How to Make Air Fryer Orange Chicken

For a delightful twist on a classic dish, try making Air Fryer Orange Chicken. This healthier version retains all the flavour and crunch while reducing the oil content.

Ingredients:

• 500g diced chicken breast
• 1 cup cornflour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
• Sesame seeds and sliced spring onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by marinating the diced chicken in soy sauce, garlic powder, ginger, orange zest, and juice. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb those vibrant flavours.

2. Coating the Chicken: In a separate bowl, set up a coating station. First, toss the marinated chicken pieces in cornflour, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Dip them into the beaten eggs, and then back into the cornflour for an extra crunchy finish.

3. Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 390°F). Place the coated chicken in the basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.

4. Making the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce by combining honey, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch mixture in a small saucepan. Heat gently until thickened, adjusting the sweetness or tanginess to your taste with more honey or vinegar.

5. Tossing it Together: Once the chicken is golden and crispy, remove it from the air fryer and toss it in the orange sauce until evenly coated.

6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions, and serve with steamed rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

Enjoy your air-fried orange chicken, a perfect balance of sweet and savoury, all while keeping things light!

In recent years, the air fryer has become a kitchen staple, and one dish that has truly benefitted from this popular appliance is orange chicken. Imagine succulent, bite-sized pieces of chicken, enveloped in a light, crispy coating, perfectly complemented by a sweet and tangy orange sauce.

To prepare this delightful meal, the chicken is first marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, allowing the flavours to seep in deeply. Next, it's tossed in a dusting of cornstarch before being air-fried until golden brown, achieving that irresistible crunch without the excess oil.

Meanwhile, a vibrant sauce is concocted from fresh orange juice, zest, sugar, and a splash of vinegar, simmered to create a glossy finish. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it's generously coated in the zesty sauce, ensuring each morsel is bursting with flavour. Served alongside fluffy rice or stir-fried vegetables, this air fryer orange chicken makes for a delightful and healthier twist on a classic takeaway favourite, perfect for a cosy dinner at home.