Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Orange Chicken, Anytime!

Air fryer frozen orange chicken is a quick, tasty, and healthy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The convenience of frozen ingredients coupled with the efficiency of air frying creates a delicious and easy meal with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. The air fryer's hot air circulation cooks the chicken evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist, tender, and flavorful interior. The dish is also versatile, as it can be served over rice or with steamed vegetables, making it a crowd-pleaser for casual family dinners or festive gatherings. With the air fryer, there's no need for long preheating times or dealing with splattering oil, making it a convenient and enjoyable culinary experience.

Preheat settings

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the cooking process. It ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature for cooking your frozen orange chicken evenly and effectively. The preheat temperature and duration can vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the chicken pieces.

For most air fryer models, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The preheating time is typically around 5 minutes. This step is important as it ensures that the air fryer's cooking chamber reaches the desired temperature, creating an optimal environment for the chicken to cook evenly.

During the preheating process, you can prepare the frozen orange chicken pieces by arranging them in a single layer on a plate or pan. It is important to ensure that there is a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for proper air circulation during cooking. This arrangement helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and affect the crispiness of the chicken.

While some recipes suggest preheating at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, others recommend a higher temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The specific preheat settings may depend on personal preferences, the size of the chicken pieces, and the desired level of crispiness. It is worth noting that different air fryer models can also influence the preheat settings, so it is advisable to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions.

By following the recommended preheat settings and ensuring proper air circulation, you can achieve the desired crispiness and even cooking for your frozen orange chicken in an air fryer. This step sets the foundation for a delicious and evenly cooked meal that your family and friends will surely enjoy.

Chicken preparation

Preparing frozen orange chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. It is a convenient way to cook frozen foods, and the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air around the chicken pieces ensures even cooking and a perfect texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing frozen orange chicken in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature, typically between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 5 minutes.
• Prepare the chicken: Place the frozen orange chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the chicken pieces are in a single, even layer with a little space between each piece. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Do not overcrowd the basket, as it can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from crisping up.
• Spray with oil: Lightly coat the chicken pieces with cooking spray, such as coconut oil or olive oil spray. This step is optional but helps achieve a crispier texture and golden colour.
• Cook the chicken: Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the chicken for the recommended time, typically around 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the size and model of your air fryer. Shake or flip the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce by heating it separately. You can do this by placing the frozen sauce packet in a bowl of hot water or heating it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Toss chicken with sauce: Once the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove it from the air fryer and place it in a bowl. Add the warmed sauce to the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
• Serve: Serve the crispy and tasty orange chicken with your choice of sides, such as rice or steamed vegetables. Garnish with options like green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh orange for enhanced flavour and visual appeal.

Preparing frozen orange chicken in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty option for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a quick and delicious meal. Enjoy the delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavours with the convenience of air frying!

Cooking times

The cooking time for frozen orange chicken in an air fryer depends on the size of your air fryer and the brand of chicken. It is important to note that the air fryer basket should not be overcrowded, as this will prevent adequate air circulation and result in unevenly cooked chicken. Therefore, it is recommended to cook the chicken in batches.

To cook frozen orange chicken in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer. Most sources recommend preheating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, but some suggest 400 degrees. Place the frozen chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Spray the chicken liberally with cooking spray, such as coconut or olive oil, to help achieve a crispy texture.

Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side, then flip the pieces over and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken batches. The total cooking time for each batch will vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 8 to 10 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the orange sauce by heating it separately in the microwave or on the stovetop. The sauce should be warmed for about 1-2 minutes before being added to the chicken. After the chicken is cooked, toss it with the sauce and serve immediately.

Sauce preparation

To prepare the sauce for frozen orange chicken in an air fryer, you can either use a sauce packet that comes with the frozen chicken or make your own sauce. If you are using a sauce packet, place the frozen sauce packet in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes to thaw the sauce while you cook the chicken.

If you want to make your own sauce, you can combine orange juice, brown sugar, chilli flakes, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Heat this mixture in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, and then add this mixture to the orange sauce. Continue to cook the sauce for about 3 more minutes.

You can also add some red pepper flakes or a bit of Sriracha to the sauce if you prefer it spicier. Once your sauce is ready, coat the cooked chicken pieces in it and add them back to the air fryer for an additional 3-5 minutes or until they are fully cooked through.

Serving suggestions

Frozen orange chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. The most popular option is to serve it over rice, with steamed vegetables as a healthier twist. You can also serve it with Air Fryer Brussels sprouts or Air Fryer Asparagus.

For a more filling meal, you can serve the chicken with fried rice or steamed rice and your choice of sides. Some like to garnish the dish with green onion tops, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of fresh orange for added freshness and flavor.

If you're looking for a lighter option, the chicken can be served on its own as an appetizer or a snack. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you need a quick and tasty meal without any fuss.

For a complete meal, you can pair the chicken with sautéed or steamed broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. This adds a healthy and nutritious aspect to the dish, making it a well-rounded option.

Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, you can even serve this chicken as a dessert. Try pairing it with some Nutella buttercream cupcakes for a unique and indulgent experience.

Frequently asked questions