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How to Make Air Fryer Orange Chicken

Air fryer recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, delicious meals without the excessive oil often associated with traditional frying. One dish that translates beautifully to the air fryer is orange chicken—a favourite in takeaways and a comforting staple in many homes. This delightful recipe combines the zesty sweetness of orange with tender, crispy chicken, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests. Let’s dive into how to make air fryer orange chicken!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 100g cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Spray oil (for cooking)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 240ml freshly squeezed orange juice (around 2-3 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

To Serve:

• Cooked rice
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Chopped spring onions (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavour. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes—if you have more time, an hour is even better!

2. Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, sprinkle the cornflour evenly over the chicken pieces. This will give it that delightful crunch when cooked. Toss the chicken until all pieces are evenly coated with the cornflour.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, resulting in that crispy texture we all crave.

4. Cook the Chicken

Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the chicken with oil to help it crisp up. Air fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

5. Prepare the Orange Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can whip up the orange sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Then, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until it reaches your desired consistency. Remove from heat.

6. Combine Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm orange sauce over the chicken, tossing gently to ensure each piece is coated in the glossy, flavourful sauce.

7. Serve

Serve your air fryer orange chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. If you like, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added flavour and texture.

Conclusion

Air fryer orange chicken is a deliciously quick and easy meal to prepare that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its crispy chicken and tangy orange sauce, it offers all the satisfaction of takeaway without the guilt. Best of all, this recipe can be customised to your taste—feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for an extra burst of colour and nutrition. Enjoy this culinary delight straight from your kitchen, and relish every bite of this citrus-infused goodness!

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