If you’re always ordering orange chicken from your favorite take out place, then great news – you can totally make it at home, and it’s way easier than you think! And guess what? It’s even easier (and lighter!) when you make it in the air fryer. Don’t worry, you’ll still get that same crispy coating and sticky sweet orange glaze you love, just without all the oil and mess from frying. So if you’re craving take out flavor without the take out fuss, this easy air fryer orange chicken recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts (cut into 1″ pieces)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp. cornstarch
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp. toasted sesame oil
- Sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds, for serving
Directions
Step 1
Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it get nice and crispy later.) Then, season with a good pinch of salt and pepper. In one shallow bowl, beat your eggs. In another, whisk together the flour and ½ cup cornstarch. Dip the chicken into the egg first, then coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra. (No one likes gloopy batter!)
Step 2
After that, give your air fryer basket a quick spray with cooking spray. Working in batches, arrange the chicken in a single layer – no crowding! – and spray the tops lightly with a bit more cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and giving another quick spray. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is golden and cooked through completely. Transfer the crispy pieces to a big clean bowl and set aside.
Step 3
In a measuring cup, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and that last tablespoon of cornstarch. This will be the base for your sweet and tangy sauce.
Step 4
Lightly coat a medium saucepan with cooking spray and set it over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir for about 2 minutes until everything smells amazing. Pour in your orange juice mixture and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces a bit, around 10 minutes or so. You should end up with about 1¼ cups of glossy sauce. Stir in the oil to finish it off.
Step 5
Pour that amazing orange sauce all over your crispy chicken and toss to coat every piece. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for the perfect finishing touch – and dig in while it’s hot!
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