates incredibly crispy chicken quickly and efficiently.
Our homemade air fryer orange chicken recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also gluten-free and refined sugar-free. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic 30-minute meal that will become a family favorite. We’ll guide you through every simple step to create this sweet and tangy dish.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Orange Chicken
You will absolutely adore this air fryer orange chicken recipe for so many reasons! It truly stands out as a weeknight hero.
- Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer works magic, giving you incredibly crispy chicken every time. Forget soggy takeout; homemade is always better and healthier.
- Irresistibly Flavorful: Enjoy that classic sweet and tangy orange sauce, perfectly balanced and bursting with fresh citrus notes. This sauce is a game-changer.
- Dietary Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making it delicious for many. It’s also dairy-free.
- Effortless Weeknights: From prep to plate, have this amazing meal ready in about 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy parents and beginners.
- Better Than Takeout: You control ingredients, ensuring a healthier and fresher meal without hidden additives. Plus, it’s more budget-friendly!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable air fryer orange chicken recipe. Most items are likely already in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need for the crispy chicken and the vibrant, homemade orange sauce. This fantastic air fryer orange chicken recipe uses fresh ginger for the best flavor; dried works too. Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons plain gluten-free breadcrumbs
For the Orange Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger or ½ teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup honey (see notes)
- ¼ cup low sodium tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2-3 teaspoons sriracha, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily customize this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Cut them into similar 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch work well as thickeners. Use them in equal amounts.
- Tamari/Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos are an excellent gluten-free and soy-free substitute for tamari. Choose low-sodium options to control salt content.
- Honey: Adjust the amount of honey to your taste, or use maple syrup. Erythritol or stevia-based sweeteners can be used for sugar-free.
- Low-Sodium Preference: Using low-sodium tamari or soy sauce allows you to control the overall saltiness more precisely.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes cooking this air fryer orange chicken recipe a breeze. You’ll need your trusty air fryer, of course, to achieve that perfect crisp! A small saucepan and a whisk are essential for crafting the delicious orange sauce. Finally, a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat every time.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a fantastic air fryer orange chicken recipe that everyone will love. Making this homemade air fryer orange chicken recipe is incredibly simple to achieve.
- Prepare the Chicken: Add your cubed chicken breast to a bowl. Toss it with the low-sodium tamari or soy sauce, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Set this aside to marinate for about 15 minutes. This brief marination period helps infuse flavor into the chicken before cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: While the chicken marinates, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). In a separate bowl, toss the marinated chicken thoroughly with the cornstarch and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs stick more easily if you add them at the same time as the cornstarch, ensuring a thick, crispy coating.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Carefully arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer within your preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness. Cook for 10-14 minutes, making sure to toss or flip the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so always check for doneness. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that all poultry be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Prepare the Orange Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, begin preparing your delicious orange sauce. Add the minced garlic to a small pot with the oil and sauté until lightly golden brown and fragrant. Next, add all the remaining sauce ingredients, aside from the cornstarch and water slurry, to the pot. Bring this mixture to a low simmer. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. Add this slurry to the simmering sauce in the pot and whisk continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remove the thickened sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly, as it will continue to thicken further.
- Combine & Serve: When the chicken is done (be sure to cut into the largest piece to ensure it is cooked all the way through), add it to a bowl and let it cool for just a couple of minutes. Pour about two-thirds of the prepared orange sauce on top and toss gently to combine. This recipe makes quite a bit of sauce; I like to add probably 2/3 of it to the chicken, then reserve the rest for serving. Serve your crispy air fryer orange chicken recipe immediately with steamed broccoli, rice, or enjoy it as is for the best flavor and texture!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips for your air fryer orange chicken recipe.
- Achieve Maximum Crispiness: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches. Flip chicken halfway through. Let chicken cool briefly before saucing.
- Prevent Soggy Chicken: Toss with sauce just before serving. Avoid initial over-sauciness.
- Ensure Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer. Target 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Adjusting Spice & Sweetness: Increase sriracha for more heat. Add more honey or brown sugar for sweeter sauce.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in batches if needed. Keep first batch warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) while others cook.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile air fryer orange chicken recipe pairs well with many sides and offers flexible preparation options.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish shines alongside fluffy jasmine rice and vibrant steamed broccoli. For a low-carb alternative, serve with cauliflower rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Storage: Best served immediately for crispiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Note loss of crispiness upon storage.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the air fryer. Do not reheat in microwave.
- Oven Instructions (Variation): No air fryer? Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
- Other Variations: Try with tofu for a vegan option. Experiment with different citrus juices for a unique twist.
Nutrition
Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your meals helps you make informed choices. This homemade air fryer orange chicken recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional takeout. It’s packed with lean protein, making it a satisfying meal. Enjoy this delicious dish knowing it supports a balanced diet, perfect for busy lifestyles.
| Serving Size | 1 bowl |
|---|---|
| Calories | 297 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can! See our “Oven Instructions” section for details on baking the chicken instead. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the orange chicken from getting soggy?
To maintain crispiness, toss the chicken with the sauce just before serving. Also, ensure you don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket during cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this air fryer orange chicken recipe. Frozen chicken can release too much water, preventing a crispy coating, which impacts the final dish.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe uses a moderate amount of sriracha, offering a mild kick. You can easily adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preference for more or less spice.
How long does air fryer orange chicken last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the air fryer for best results.
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered a truly delicious and healthy homemade air fryer orange chicken recipe! This dish proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or unhealthy ingredients. Quick, beginner-friendly, and bursting with sweet and tangy notes, this air fryer orange chicken recipe is perfect for any busy weeknight meal. Give this recipe a try and transform your dinner routine with ease. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us on social media!
Crispy Air Fryer Orange Chicken Recipe (Gluten-Free & Easy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss cubed chicken breast with tamari and let marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Coat the marinated chicken with cornstarch and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Cook chicken in a single layer in the air fryer for 10-14 minutes, tossing halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165 Fahrenheit.
- While chicken cooks, sauté minced garlic in oil until lightly golden brown.
- Add remaining sauce ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) to the pot and bring to a low simmer.
- Whisk together cornstarch and water, then add this slurry to the simmering sauce.
- Whisk the sauce and simmer until it thickens, then remove from heat to cool and thicken further.
- Once chicken is cooked, transfer to a bowl and let cool for a couple of minutes.
- Pour about two-thirds of the sauce over the chicken and toss to combine, reserving the rest for serving.
- Serve immediately with steamed broccoli, rice, or enjoy as is.
Nutrition
Notes
- This recipe makes extra sauce, suitable for serving on the side.
- Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.
- Honey can be adjusted to taste for sweetness.
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